Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Chancellor announced an immediate 1% cut in corporation tax after saying he wanted to make the UK's tax system more competitive for business than in any major economy across the world.
George Osborne told the Commons that the headline rate of corporate tax was the most visible sign of how competitive the UK was.
"We've already cut the rate from 28% to 26%. This April it is due to fall again to 25%. I can announce today a further cut of 1% - to be implemented right away.
"From next month, Britain will have a corporation tax rate of just 24%, and we will continue with the two further cuts planned next year and the year after.
"So that by 2014, Britain will have a 22% rate of corporation tax. The biggest sustained reduction in business tax rates for a generation.
"A headline rate that is not just lower than our competitors, but dramatically lower - 18% lower than the US, 16% lower than Japan, 12% below France and 8% below Germany.
"An advertisement for investment and jobs in Britain, and a rate that puts our country within sight of a 20% rate of business tax that would align basic rate income tax, the small companies rate and the corporation tax rate."
The Chancellor also announced a doubling of grants to help new start-up businesses recruit and retain staff, saying the tax reductions were aimed at winning business.
Business groups have been pressing the Government to use today's Budget to speed up help for firms so they can create jobs to offset losses in the public sector.
The Government said it will introduce a programme of enterprise loans for 18 to 24-year-olds who want to open their own business, starting with a one-year pilot programme.
A "small amount" of money will be offered, averaging £2,000-£3,000, as well as training and mentoring support, and the scheme will be evaluated in a year's time.
The Business Department said tens of thousands of young people could be helped every year when the scheme is fully operational.
Government accused of 'stealth tax' on pensioners
Corporation tax cut to 24% in April
Unions criticise regional pay rates plan
Thousands escape child benefit axe
TV tax credit 'could end exodus' of big-budget shows
Smokers slam tobacco duty rise
Job fears over increase in beer tax increase
Plane passengers hit by air passenger duty hike
Anger over George Osborne's North Sea bid
Videogame industry celebrates tax relief in Budget
University research gets £100m boost
Ed Miliband condemns top rate tax cut
Estate agents warn that stamp duty raid could hit all homeowners
Government accused of producing a Budget 'for the rich'
George Osborne slashes 50% top tax rate
Osborne dashes fuel price hopes
Oliver Wright on the Budget: Now we have to look at what was NOT said
James Moore: Budget snap judgements
The Budget at a glance
Full text of the Budget speech
PA
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments