News

The Chancellor's report included the following:

• Fuel duty up by 1.25p per litre.
• Basic state pension to rise by 3.6% in April to £87.30
• From 2009, pregnant women will be entitled to child benefit 11 weeks before they give birth.
• From next year, new homes that generate their own energy will be exempt from stamp duty.
• Freelancers who set up companies through which they are paid will pay more tax.
• Gordon Brown will consult further on plans for stiffer penalties on late self-assessment returns.
• Homeowners who sell land for development will be taxed on the profit from planning permission.