Budget special: what's in the box?

Chancellor Gordon Brown will deliver his sixth budget today.

National Insurance contributions are expected to rise in a bid to fund increased spending in public services including the National Health Service and the railways.

But there will also be tax cuts, which were trailed in a surprise move last month. These include a set rate for research and development tax credit expected to be worth around £300m to UK business.

Brown is also expected to unveil pilot schemes for a new subsidy to compensate employers for staff taking time off for training.

Checking here for more updates as the day progresses. For a more comprehensive and in-depth look at the Budget, check out our sister site, AccountancyAge.com.