Budget

I just ran the BBC Budget calculator and it gave me a slightly surprising result; the only problem is that this takes no account of the effect of the VAT rise. I think my VAT bill will rise by more than £87 thus I will pay more, c'est la vie.

The indications are that you will be £85.75 better off.

Breakdown of difference

	2010/11 £	2011/12 £	Difference £
Income tax	5975.00	5775.00	£200.00
National insurance	3012.35	3126.60	£-114.25

Blowing the budget on booze

Good

• I don't have a gas guzzler (or indeed any car)
• I don't smoke
• I don't fly (well not for past 3 years)
• My income is below taxable levels
• Increase in winter fuel credit for over 60's (must visit parents more....)

Bad

• Tax on alcohol....but dose dependent......
• No reinstatement of 10% tax banding
• Will have to pay the extra 1.8p a litre duty on petrol from August - could make peripheral hospital attachments that bit more expensive.

The BBC reckon I will be £16.32 worse off next year, all of it alcohol related........ so since the slcohol duty changes don't kick in til sunday...........Cheers!