AssetID: 55720786
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: UK Government Borrowing Higher Than Expected In April
Caption: UK Government Borrowing Higher Than Expected In April. The UK government borrowed more money than expected in April, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics. Borrowing reached £24.3 billion last month, almost £5 billion higher than the same period last year. The figure also came in above forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility, which had predicted borrowing of £20.9 billion. The ONS said rising spending on benefits and higher debt interest payments were key reasons behind the increase. Government spending on benefits rose by £2.7 billion, partly due to inflation-linked increases and higher state pension payments. Meanwhile, debt interest payments hit a record £10.3 billion for the month of April. Economists warned the figures could signal further pressure on public finances as the economic outlook remains uncertain. Analysts also said the full impact of rising energy prices has not yet been fully reflected in the latest borrowing data. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,UK Government,borrowing,higher than expected,April,new figures,Office for National Statistics,billion,million,2025,2026,forcasts,higher debt interest payments,spending,benefits,budget
PersonInImage: