Office for Budget Responsibility

The independent body that produces forecasts and analysis of the UK public finances.

Category: Finance and spending Public bodies and agencies

Abbreviation: OBR

Also used as: OBR, Budget Responsibility, fiscal watchdog

Official website: Visit the OBR

Last reviewed: 3 August 2026

The Office for Budget Responsibility is an independent body that produces forecasts and analysis of the UK economy and public finances. Its forecasts are used alongside Budgets and fiscal events to assess the likely path of borrowing, debt, spending and tax receipts. It is central to scrutiny of the government’s fiscal policy.

Related terms

BudgetA major statement setting out the government’s tax, spending and economic plans.Fiscal RulesRules or targets used by government to guide tax, spending, borrowing and debt decisions.HM TreasuryThe UK Government department responsible for public finances, tax policy, spending and economic policy.Public Sector Net BorrowingA measure of how much the public sector borrows over a period.