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UK facing period of falling wages and lower living standards, Institute of Fiscal Studies warns

The UK is facing austerity measures until the end of this decade amid falling wages and lower living standards, the Institute of Fiscal Studies has warned.

IFS Director Paul Johnson said the Chancellor has 'very little room for manoeuvre' because of the weakened growth forecast for the economy from the Office for Budget Responsibility.

It comes after the Chancellor delivered his Budget to the House of Commons on Wednesday.

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New sugar levy on the soft drinks industry announced

A new sugar levy on the soft drinks industry will be introduced, the Chancellor said.

It will be introduced in two years time to ensure companies reduce the sugar content of drinks and promote low sugar brands.

He said it was a "perfectly reasonable step" to protect children's health.

"Money from this new [sugar] levy will be used to double the funding we dedicate to sport in every primary school," Mr Osborne said.

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