Tobacco duty rise one of five successful amendments

TREASURY was dealt several blows to its 'cautious' Budget plans yesterday.

Five out of eight amendments were successful, including one which will increase tobacco duty by more than it planned.

General debate continues today on the other parts of the Budget which proposes alcohol, fuel and property tax should rise with inflation and more companies will be paying 10% income tax.

Treasury had already signalled it was backing down over its mortgage interest tax relief plans.

In the end the States easily decided to back a Deputy Matt Fallaize amendment which means there will be no change until the results of a full review into taxation and contributions are known.

Deputy Yvonne Burford, pictured, won another amendment with a plan to add another 3.5p to the tobacco duty rise already planned for a packet of 20 cigarettes, raising £50,000 for tobacco education and prevention projects