The ONS said growth in services and production drove the growth in December, which was the fastest monthly growth since March last year.
Britain’s economy unexpectedly eked out growth in the final three months of last year, but Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she was “still not satisfied” as fears remain over a lacklustre performance.
The fourth quarter figures and an upward revision to first quarter output – to 0.8% growth from 0.7% previously – means the economy grew by 0.9% overall in 2024, up from 0.4% growth in 2023.
However, Britain’s independent forecaster, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), is expected to reveal downgrades to growth forecasts in the spring statement on March 26, which it has reportedly warned the Chancellor this will wipe out her £10 billion “headroom” — spare money against its spending plans.
Shadow chancellor Mel Stride said Ms Reeves’ budget was “killing growth” and working people and businesses were “already paying for her choices”.
