
UK government finances better than expected in January
The government took in more from tax receipts than expected, official data suggests.
Coverage by Political Leaning
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Notable Quotes
"We know there is more to do to stop one in every £10 the government spends going on debt interest, and we will more than halve borrowing by 2030-31 so that money can be spent on policing, schools and the NHS."
— James Murray , Politician
"The big reduction in public borrowing and surge in retail sales in January support other evidence that the economy started the year looking a lot healthier."
— Paul Dales , Academic
"Labour's record high taxes and irresponsible spending have weakened the economy."
— Mel Stride , Politician
Key People
Grant Fitzner is an economist at the ONS.
James Murray is the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
Jason Hollands is the managing director of BestInvest.
Mel Stride is the Shadow Chancellor.
Paul Dales is the chief economist at Capital Economics.
Chancellor who announced guaranteed paid work placements for youth.
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All Coverage
The government took in more from tax receipts than expected, official data suggests.
The UK government registered the largest budget surplus on record in January due to higher tax receipts, with a surplus of £30.4 billion.
The UK government recorded a £30.4 billion surplus in January, the largest since records began in 1993, surpassing forecasts and marking a significant improvement from December's £11.6 billion deficit.
The UK government achieved its largest-ever budget surplus in January, with a £30.4 billion surplus, doubling the figure from January 2025 and exceeding forecasts by £6.3 billion.
The UK government reported a £30.4 billion surplus in January, the highest monthly surplus since records began in 1993, driven by increased self-assessed tax receipts and lower debt interest payments.
The UK government recorded a £30.4 billion surplus in January, the largest since records began in 1993, due to higher tax receipts and lower debt interest payments.
The UK government achieved a £30.4 billion surplus in January, the highest monthly surplus since records began in 1993, driven by increased self-assessed tax payments and lower debt interest costs.
The UK government recorded a £30.4 billion surplus in January, the largest since records began in 1993, driven by higher tax receipts and lower interest payments.
The UK government reported a £30.4 billion surplus in January, the highest since records began in 1993, exceeding expectations and driven by increased tax receipts.
The UK government recorded its largest ever budget surplus in January, with a £30.4 billion surplus, providing a boost for Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of the spring forecast.
The UK government recorded a £30.4 billion surplus in January, nearly double that of last year, driven by strong tax receipts, suggesting the upcoming Spring forecast may be uneventful.
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