Public Sector Net Borrowing Lower Than Predicted £13 Billion

These numbers show why, after helping families in the pandemic, we now need to balance the books, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said.

A Union Jack flag flutters in front of the Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben in London, on February 1, 2017. Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images

Public sector net borrowing stood at £11.6 billion last month, which was lower than the £13 billion predicted by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).

Last month was the fourth highest August borrowing in 20 years, the Office of National Statistics said.