Figure comes as Treasury prepares budget that is expected to include tax rises to plug yawning deficit
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The UK government borrowed more than expected last month, official figures show, adding to pressure on the Treasury in the run-up to the autumn budget.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed public sector net borrowing – the difference between public spending and income – rose to £18bn in August, £3.5bn more than in the same month a year earlier.
The reading was above City predictions for a deficit of £12.75bn and forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility of £12.5bn.
