Chancellor hails West Midlands for boosting youth employment

THERE was more encouraging news for unemployment – where the Chancellor cited the West Midlands for having the highest rate of youth employment in the country.

Mr Osborne predicted that one million more jobs would be added to the economy in the coming year, with the lowest proportion of people on out-of-work benefits since 1974.

Despite cuts to public spending, Mr Osborne said the disability budget would rise by £1bn under this Government.

The Chancellor also set out action in the red book to crack down on disguised remuneration schemes and tackle imbalances in the system. He said that actions over tax avoidance and evasion would raise £12bn over this Parliament

In terms of consumables, the Chancellor announced a freeze on fuel duty which he said was worth £7bn a year for the sixth time in a row. He said the move meant a £75 a year saving for the average driver, and called it a measure to “keep Britain on the move.”

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A newly-announced sugar tax is set to raise £520m in a two-part levy on companies to be introduced in two years’ time (pure fruit juice excluded).

The tax will be used to pay for longer school days, following the abolition of the 3.30pm school bell, as well as further sporting activities.

Mr Osborne said he wanted to “support responsible drinkers” prompting him to freeze beer and cider duty, as well as that of Scotch whiskey, a major UK export. All other alcohol duties will rise by inflation as planned.

Tobacco duty continue to rise 2% above inflation, as the Government “continues to improve public health” and will introduce a floor on the price of cigarettes with increased sanctions for fraud in relation to exporting cheap cigarettes from abroad.