Fear is the watchword for this most important of Budgets. For those who own shares, or second homes, or cannot conceivably be defined as “working people” (whoever they are), the fear is of tax rises. From capital gains to pension relief and inheritance tax, the Chancellor is looking to raise in the region of £40 billion to plug a gap in the Government’s finances and fund departmental spending. The broadest shoulders must bear the heaviest burden, but the anxiety in the suburbs is palpable, while the tax accountants have been doing a roaring trade.
