UK borrows less than expected in June in boost for Burnham

Figure of £16bn from ONS comes after new prime minister revealed plans to cut VAT on electricity bills

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The UK government borrowed less than expected in June, in a boost for Andy Burnham as he set out plans to cut VAT on household electricity bills and promised a new direction for the British economy.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said public sector net borrowing – the difference between government spending and income – was £16bn last month, £7.9bn less than in June 2025.