UK borrowing surge adds fresh pressure to consumer outlook

UK government borrowing rose sharply in May, raising fresh concerns over the public finances, as retailers continue to face fragile consumer confidence and cost pressure.
Britain borrowed £23.3bn last month, £5.4bn more than in May last year and the highest figure for the month since 2020, when the country was under Covid lockdown restrictions.
The figure was also £5.6bn above the £17.7bn forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility, increasing pressure on the governm