Emergency Budget 2010
The new government needs to drastically cut Britain's huge public spending deficit if we are to avoid financial catastrophe. Unfortunately for most of us, that means higher taxes and lower public services. On 22 June, the Chancellor, George Osborne, set out his proposals to fill the hole in Britain's budget. VAT is to rise from 17.5% to 20% - a widely-anticipated move. Capital gains tax is going up. Banks have been hit with a levy to raise £2bn, and public sector workers will suffer a pay-freeze for the next two years. Here's what it all means for you.
Recent articles
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(23 June 10)
George Osborne has declared war on the budget deficit. And that's good news for Britain. But can he make it stick? For all the talk of 'bloodbaths' and hacking and slashing, the really painful decisions have yet to be made. John Stepek explains.
(22 June 10)
For weeks we've waited to see how the LibCon coalition would deliver on their promise to tackle the nation's debt. And now, George Osborne has finally delivered his emergency Budget. Ruth Jackson explains how the Chancellor's changes will affect you, and how to beat some of the tax rises.
(22 June 10)
In his emergency Budget, George Osborne has finally told us how he intends to start chipping away at Britain's enormous public debt. So what do his proposals mean for you? Merryn Somerset Webb explains.