UK government borrowing higher than expected in October but deficit lower than forecast ahead of Autumn Budget
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Government borrowing in October was £14.9bn, higher than expected, largely due to higher benefit payments and interest costs.
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But the deficit so far this financial year is less than forecast, thanks to higher tax receipts in previous months.
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The figures are mixed news for the Chancellor ahead of his Autumn Statement on Wednesday.
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Some economists think he may have scope to announce tax cuts with the election nearing.
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But others expect the focus to be on helping business, with households may having to wait until next spring.