So it's Budget day

[ShadeofViolet]

If you were the Chancellor, what would be in your budget?

Paul Mason tweeting helpfully on the budget. He's marvellous.

Fuel increases in April

Doesnt he think hauliers have had it hard enough the past few years?

Not sure who else Kitten, I like Balls' credentials I just think he comes across as an idiot most of the time!

We could send him some of that garnier caffeine roll on mum2phoebs. He'll be needing it!

First time buyer thing is potentially good for me.(lot of 1st time buyers looking at my house )

Should have increaed the tax on tobacco by far more

its not going to get better sb

I am surprised he is not going for tobacco in a big way.

I am too - its the one rise that isnt critisized by many.

don't like the idea of hard shoulder running on motorways.
hope our county gets some money for roads, its like trying to drive over a tank track atm round here.

I missed the help for first time buyers, what is it?

50p on bill for fast broadband I agree with

ah
is the stamp duty thing only for first time buyers then?

No stamp duty on properties under 250k.

I dont think its only for firts time buyers is it?

They are raising the stamp duty so that its only paid on properties over £250,000

Oh yes, its only for FTB

extra funding for universities for one year? don't expect that will help.

Not sure about Child Trust Fund, it currently seems unaffordable as a savings incentive (primarily focused at children in disadvantaged households who are not traditionally savers) but I think we should give it more time. It's like the argument about taking Child Benefit off high earners -can prove more costly to target benefits at poorer families than just giving it to everyone. If you don't need it, why not give it to a charity like home start?

Support for credit unions to provide low cost loans and savings to all.

More support for young unemployed (think he's just announced that).

No, it's not just for first time buyers but it will help 9/10 first time buyers so it is with the intention of helping people get on the property ladder.

I think they should have over hauled TC- working part should affect your tax code (and therefore need less admin) and child part should be paid with child benefit adapting the whole thing to a sliding scale.

That last bit was good!

higher winter fuel payment is great, but should be extended to those who are disabled or chronically ill.
(also slightly bitter that our retired neighbours who are far better off than us can pocket it, while we struggle to afford ours)

Oh I forgot, increase minimum wage, not sure how to pay for this

well, I suppose in a few short months we could all be back here reviewing the new governments budget.

Didn't really do anything to help families did he