UK government borrowing higher than expected in April

(Sharecast News) - The UK government borrowed more than expected in April, according to figures released on Thursday by the Office for National Statistics. Government borrowing rose to £20.2bn in April, up £1bn on the same month a year ago and coming in above the £18bn expected.

It was the fourth-highest figure for April borrowing since records began in 1993.

The data also showed that borrowing for the year to March was £148.3bn. This is £11bn higher than the £137.3bn forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility but £3.7bn lower than the initial estimate.