Author Archives: Kate Hall-Strutt

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Supplementary forecast information on Ofgem price cap

Since the publication of our November 2022 Economic and fiscal outlook (EFO) we have received a request for further information on our Ofgem price cap forecast. We have published this new supplementary forecast information below and on the November 2022 EFO page.

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Supplementary forecast information on emissions trading scheme receipts

Since the publication of our November 2022 Economic and fiscal outlook (EFO) we have received a request for further information on our emissions trading scheme receipts forecast. We have published this new supplementary forecast information below and on the November 2022 EFO page.

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Exchange of letters between Lord Bridges and Richard Hughes

On 18 November, the Chair of the Economic Affairs Committee, Lord Bridges of Headley MBE sent a letter to Chair Richard Hughes regarding the OBR’s welfare spending forecasts. Richard Hughes replied with further information on 25 November. Both letters are available below.  

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Supplementary forecast information: welfare spending

Since the publication of our November 2022 Economic and fiscal outlook (EFO) we have received a request for further information on our welfare spending forecast. We have published this new supplementary forecast information below and on the November 2022 EFO page.

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Budget deficit starts rising again in October

Government borrowing in October 2022 was £13.5 billion, £4.4 billion higher than last year – thanks to the first payments from two energy support schemes for households. But year-to-date borrowing of £84.4 billion is down £21.7 billion (20.5 per cent) on last year – thanks to stronger tax receipts and no spending on Covid schemes,…

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Forecast timetable to 31 October published

On 10 October the Chancellor announced that the publication of our forecast will be brought forward to Monday 31 October. That day we will publish our latest outlook for the economy and public finances. In light of the heightened public interest, and in response to the recommendations of our Non-Executive Members’ recent review of the forecast…

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Year-to-date deficit on track, but policy costs set to mount

Borrowing in the first five months of 2022-23 was just £0.2 billion above our March forecast profile, with higher debt interest payments (£9.0 billion above profile) offset by downside surprises elsewhere. But energy bill support measures have yet to have a material effect on the public finances. The May package has so far added £2.4…

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Debt interest and support for energy bills add to borrowing

The budget deficit continues to fall year on year, with April-to-July borrowing of £55.0 billion down £12.1 billion on last year. But it was £3.0 billion above our March forecast profile, largely reflecting higher spending. Sharp rises in inflation continue to raise debt interest costs by even more than our forecast assumed, while the cost-of-living…

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Higher inflation delivers record debt interest spending

The budget deficit continues to fall year on year, with April-to-June borrowing of £55.4 billion down £5.7 billion on last year. But it was £3.7 billion above our most recent forecast profile, largely reflecting higher spending, alongside modestly lower receipts. Debt interest spending hit a record high – for both the single month of June…

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Fiscal risks and sustainability 2022 due 7 July

Our two biennial reports on the long-term sustainability of the public finances (Fiscal sustainability report) and fiscal risks facing the UK (Fiscal risks report) will be combined into a single annual report for the first time this summer. Our first report on Fiscal risks and sustainability will be published on Thursday 7 July. The 2022…