THE UK's net contribution to the European Union soared to £11.3 billion in 2013, an increase of £2.7bn from the previous year, according to official statistics.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures emerged as David Cameron is locked in battle with Brussels over a demand for a further £1.7bn to be paid by December 1.
The increase in the contribution is mainly due to a £3bn increase in the UK's total gross national income (GNI) contribution, which is based on the country's estimate of economic activity within a budget year relative to other EU member states. The UK's rebate increased from £3.1bn in 2012 to £3.7bn in 2013,.
Matthew Elliott, chief executive of Business for Britain, which is campaigning for fundamental reform of the EU, said: "Despite David Cameron securing a historic EU budget cut, the cost of the EU to UK taxpayers continues to spiral out of control.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said: "We have been clear that there has been an increase in the UK's net contribution to the EU budget, reflecting the way that the rebate was amended under the last government.
"The Prime Minister's views on the EU budget are well known. He is absolutely clear that we should be doing all we can to bring down EU spending and get control of the overall EU budget.
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