interest payments some of which are linked to inflation. let s get this in perspective though the uk s national debt is at record levels. it owes £2.69 trillion. that is almost the size of the uk economy the so called debt to gdp ratio is around 97.7%. that is a useful guide to how affordable the debt is for a country. the chancellor has pledged to get that ratio down. the uk s far better off than some of its neighbours though italy s debt to gdp is around 140%. but if we look at germany s that s is only around 65%. but if we look at germany s that s only around 65%. staying in the uk where aside from talk of potential tax cuts there are stark warnings that 2 million people could have their gas and electricity cut off this winter because they can t afford to top up their prepayment meter. that comes from the charity the citizens advice bureau as cost of living pressure continue to bite for many. joining me now is the report author alex belsham harris en
of which are linked to inflation. let s put this into perspective because the uk s national debt is at record levels. it owes £2.69 trillion. that is almost the size of the uk economy the so called debt to gdp ratio is around 97.7%. that is a useful guide to how affordable the debt is for a country. the chancellor has pledged to get that ratio down. the uk s far better off than some of its neighbours though italy s debt to gdp is around 140%. but if we look at germany s that s only around 65%. let s get more on this from our chief economics correspondent, dharshini david. she s in the bbc business newsroom here in london. hi. first off, what is behind that figure? hi. first off, what is behind that fiuure? , ., ., ., ., ., hi. first off, what is behind that fiuure? , ., ., ., ., y figure? just one month out of a 12 month financial figure? just one month out of a 12 month financial year figure? just one month out of a 12 month financial year but - figure? just one