Brighter UK economy gives Reeves a springboard for March statement

Record public finances accompany stronger retail sales and business activity but some analysts express caution

The economic backdrop to Rachel Reeves's upcoming spring statement appeared to brighten on Friday after a trio of reports painted a better-than-expected picture of the UK economy.

Record monthly public finances, a surge in retail spending and accelerating business activity offered the most coherent picture of recovery since last autumn, economists said, and provided the chancellor with a more positive narrative before her 3 March statement.