Osborne offers tax cuts and help-to-buy Isas in highly political 2015 budget

Chancellor also signals end of austerity before the end of next parliament in statement packed with pre-election policies

George Osborne delivered a pre-election budget designed to herald a "comeback Britain" on Tuesday, announcing tax cuts for savers and first-time buyers but prompting accusations that the Tories would be forced to slash public spending to levels not seen since 1938.

In an effort to woo voters in middle Britain just 50 days before the general election, the chancellor said 95% of taxpayers would not face any savings tax under his plans for a personal savings allowance. Drinkers were also given 1p off a pint of beer and drivers benefited from another freeze in fuel duty as the chancellor repeatedly stressed that his "economic plan" was working.

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