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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Millie Cooke

Data error gives Rachel Reeves an extra £3bn for Budget – but she still has to find up to £40bn

Rachel Reeves has been handed a rare boost ahead of next month’s Budget after the Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced that government borrowing had been overstated by a cumulative £3bn due to mistakes in recent public finances data.

Since January, public borrowing estimates have been out by around £200m-£500m a month, the ONS said, handing the chancellor some extra breathing space in her upcoming Budget.

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