IN yesterday's budget the Chancellor of the Exchequer hit drinkers and drivers in the pocket.

Labour's Alistair Darling, speaking in the House of Commons for his first budget, told MPs there would be rises on alcohol, cigarettes and for the most polluting new cars.

From Sunday, a packet of 20 cigarettes will rise 11p with five cigars up 4p, beer up 4p a pint, and cider, 3p a litre.

The levy on a bottle of spirits will go up 55p with wine up 14p.

From 2010, the highest-polluting new cars will be hit with a £950 charge while the lowest-polluting will be free of road tax for the first year.

A planned 2p rise in fuel duty will not come into force until October.

What did you think of the budget and how will it affect you?

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