Govt accounts deficit over a $1 billion better than December forecast

Govt accounts deficit over a $1 billion better than December forecast
Staff reporters
The latest Crown accounts show the government’s books continue to be in better shape than forecast, but net debt is now $40b higher than it was at this time last year.Treasury said the accounts for the six months to the end of December 2020 recorded an operating balance before gains and losses deficit of $4 billion, $1.1b better than forecast in December.This was partly due to tax revenue of $45.3b coming in $800m above forecast, with GST particularly strong at $600m (5.5%) higher than predicted.Finance Minister Grant Robertson also noted...