24 March 2010

Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling delivered the last budget of this parliament at a time when the focus has shifted slightly from tackling the recession to how to deal with the large amounts of debt built up in doing so. While the economic data over recent months has been decidedly mixed, most economists agree a recovery of sorts is under way for now, although some fear the economy could slide back into recession unless a credible plan for dealing with the budget deficit is presented. With a general election only months away, normally a ‘giveaway’ budget could be expected, but the state of the public finances has largely prevented this.

Summary of key proposals
Summary of key proposals announced.

Setting the scene

VAT and duty
Details of changes to VAT and duty.

Income tax
Details of changes to income tax.

National Insurance
Details of changes to National Insurance.

Business and enterprise
Details of changes to business and enterprise.

Housing and mortgages
Details of changes to housing and mortgages.

Benefits and working families
Details of changes to benefits and working families.

Pensions and retirement
Details of changes to pensions and retirement.

Company cars
Details of changes to company cars.

The environment
Details of changes to the environment.

Official documents from Alistair Darling's 2010 Budget