Database
Policy measures
Our policy measures database collates tax measures since 1970, and spending measures since June Budget 2010. Search for a particular fiscal event, policy, or type of measure in this large database.
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2021-22 budget deficit exceeds March 2022 forecast
The initial full-year estimate of government borrowing in 2021-22 is £151.8 billion, less than half the 2020-21 figure but £24.0 billion above our March forecast (and £16.7 billion above it on a like-for-like basis). This surprise relative to forecast is largely due to higher-than-expected central government spending, which outweighed stronger-than-expected receipts. The like-for-like surprise could narrow as accrued spending figures are revised over the next six months. That said, central government cash borrowing also exceeded our forecast by £20.0 billion.
Monthly profiles
We have published updated monthly profiles for the public finances in 2022-23 consistent with our March 2022 forecast on our monthly commentary page.
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Historical forecasts
Our historical official forecast database includes just over 100 variables from June 2010 forecast to the most recent March 2022 forecast. Generate charts and compare with outturns in our handy database.
5 things you should know about our forecast
Richard Hughes, Chair of the OBR, explains the top 5 takeaways from our report.
News
22 February 2022
January tax receipts and debt interest far exceed forecasts
17 February 2022
Supplementary forecast information release
10 February 2022
Supplementary forecast information release
25 January 2022
Budget deficit falling sharply thanks to strong tax revenues
13 January 2022
Supplementary forecast information release
23 December 2021
Spring 2022 forecast date announced
21 December 2021
Budget deficit continues to fall sharply
16 December 2021
Prof David Miles CBE appointed to the Committee
9 December 2021
Forecast evaluation report – December 2021
9 December 2021
Monthly profiles and ready reckoners
19 November 2021
Budget deficit down over £100 billion so far in 2021-22
21 September 2021
Borrowing continues to undershoot forecast
20 August 2021
Borrowing continues to fall faster than expected
6 July 2021
Fiscal risks report 2021
5 July 2021
Annual report and accounts 2020-21
21 June 2021
Welsh taxes outlook – June 2021 update
1 April 2021
Supplementary forecast information release
24 March 2021
Bronwyn Curtis re-appointed
23 March 2021
Welfare trends report – March 2021
19 March 2021
Supplementary forecast information release
19 February 2021
Sharp rise in budget deficit is slower than expected
22 January 2021
Budget deficit continues to rise sharply
24 September 2020
OECD review hails OBR’s outputs and independence
Key publications
Medium-term forecasts
Five year forecasts for the UK economy and public finances and an assessment of whether the Government is likely to achieve its fiscal targets.
Long-term projections
50 year ahead projections for the UK public finances and public sector balance sheet analysis. Also the recent vehicle for our Coronavirus scenarios.
Forecast evaluation
Report into how our forecasts compare to subsequent outturn data and identifying lessons for future forecasts.
Welfare spending trends
An in-depth look at the drivers of welfare spending both inside and outside the Government’s welfare cap.
Fiscal risks
A report published every two years on the main risks to the public finances.
Monthly commentary
Our monthly commentary on the latest public finances data and how it compares to our most recent forecast.