Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed his budget in the House of Commons today (Wednesday, 3 March).

The Chancellor spoke of how Coronavirus has 'fundamentally changed our lives' and promised to do 'whatever it takes' to help the economy.

The economy should return to pre-Covid levels by mid-2022 according to the Office of Budget Responsibility.

Here are the key points of the budget for residents and businesses:

The economy is expected to grow 4 per cent this year.

Furlough

The furlough scheme will be extended until the end of September.

There will be no change to terms for employees but businesses will be asked to contribute when they reopen - but not until July.

This contribution will be 10 per cent in July and then 20 per cent in August and September.

Self-Employed

Self-employed people will be provided with two extra grants until September.

The grants will be targeted over the summer with those making up their losses receiving less from the government.

Over 600,000 more people can now claim these grants according to the Chancellor.

[.B]Low-income households[.B]

The Universal Credit increase will stay in place for the next six months. This is good news for Maldon district residents, with an increase in those claiming the benefit having almost trebled during the pandemic (for more on that see previous story here.)

The national living wage will be increased to £8.91.

The chancellor is doubling incentive payments for businesses who hire apprentices to £3,000.

Businesses

Restart grants will be given in April to reopening business.

£6,000 will be given to non-essential retail per premises while hospitality will receive an £18,000 grant due to them opening a month later.

Arts, culture and sports will be given £700 million as a 2030 World Cup Bid from the UK and Ireland will be backed by the government.

A new recovery loan scheme will also be offered to business - the figures range between £25,000 and £10 million.

The 100 per cent business rates holiday will continue until June, then reduced to 66 percent until next year.

The five per cent reduced VAT rate for hospitality will be extended to September.

Housing

The stamp duty holiday will continue to June and then on properties up to £250,000 until September.

Governments will guarantee 95 per cent mortgages to lenders.

Fixing Public Finances

The rate of income tax, national insurance and VAT will not be raised.

However, tax thresholds will no longer increase with inflation.

Corporation tax will be increased in 2023 to 25 per cent.

Businesses with profits under £50,000 will pay the existing 19 per cent rate.