(Corrects paragraph 2 ‘flash’ reading to say .. 51.1 ..not.. 53.2)

LONDON (Reuters) -Output and new orders in Britain’s services industry picked up last month, according to a survey released on Wednesday that showed expectations for activity in the next 12 months were the highest since October 2024.

The S&P Global UK Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 52.3 in October from 50.8 in September, and was higher than a preliminary “flash” reading of 51.1.

The survey of Britain’s dominant services sector is welcome news for finance minister Rachel Reeves, who has made growth her priority, ahead of possible tax rises in her annual budget on November 26.

“A number of firms noted resilient customer demand, especially in domestic markets, despite elevated business uncertainty and de

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