The deficit reached €342 million in November as higher expenditure continued to outpace increased Government revenue.

Compared with the same period last year, the deficit increased by €64 million, figures out yesterday showed.

The National Statistics Office said an increase of six per cent in revenue was offset by an expenditure increase of eight per cent.

Expenditure topped €2.7 billion in the first 11 months, as a result of higher spending across all Government sectors.

It increased by €196 million, with recurrent expenditure – the outlay on everyday spending that includes wages – increased by €128 million.

Money spent on capital projects topped €305 million, an increase of €56 million over the corresponding period last year. This includes an equity injection of €20 million to Air Malta, the national air carrier.

Until November, the Government had collected €2.4 billion in revenue, an increase of €132 million.

Revenue went up across all categories except customs and duty, which registered a drop of €34 million.

Earlier this year, the Finance Minister had explained the decrease in excise taxes as deferred payments on fuel imported by Enemalta.

At the end of November debt stood at €4.7 billion, up by €201 million over the same period last year.