2nd politics story for portfolio.

have been waiting until i got feedback from the other on before i put the last two politics stories up, but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen any time soon, so here’s the 2nd of the three.

2008 UK Budget

FIGURES WERE released today for the 2008 Government Budget.

It has been confirmed that the 2p tax rise on fuel is to go ahead, but that it is to be put back until October. Also, as of 2009 there is to be a higher tax for owners of more polluting cars.

Alcohol prices are on the rise again, as 14p is added to a bottle of wine, 4p on a pint of beer, and 55p  is to be added to a bottle of spirit. These prices are up 6% on inflation. This is and attempt to help combat binge drinking in the UK.

Chief Economist at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Dr John Philpott said, “With real incomes already being squeezed and consumers cutting back on spending it won’t just be the patrons of bars and restaurants who are crying over their drinks tonight.”

There will however, be a rise in child benefit as of April 2009. The amount for the 1st child will rise to £20 per week, and the Winter Fuel payment has increased from £200-£280 for over 60′s and from £300 up to £400 for over 80′s.

It has been suggested that ther should be a law to put a tax on plastic bags if shops don’t start charging for their use, while an extra £2 billion is to be spent on troops in the font line.

Shadow Chancellor George Osborne said “This is a bad news Budget. Alistair Darling is kicking Britain’s families when they are down.”

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