The Budget: 5 things Scots need to know from Jeremy Hunt's statement

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Jeremy Hunt has unveiled the contents of his first Budget in the House of Commons.The Tory Chancellor has put a focus on prompting those who have left their jobs to return to the workforce and boosting business investment.But his decision to widen the benefits sanctions regime was branded "completely wrong" by anti-poverty campaigners.Hunt announced that he is scrapping the lifetime allowance.

All savings above £1.07 million in a pension pot had previously been taxed.The move was described as a “permanent tax cut” for the wealthy by Labour leader Keir Starmer.The Chancellor also announced that there would be a review over whether the rise in state pension age should be brought forward.The state pension age is currently been due to rise from 66 to 67 in 2028 and 68 by 2044.He said that it was part of his plan to get more people back into work.Hunt confirmed the UK Government’s energy price guarantee, which caps average household bills at £2,500, will be extended at its current level from April to June.It had been due to rise by £500 to £3,000 next month.After shocking reports of struggling bill-payers being forced onto more-expensive energy prepayment meters, the Chancellor has acted to end the metered “premium” from July.But Scots will still have to find an extra £67-a-month to pay their energy bills from April when the Government’s separate Energy Bill Support Scheme comes to an end.Fuel duty was frozen and a 5p cut to the rate will continue for a further 12 months.Hunt predicted a saving of £100 next year for motorists.There was good news for beer drinkers as Hunt cut the duty allowance on draught-drinks.The Treasury said the move would make alcohol duty 11p lower on pulled pints compared to supermarket sales.But Hunt