UK public finances hit record surplus to give Hammond pre-Brexit boost

Figure of 14.9bn is biggest January surplus since records began in 1993

Britain has recorded the biggest-ever monthly surplus in public finances since the early 1990s, putting the government on a strong footing in the run-up to Brexit, now less than 40 days away.

In a rare piece of positive economic news for Philip Hammond as he prepares for his spring statement next month, income from taxes outstripped public spending by 14.9bn, the biggest January surplus since records began in 1993.

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