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Pre-budget report sees VAT cut

Updated on 24 November 2008

By John Sparks

The annual pre-budget report is released today, but it is expected to read more like an emergency budget.

Among the measures aimed at stimulating the economy out of recession are a cut in VAT from 17.5 per cent to 15 per cent, beginning immediately.

The chancellor will also set out how such measures will be paid for in the long-term.

It's already been leaked that he'll announce a new income tax rate of 45 per cent for those who earn more than £150,000, to be introduced after the next election.

The entire package will represent a huge gamble, increasing government debt even further, but will it work?

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