MILAN (Thomson Financial) - Italy's public deficit widened to 5.900 billion euros in August, from 1.960 billion a year earlier, said the ministry for economy and finance.
In the first eight months, the deficit was 27.400 billion euros, against 24.667 billion in the same period of 2007, the ministry said.
In August, receipts were depressed by lower tax receipts after these had been boosted by specific sector tax measures in the year-earlier period.
On the spending side, interest costs on debt were higher, while health sector costs were boosted by 2008 budget rules. nigel.tutt@thomsonreuters.com nt/rw COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Financial News Limited 2008. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Thomson Financial News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Financial News.
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