Budget date announced
Gordon Brown will deliver his 2003 Budget on Wednesday 9 April at 12.30.
Link: Brown accused of burying the Budget
After coming under much criticism for delaying his announcement, Brown will now be under pressure to deliver something meaningful and useful to business.
Already facing a rise in national insurance contributions, UK businesses would welcome a move to tackle red tape. But many experts believe Brown is looking to bury bad news, as the date is likely to coincide with any serious action against Iraq.
Big Four firm, Ernst & Young, says that the chancellor is walking a tight rope and must ensure the announcements he makes don’t further unbalance the economy.