Six-pack: The chancellor shows his muscle with final budget of this parliament
2010
THE EMERGENCY BUDGET
In need of some instant austerity, chancellor George Osborne hikes VAT to 20 per cent. Child benefit is frozen for three years.
2011
THE NORTH SEA BUDGET
A supplementary tax on North Sea oil firms is lifted from 20 per cent to 32 per cent. Yet the cut to corporation tax is sped up from one to two per cent.
2012
THE PASTY TAX BUDGET
The 50 per cent top rate of income tax is cut to 45 per cent. Child benefit falls for people earning over £50,000. VAT exemption on pasties is reconsidered.
2013
THE HELP TO BUY BUDGET
The personal allowance hits five figures, rising to £10,000. A Help-To-Buy scheme is aimed at stimulating demand in the housing market.
2014
THE PENSIONS BUDGET
The requirement to purchase an annuity is sensationally dropped. And tax-free savings accounts are rebranded NISAs, with a £15,000 annual limit.
2015
THE SAVERS BUDGET
More help for savers who have been hit by low interest rates. First-time buyers to have deposits topped up, while tax- free savings are extended.