UK borrowed bigger than forecast £24.3bn in April as inflation adds to benefits bill

Figure comes amid rising cost of pensions as bond market jitters take monthly debt interest to £10.3bn

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The UK borrowed more than expected in April as high inflation drove up the cost of pensions and benefits, amid 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.