Rising inflation caused government interest payments to hit a new record in February, official data show.
Interest payments reached £8.2 billion last month, the highest for a February since records began in April 1997 and £1 billion more than a year earlier.
The payments are linked to the retail price inflation index (RPI), which hit 7.8% in January.
Pressure is mounting for Chancellor Rishi Sunak to take action to combat rising costs.
Demands are mounting from charities and politicians for the chancellor to address the rising cost of living at Wednesday’s spring declaration.
Soaring food prices, energy bills and fuel prices have pushed up costs for households, but rising inflation is also limiting Mr Sunak’s room for manoeuvre.
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