Darling set to lower growth predictions
Updated on 12 March 2008
As he prepares to hand down his first budget, Alistair Darling is expected to be forced to lower his growth predictions, adding millions to the treasury deficit.
Ministers had hoped this would be known as a green budget, but the chancellor will be wary, any tax increases could slow the economy so he's expected to delay a 2p rise in fuel duty by six months.
It's a safe bet there will be some green measures, however, including a one-off tax on high carbon emission cars for example.
He's also expected to increase duty on alcohol and spirits to curb binge drinking and introduce new tariffs on energy companies to reduce fuel poverty.
