UK’s June budget deficit hits 4-year high

BRITAIN’S budget deficit swelled by more than expected last month, after the Government borrowed more than £7 billion to help balance the books.

The Government posted the highest borrowing figure for June since 2015, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The public sector borrowed £7.2 billion in June – £3.8 billion more than June last year – as it spent more money than it received in taxes and other income.

Since the start of the financial year, the Government has borrowed £17.9 billion, representing a significant rise from £13.4 billion over the same period last year.

In June, central government spending increased by £4.3 billion, or 7.2 per cent, to £64.8 billion.

Meanwhile, Government receipts increased by £800 million, or 1.5 per cent, to £58.7 billion.

Receipts grew on the back increased income tax and national insurance income, which rose by £300 million and £500 million respectively compared to June 2018.

The amount received in VAT receipts increased by £100 billion compared to the same month last year, although this was offset by a £100 million fall in corporation tax income.

The fiscal watchdog, the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR), said it expects £29.3 billion to be borrowed in total this year, but borrowing is currently ahead of forecasts.

Howard Archer, chief economic adviser at EY Item Club, said: “On the basis of April to June, borrowing is headed for £31.4 billion – but it is premature to draw any firm conclusions as monthly public finance data

can be prone to significant revisions as well as being influenced by specific factors.

“Much will depend on whether the economy can shrug off its current weakness as well as on Brexit developments.

“It will also be influenced by any changes to fiscal policy by the new Prime Minister and Chancellor.”

The figures also revealed that public sector debt grew by £27 billion to £1.82 trillion at the end of June.

As a proportion of GDP, the debt shrank by 1.5 percentage points to 83.1 per cent.

John McDonnell, Labour’s shadow chancellor, said: “With the Conservatives obsessed with no-deal Brexit and a race to the bottom on taxes, the outlook for our public services after years of austerity is grim.

“Instead of investing to grow they have passed on the deficit to hospitals and local councils, overseeing stagnating wages and productivity.”

The outlook for our public services after years of austerity is grim JOHN MCDONNELL, LABOUR’S SHADOW

CHANCELLOR