It's all relative of course, but analysts say the chancellor's public figures are in reasonably good shape (he doesn't have a £10bn black hole, in other words).

So what can we expect in the Budget? A raft of anti-avoidance revenue-raising measures are the hot ticket, with the money to be dispensed on political ends. A whole range of important consultations will also be finalised; where the devil will be in the detail.

Accountancy Age will be providing live, up-to-the-minute news and analysis from the second the chancellor stands up this afternoon.