Britain's public finances remain very healthy despite the slowdown in the domestic economy, official figures showed today.
National Statistics said the public sector net cash requirement posted a surplus of £5.9 billion sterling in October, buoyed by £9.7 billion of corporation tax receipts during the month.
The figures come just a week before the British government delivers its annual pre-budget report, which lays out its financial plans for the next year.
Corporation tax receipts in the financial year so far have jumped to £23.2 billion from £21.8 billion in the same period a year ago.
Income tax receipts also remain robust, despite recent rises in unemployment and a slowing economy.
Income tax receipts totalled £7.6 billion in October, higher than the £7.2 billion collected in October a year ago.
Public-sector net debt as a percentage of gross domestic product at the end of October stood at 30.5 per cent, its lowest level since monthly data began in March 1993.