The UK economy grew by 0.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, according to revised figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The increase was higher than the previous estimate of 0.4 per cent.
The stronger performance was largely supported by the services sector, which expanded by 0.6 per cent during the quarter. Professional, scientific and technical activities were among the biggest contributors. Business investment also rose 1.8 per cent from the previous quarter and was 5.2 per cent higher than a year earlier.
The revised figures cover the period from April to June. Growth during the quarter followed an expansion of 0.6 per cent in the first three months of the year.
Real household disposable income per person increased by 1 per cent during the quarter, reversing a 0.8 per cent decline in the first quarter. The household saving ratio also rose to 8.8 per cent.
Higher exports also supported the economy. Export volumes rose 2.8 per cent during the quarter, driven by increases in both goods and services exports.
The stronger GDP figure comes ahead of the government’s upcoming Budget. The revised data provide the latest assessment of economic activity before policymakers set out their fiscal plans.
Construction output also increased during the quarter, while services remained the main contributor to overall growth. The ONS said the economy showed signs of a solid start to the third quarter, with GDP rising 0.4 per cent in the three months to July.
