February figure comes in higher than forecasts less than a week before chancellor’s spring statement

UK government borrowing rose by more than expected in February to £10.7bn, underscoring the challenge for Rachel Reeves before next week’s spring statement.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics showed borrowing – the difference between total public sector spending and income – was little changed from the same month a year earlier. However, over the financial year to date borrowing was up nearly £15bn on the same period last year.