Boost for chancellor as UK public finances see record-breaking surplus of £XXbn

Figure is largest January total since records began and marks sharp reversal from December's deficit of 11.6bn

The UK government enjoyed a record-breaking surplus in January, official figures show, due to a big boost in self-assessment and capital gains tax receipts.

In a boost for chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of her spring statement next month, public sector finances recorded a surplus of XX billion at the start of the year, according to the Office for National Statistics.