Local authorities have handed PM-elect Gordon Brown a parting gift by helping create a surplus in public sector finances. Figures from the Office for National Statistics revealed the public sector started the financial year in April by creating a surplus of £0.2bn. It was achieved due to the balance sheet that had a net cash repayment of £3.766bn – more than double forecasted by analysts. It compares with a deficit of £0.9bn for April last year.
