[smudgie]

Originally Posted by Kizzy

Then how has the deficit decreased and the debt increased?
This also shows the deficit was within range in 2007 and the debt was not out of the Maastricht reference value until 2009, therefor both well in range up to the end of the last govt.

https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/gover...t/octtodec2016

In two words, interest and overspending.
The deficit is coming down due to less of an overspend than before.
The National debt will go up due to the billions we have to pay in interest every year. Plus the difference in the deficit balance we will have to borrow.