Government borrowing today surged by more than expected to post the highest December figure since monthly records began in 1993.
The cost of energy support schemes and a jump in debt interest resulted in public sector borrowing of £27.4 billion, some £16.7 billion higher than the same month in 2021 and above City expectations for a figure of £17.75 billion.
In corporate updates, Associated British Foods said trading at Primark had been better than expected in the 16 weeks to 7 January after sales growth in the UK of 15% on a year earlier.
