UK debt exceeds GDP for first time in 57 years

£87bn up on last year

clock • 1 min read

The UK’s borrowing reached £103.2bn over the months of April and May - £87bn more than during the same period last year – according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today.

Government borrowing in May alone - excluding public sector banks - reached £55.2bn as a result of unprecedented fiscal stimulus triggered by the coronavirus crisis, while tax receipts fell by 28.4% compared to the same period last year to £40.7bn as businesses remained bruised by the crisis. Government spending in May - which included £10.5bn on furloughed workers and £6.8bn to self-employed workers - reached £91.6bn, which is 50% more than over the same period last year. Overall, debt at the end of May stood at 100.9% of GDP - the first time debt has exceeded growth in the UK since 1963...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

WIFA entry tips from the judges: Insight into what makes a standout entry

WIFA entry tips from the judges: Insight into what makes a standout entry

Gillian Hepburn and Sam Slator in the studio

Professional Adviser
clock 10 June 2026 • 1 min read
Small firms to file accounts with Companies House from 2028

Small firms to file accounts with Companies House from 2028

Must file profit and loss accounts but can opt out of publication

Sophia Panayi
clock 10 June 2026 • 2 min read
FCA deputy CEO: Regulator cannot scale financial inclusion initiatives alone

FCA deputy CEO: Regulator cannot scale financial inclusion initiatives alone

FCA deputy CEO Sarah Pritchard speaks to Treasury Committee

Sophia Panayi
clock 09 June 2026 • 3 min read