Fuel and travel costs are pushing prices up again
Thursday 5 November 2026
Inflation has risen to 3.1%, meaning everyday spending is getting more expensive just as household budgets are already under pressure.
Debt to GDP ratio
Public debt compared with the value of goods and services produced in a country over a year.
Key term
What it means
Divide a chosen measure of public debt by gross domestic product (GDP), the value of goods and services produced in the country over a period, usually a year. The result is often shown as a percentage. Debt is the amount owed at a particular date; GDP is measured over a period, so the ratio compares their sizes. It can fall if the economy grows faster than debt, even while the cash amount of debt rises. Check which measure of debt a report uses.
Example
If measured public debt is £2 trillion and GDP over the year is £2.5 trillion, the debt to GDP ratio is 80%. The country does not have to repay 80% of its yearly production all at once.
Why it matters
It helps compare debt with the size of the economy rather than judging a large cash amount in isolation.
Also known as
public debt to GDP ratio
Related terms
-
Budget deficit
The gap when the government and wider public sector spend more than they receive over a period.
Read more -
Fiscal rules
Targets or limits a government sets for borrowing, debt or other measures of the public finances.
Read more -
Gross domestic product (GDP)
The total value of goods made and services provided within a country over a period of time.
Read more -
Public sector net debt
A UK measure of the public sector's outstanding debts after subtracting certain assets it can quickly turn into cash.
Read more
Keep in the loop
News
Highlights from about the UK economy, the UK government and the UK public sector.
Mortgage relief will have to wait a little longer
Wednesday 4 November 2026
Interest rates are staying at 3.75%, so households with mortgages and other borrowing may have to wait longer for costs to come down.
Energy bills are going up as winter approaches
Wednesday 4 November 2026
A higher energy price cap means many households will be paying more to heat and power their homes during the colder months.
Guides and insights
Analysis
Clear, accessible analysis of the economic issues shaping everyday life
Living standards
What does a day’s work buy?
Comparing the cost of everyday life across generations, from bread and beer to buying a home.
Food & prices
The journey behind your grocery bill
How farming, energy, transport and supermarket competition shape the price on the shelf.
Prices & inflation
Inflation is falling. What happens next?
What slower price rises mean for wages, purchasing power and economic recovery.
Shared prosperity
What would shared prosperity look like?
Beyond GDP: how we could measure economic success through security, opportunity and living standards.
Let's work together
Get in touch
We're looking to work with individuals and organisations who can contribute funding, expertise, data, technology, or strategic connections to help build better economic tools and research.