UK · Public finances
National Debt & Government Spending
Where the money comes from, where it goes, and how much we owe.
UK Government Spending 2025-26
Where does it all go? — £1.37 trillion
£1,368bnTotal government spending 2025/26
£1,235bnTotal receipts (tax revenue)
£133bnBudget deficit (the gap)
£110bnDebt interest
Section 2
Spending vs tax revenue since 1970
Government spending vs tax revenue (% of GDP), 1970–2025
SpendingReceipts
Section 3
The deficit since 1970
UK Budget Deficit (% of GDP)
DeficitSurplus
Section 4
National debt since 1970
UK National Debt (% of GDP)
96%National debt as % of GDP (2025/26)
£2.94 trillionTotal national debt (2025/26)
DoubledDebt as % of GDP doubled since the 2008 financial crisis
Section 5
Nominal spending and receipts
Government spending and tax revenue (£ billions)
Spending £bnReceipts £bn
Sources