United Kingdom Control of Corruption
Control of Corruption CC.EST
United Kingdom's control of corruption was 1.40 in 2025, ranked 24th globally. This represents a 5.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
United Kingdom's control of corruption stood at 1.40 in 2025, a decline of +0.08 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.40 by 2025. United Kingdom ranked 24th globally.
The United Kingdom’s score on the World Bank’s Control of Corruption index fell to 1.40 in 2025, placing it 24th globally and marking the all‑time trough after 26 years of measurement. This low follows a gradual decline from the 2000 peak of 2.07, when the country recorded its strongest perceived anti‑corruption performance, and from the 1996 baseline of 1.98. The recent figure is marginally better than the Bahamas (1.37) and comparable to Barbados (1.42), yet still lags behind Bhutan’s 1.47, suggesting that the UK now clusters with a mix of small island economies rather than its traditional European peers such as Belgium (1.37). The downward trajectory reflects persistent challenges in political financing, regulatory enforcement and public sector transparency. If reforms to strengthen oversight mechanisms and enhance whistle‑blower protections accelerate, the United Kingdom could reverse the current slide and improve its standing in forthcoming assessments.
Data & projection
| Year | Control of Corruption | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 1.34 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.40 | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.40 | −0.08 | #24 |
| 2023 | 1.48 | −0.14 | #21 |
| 2022 | 1.62 | −0.02 | #16 |
| 2021 | 1.64 | −0.02 | #15 |
| 2020 | 1.66 | −0.09 | #13 |
| 2019 | 1.75 | −0.06 | #15 |
| 2018 | 1.81 | −0.01 | #12 |
| 2017 | 1.81 | −0.04 | #11 |
| 2016 | 1.85 | +0.02 | #13 |
| 2015 | 1.83 | +0.08 | #14 |
| 2014 | 1.75 | +0.03 | #15 |
| 2013 | 1.72 | +0.05 | #15 |
| 2012 | 1.67 | +0.05 | #16 |
| 2011 | 1.61 | +0.01 | #17 |
| 2010 | 1.61 | −0.02 | #17 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Kingdom matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1985. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw control of corruption improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Kingdom's control of corruption was 1.40 in 2025. Ranked 24th globally. This represents a 5.5% decrease from the previous year.
United Kingdom's control of corruption peaked at 2.07 in 2000.
The lowest control of corruption in United Kingdom was 1.40 in 2025.
United Kingdom ranks 24th globally in control of corruption as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is CC.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
United Kingdom's control of corruption is projected to reach 1.40 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The control of corruption of United Kingdom in 2025 was 1.40. This ranks 24th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-kingdom_control-of-corruption,
title = {United Kingdom Control of Corruption},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-kingdom/control-of-corruption/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}