UK public sector net debt was £3,005.0 billion at the end of September 2026, equal to 94.0% of GDP and the first time it has passed £3 trillion, according to the ONS. Borrowing in the first half of the 2026 to 2027 financial year was £97.8 billion, £4.4 billion less than a year earlier.
TL;DR · LAST REVIEWED 25 OCTOBER 2026
- Public sector net debt: £3,005.0 billion at the end of September 2026, 94.0% of GDP.
- First time UK public sector net debt has exceeded £3 trillion.
- Borrowing April to September 2026: £97.8 billion, £4.4 billion less than a year earlier.
- Debt interest of £10.9 billion in September 2026 was the highest September figure since 1997.
UK public finances, September 2026
| Measure | Figure |
| Public sector net debt | £3,005.0 billion |
| Debt as a share of GDP | 94.0% |
| Borrowing, September 2026 | £24.5 billion |
| Borrowing, April to September 2026 | £97.8 billion |
| Central government debt interest, September 2026 | £10.9 billion |
| Borrowing versus OBR forecast, April to September | £6.0 billion above |
KEY FACTS
- Public sector net debt: £3,005.0 billion at the end of September 2026 (ONS).
- Debt was 94.0% of GDP, 0.7 percentage points lower than a year earlier.
- Borrowing April to September 2026: £97.8 billion, 3.1% of GDP.
- Debt interest in September 2026: £10.9 billion, the highest September on record.
- Next ONS public sector finances release: 20 November 2026.
How big is the UK national debt?
Public sector net debt was provisionally £3,005.0 billion at the end of September 2026. This was the first time the figure had exceeded £3 trillion. Public sector net debt is the main measure of UK government debt and is published monthly by the ONS.
The figure is equivalent to 94.0% of GDP. This was 0.7 percentage points lower than a year earlier. The figure is provisional and may be revised in later releases.
How much is the government borrowing?
Public sector net borrowing was £24.5 billion in September 2026, which was £1.8 billion (7.7%) more than in September 2025. Borrowing is the gap between public sector spending and income in a period.
Borrowing from April to September 2026 was £97.8 billion. This was £4.4 billion (4.3%) less than the same period a year earlier, and was equal to 3.1% of GDP.
The cost of debt interest
Central government debt interest payable was £10.9 billion in September 2026. This was the highest September figure since monthly records began in 1997.
Debt interest payable forms part of central government spending. It therefore adds to borrowing.
How the figures compare with the OBR forecast
Borrowing from April to September 2026 was £6.0 billion above the Office for Budget Responsibility forecast. September alone was £1.9 billion above forecast. The comparison uses the Office for Budget Responsibility Economic and fiscal outlook from March 2026.
Debt as a share of GDP was 1.2 percentage points below the Office for Budget Responsibility forecast. The Office for Budget Responsibility publishes updated forecasts alongside the Budget on 28 October 2026.
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DISCLAIMER
This article is editorial information, not financial advice. Kael Tripton Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Figures were correct at the last review date shown above; verify current rates and rules with the primary sources listed below before acting.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the UK national debt?
The UK national debt was £3,005.0 billion at the end of September 2026, according to the ONS. This was the first time that the figure had exceeded £3 trillion.
What is UK debt as a percentage of GDP?
UK debt stood at 94.0% of GDP at the end of September 2026, according to the ONS. This was 0.7 percentage points lower than a year earlier.
How much did the government borrow in September 2026?
The government borrowed £24.5 billion in September 2026. This was £1.8 billion more than in September 2025.
How much does the UK spend on debt interest?
Central government debt interest payable was £10.9 billion in September 2026. This was the highest September figure since monthly records began in 1997.
When are the next public finance figures published?
The ONS is due to publish the next public sector finances release on 20 November 2026.
SOURCES
- ONS: Public sector finances, UK, September 2026, accessed 25 October 2026
- Office for Budget Responsibility, accessed 25 October 2026
- HM Treasury: Budget date announcement, 31 July 2026, accessed 25 October 2026
