British government debt hit 100% of economic output for the first time in recent history and there was another large budget deficit last month, adding to the problems for finance minister Rachel Reeves as she readies her tax and spending plans.

UK government borrowing came in higher than forecast in the first five months of the fiscal year, keeping Chancellor Rachel Reeves under pressure to raise taxes to balance the books in her budget next month.

New headache for Rachel Reeves as public borrowing hits 100% of GDP for first time since 1961 - The public finances have been put under enormous strain by the costs of responding the triple whammy of the financial crisis,

British retail sales rose 1% in August, official figures showed on Friday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast a monthly rise of 0.4% in sales volumes from July. After a surge in inflation in 2022 which caused a hit to consumer spending power for much of the following two years,

Retail sales rise in August despite hit to consumer confidence - Retail sales rose 1% last month as warmer weather and end-of-season deals helped to boost supermarkets and clothes stores.