Public finances and tax
Where does UK public spending go?
A clear breakdown of UK public spending, how the totals have changed and the limitations that matter when comparing different years.
Last reviewed:
Summary
The UK government spends money on services including health, pensions, education, welfare, defence, debt interest and local government. The figures on this page should be interpreted alongside inflation, population growth and changes in accounting classifications.
Largest areas
Explain the largest categories using the latest verified data.
What changed?
Explain which categories increased or decreased and over what period.
Important limitation
Cash totals can rise even when spending per person or spending after inflation does not.
Spending breakdown
Add the relevant chart or table here. Include a written explanation underneath it so that the information remains understandable without relying only on the graphic.
How should the figures be compared?
Nominal spending
The cash amount recorded in the relevant year.
Real spending
Spending adjusted for inflation so that different years are more comparable.
Spending per person
Total spending divided by population, which helps distinguish spending growth from population growth.
Sources and limitations
- Link to the relevant official source and state which table or release was used.
- State the reporting period and whether the figure is provisional.
- Explain any classifications or estimates that affect comparability.
Review the full source register and read the Gov Progress methodology.
Explore the interactive evidence
Use the main dashboard to examine spending categories and related indicators in more detail.
Open the public spending dashboard