Latest data released by ONS - 21 February 2018
- Prior £1.0 bn; revised to £0.3 bn
- Public sector net borrowing (ex-banks) -£10.0 bn vs -£9.5 bn expected
- Prior (ex-banks) £2.6 bn; revised to £1.9 bn
- Public finances (PSNCR) -£26.4 bn vs £25.1 bn prior; revised to £25.3 bn
Follows seasonal patterns, as the start of the year always sees borrowing come in negative. January is traditionally a month where public spending is lesser than the income it receives.
Nothing substantial from the report it seems. But sterling continues to fall after wages came in more or less within expectations, but the unemployment rate came in a tick higher.
Full release by ONS here. According to them, this is the second-highest January surplus in terms of the ex-banks reading.
