The data in this bulletin presents the latest fiscal position of the UK public sector as at 31 August 2016 and so includes 2 months of post-EU referendum data. However, estimates for the latest period always contain a substantial forecast element and the figures have to be considered in this light.

Public sector net borrowing (excluding public sector banks) decreased by £4.9 billion to £33.8 billion in the current financial year-to-date (April to August 2016), compared with the same period in 2015.

Public sector net borrowing (excluding public sector banks) decreased by £0.9 billion to £10.5 billion in August 2016, compared with August 2015.

Public sector net debt (excluding public sector banks) at the end of August 2016 was £1,621.5 billion, equivalent to 83.6% of gross domestic product (GDP); an increase of £52.0 billion compared with August 2015.