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MNI BRIEF: UK Gov’t Borrowing Seen At Lowest Levels Since Jan

(MNI) London

UK public sector borrowing may have slipped as low as GBP 11.5 bn in July, the smallest since since January, when self-assessment tax receipts pushed borrowing to just GBP1.5 bn, and the second lowest level since March 2020. That would leave borrowing well below the OBR's GBP15.6 bn forecast, continuing a pattern of below-expected borrowing numbers.

June PSNB-ex banks of GBP22.754 bn was elevated by a 223% annual rise in index-linked Gilt interest payments by GBP6 bn to GBP8.7 bn, a sum unlikely to be replicated in July. June interest payments were derived from the change in RPI between March and April, when the index nearly doubled to 2.9% from 1.5%. RPI rose to 3.9% in June, translating into increased interest payments of just GBP1.6 bn more than a year ago.

Borrowing will again be inflated by a GBP 800 mn Brexit payment to the EU following a bill received in April. Last month, ONS officials warned of similar disbursements in August and September, when a new bill will be issued. Economists will also keep an eye on revisions to June borrowing, originally reported at GBP 22.754 bn, as data have been revised lower in every month of the calendar year, by GBP3.7 bn in June and GBP5.6 bn in May.

Source: ONS

MNI London Bureau | +44 203-865-3812 | les.commons@marketnews.com
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MNI London Bureau | +44 203-865-3812 | les.commons@marketnews.com
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