Property Rights95.1
Judicial Effectiveness84.8
Government Integrity86.4
Tax Burden65.4
Government Spending41.9
Fiscal Health1.8
Business Freedom79.1
Labor Freedom62.2
Monetary Freedom80.8
Trade Freedom81.8
Investment Freedom80.0
Financial Freedom80.0
See how United Kingdom compares to another country using any of the measures in the Index.
Read more about United Kingdom Economy. See more from the 2023 Index.
The United Kingdom’s economic freedom score is 69.9, making its economy the 28th freest in the 2023 Index. Its score is 2.8 points lower than last year. The U.K. is ranked 17th out of 44 countries in the Europe region, and its overall score is much higher than the world average.
The size and scope of the state have expanded dramatically since 2020, and significant reforms are needed to place the economy on a solid path of recovery. Restoring the soundness of public finances remains the most critical issue and will require a sustained commitment to downsizing government spending.
Read more about United Kingdom Economy.
Britain has one of the world’s leading economies, and services, particularly banking, insurance, and business services, remain key drivers of GDP growth. However, the economy struggles to emerge from the economic slowdown. The expansion of government and growth of government spending have damaged Britain’s competitive edge. Public debt is now almost 100 percent of GDP, and budget deficits persist. In 2016, British voters approved departure from the European Union, and the U.K. formally left the EU on January 31, 2020. A U.K.–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement was concluded in December 2020, but some aspects of the relationship remain uncertain.
Property Rights 95.1 Create a Graph using this measurement
Judicial Effectiveness 84.8 Create a Graph using this measurement
Government Integrity 86.4 Create a Graph using this measurement
The overall rule of law is well respected in the United Kingdom. The country’s property rights score is above the world average; its judicial effectiveness score is above the world average; and its government integrity score is above the world average.
Tax Burden 65.4 Create a Graph using this measurement
Government Spending 41.9 Create a Graph using this measurement
Fiscal Health 1.8 Create a Graph using this measurement
The top individual and corporate tax rates are, respectively, 45 percent and 19 percent. The tax burden equals 32.8 percent of GDP. Three-year government spending and budget balance averages are, respectively, 44.0 percent and –7.7 percent of GDP. Public debt equals 95.3 percent of GDP.
Business Freedom 79.1 Create a Graph using this measurement
Labor Freedom 62.2 Create a Graph using this measurement
Monetary Freedom 80.8 Create a Graph using this measurement
The efficient and transparent regulatory framework encourages entrepreneurial growth. The labor market is relatively flexible. The non-salary cost of employing a worker is moderate, and severance payments are not overly burdensome. Despite inflationary pressures, monetary stability has been relatively well maintained.
Trade Freedom 81.8 Create a Graph using this measurement
Investment Freedom 80.0 Create a Graph using this measurement
Financial Freedom 80.0 Create a Graph using this measurement
The trade-weighted average tariff rate is 4.1 percent. The U.K. has signed three new trade agreements since leaving the EU and is negotiating additional trade pacts with various countries. Under the efficient investment regime, foreign investment is welcomed. The financial sector is resilient and competitive.
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