It seems to be good news all round from the Chancellor, but the economy isn't yet strong enough for a lot of sugary giveaways, apart from the continued increase to the income tax free personal allowance. 

Public opinion has played a strong role in the Chancellor's statement today and perhaps his announcements made at the Commons film set today can be summarised into the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

The Good - Property Owners, Savers

At last the stamp duty system has been modernised, so it doesn't distort the property market with a more logical % being charged in each band rather than on the whole property price.

Dear HMRC

Taxpayers have benefited from recent changes allowing cash accounting for sole traders and simplified company reporting. The press releases accompanying these changes talk  a lot about simplification, with the sub-text that enterprise Britain enables small businesses to deal easily direct with HMRC and companies house. There is no need to pay an accountant so say the politicians.

The reality for small business owners is very different.

The Chancellor chose this headline, but I think Investors also get a look in.

(SMALL) MAKERS

I take this to be businesses. In fact, it's largely small to medium companies that benefit from today's announcements being the changes to AIA, SEIS and R&D.