UK borrows more than forecast in April as inflation adds to benefits bill

Earlier this week the IMF urged Britain to ‘stay the course’ on the chancellor Rachel Reeves’s plan to cut government borrowing. Photograph: Kirsty O’Connor/Treasury

The UK borrowed more than expected in April as high inflation drove up the cost of pensions and benefits, with concern over the Iran war and political uncertainty adding to debt costs.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said public sector net borrowing – the difference between government spending and income – was £24.3bn in April 2026, £4.9bn higher than in April 2025.