UK government borrowing soars to record high during Covid pandemic
by Phillip Inman from on (#59ANV)
Crisis creates highest debt-to-GDP ratio since 1960
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UK government borrowing soared to a record high in the first six months of the financial year as the extra spending needed to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic pushed the public deficit further into the red.
Steep falls in tax receipts that accompanied the government's rescue programmes also increased the UK's debt-to-GDP ratio to its highest level in 50 years, while inflation rose to 0.5%, according to the latest official figures.
Related: UK government borrowing rises to 36bn in September and inflation picks up - business live
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