UK government spending over time Share: Note and source Note: The shaded section from 2020−21 onwards shows forecasts published alongside the March 2021 Budget. Source: OBR Public Finances Databank, accessed May 2021. Appears in What does the government spend money on? Related content Total government revenue, 1900-2019 Taxlab Data Item How have government revenues changed over time? UK tax revenue is forecast to reach its highest sustained level since the aftermath of the Second World War. One major trend since the 1970s has been a shift towards VAT. Taxlab Key Questions UK government revenue over time Taxlab Data Item Government revenue from public corporations Taxlab Data Item