The Chancellor's Budget: £2 billion given to social care

Chancellor Philip Hammond delivered his 2017 Budget with the aim of providing a “long-term plan” for Britain after they leave the EU. The self-employed came off worst, with an increase in National Insurance contributions. Here are some of the key topics discussed:

Education

• When speaking on education, the Chancellor said it was "the most important thing that the Government can do to support ordinary working families"

• There will be funding for an extra “110 new free schools” on top of the "500 free schools" the Government are currently committed to

• The Chancellor plans to offer free transport for all selective pupils on free school meals

Choice is the key to excellence in education

Alcohol and tobacco

• The Chancellor announced a new minimum excise duty on cigarettes based on a packet price of £7.35

• He also said he will make no changes to "previously planned upratings of duties on alcohol and tobacco"

Fuel

• Fuel duty remains frozen for the seventh year running the Chancellor has confirmed

Self employed

• The higher paid self-employed will pay more National Insurance. Figures will increase to 10% in April 2018 and then to 11% in April 2019

• Workers are set to pay an average of 60p a week more in national insurance contributions

NHS and social care

We are the government of the NHS with not just the commitment and the will but also with the economic plan that will secure the future of our most important public service

• An additional fund of £2 billion will be given to social care over the next three years

• £100 million will be given to GPs on-site in NHS hospitals to help combat the waiting times

Click here to get more updates on the Spring 2017 Budget.