Public sector borrowing in May jumped by the biggest amount since monthly records began, as the recession drove down tax revenues and government spending continued to rise faster than inflation.

Net borrowing was up by a larger than expected £19.9bn ($32.6bn) last month, compared with a £12.2bn rise a year ago. That brings the 12-month rolling total deficit to £104bn, against £40.9bn in the year to May 2008.