Government borrowing higher than expected in November

Figure of 12.6bn surprises economists as increase in income tax receipts slows to 1.1% after years of 3%-plus growth

Government borrowing was higher than expected at 12.6bn in November as the growth in income tax receipts slowed on the previous month.

Official figures showed that income tax receipts increased by only 1.1%, after several years of consistent 3%-plus growth, to prevent the UK's budget deficit falling at the pace forecast by City analysts.