'Tax bomb' warning as government borrowing hits highest level in five years

Public sector net borrowing rose to £20.2 billion for the month, £1.6 billion higher than in September 2024. It puts more pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of the Budget View Image Chancellor Rachel Reeves is under pressure as she tries to balance the books (Image: Getty Images)

Government borrowing in September hit the highest level for the month in five years, piling more pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves over the nation’s public purse. ‌

Public sector net borrowing rose to £20.2 billion for the month, £1.6 billion higher than in September 2024, the Office for National Statistics said. ‌

Rising debt interest costs, pay rises and inflation increasing the Government’s day-to-day running costs, and inflation-linked benefit increases all helped push up the Govern