RG
Ruth Gregory
Academic
Deputy chief UK economist at Capital Economics.
Notable Quotes
"The big picture is that the public finances are fragile."View Story →
"June's slightly lower than expected borrowing figure was a rare piece of good news for the new prime minister and his new chancellor."View Story →
"We doubt there is scope for a large-scale fiscal support package like that seen in 2022, even in more extreme scenarios in which the conflict in the Middle East escalates further."View Story →
"The full impact from the energy price shock caused by the conflict is still to come."View Story →
"It is a dismal backdrop for the autumn Budget, with the government once again borrowing more than expected."View Story →
Related Stories
Borrowing surge puts pressure on chancellor ahead of Budget
Borrowing was higher than expected in August as inflation piles pressure on the government ahead of the Budget.
September 22, 2026UK government borrowing falls in June
Public finances for last month were better than expected but the UK is carrying major debt.
July 21, 2026UK borrowing in May surges by more than expected
Borrowing is the difference between spending and income from taxes.
June 19, 2026UK borrowing lowest for three years but Iran war clouds outlook
The improvement in government finances is unlikely to last, analysts say, with the impact of the Iran way yet to hit.
April 23, 2026Warning UK borrowing rise makes energy bill help harder
Economists say UK government finances are in a worse position than before the government's last energy support package in 2022.
March 20, 2026