Public Debt Management Bill

A Bill to limit government budget deficits; to introduce a ceiling on public debt; and for connected purposes

Originating House

House of Commons

Parliament last updated

26 April 2013

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

The Public Debt Management Bill would set formal limits on government borrowing and deficits by placing a ceiling on total public debt and a cap on annual deficits. It also includes related measures to help manage and report on government borrowing and debt. The bill is currently at the second-reading stage in the House of Commons.

Key Points

Creates a legal ceiling on total public debt.
Imposes a cap on annual budget deficits.
Includes mechanisms for monitoring, reporting and enforcing these limits.
Covers related, or 'connected', measures to improve public debt management.
Focuses on how the government borrows and manages its finances.

Progress

Originating in the House of Commons, the Bill had its first reading on 25 June 2012 and is currently at the second reading in the Commons.

Who is affected?

UK taxpayersThe Treasury and government departments responsible for budgeting and debt managementPublic sector organisations and publicly funded bodiesFinancial markets and investors who lend to the governmentParliament and MPs who oversee fiscal rules

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

25 Jun 2012

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Public Debt Management

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

Bill 29 2012-2013, as introduced

BillCommons

7 Nov 2012

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.