Have 'they' lowered income tax & fuel duty? Dropped the 50p tax? Closed corporate tax avoidance loop holes? Increased the free-pay threshold?
Screwed as usual........but it's what coming from previous budgets that will add to the misery...ie a lowering of the high rate tax band that will trap a few hundred thousand more poor souls in the 40% bracket & 65+ will be slightly worse off due to freeze in allowances..........have to say the super rich will be hammered as well so there is an element of fairness imo....... Got no axe to grind either way as it's all smoke & mirrors.....
I haven't seen or heard anything so far and I don't really need to. Based on the 35 years I've been in gainful employment I have never, ever fitted into any demographic that has been able to look at a budget speech and been able to say "ooh look, that'll come in handy". And, not being a betting man, I don't feel even slightly inclined to have a punt at being pleasantly surprised today.
I am glad i am not a smoker but if i was i would be down at the Chemist now picking up my free patches or a toy ciggerette.
I cant remember the last time i bought a packet of smokes in the uk. My dad drives to belgium every 2 weeks for his job so we both share the tobacco he buys.