The Budget on nebusiness

Apr 22 2009 By The Journal

THIS year's Budget has sparked a wave of reaction ranging from warm support to condemnation for what Alistair Darling said.

In a grim statement the Chancellor outlined the full depth of the economic crisis.

Mr Darling warned that output would shrink by 3.5% this year - more than doubling his previous forecast.

And he revealed that borrowing this year would soar to £175bn - with another £173bn in 2010 - as the country battles with the worst global downturn in 60 years.

He also said deflation would plunge to -3% by September.

But among the announcement was plans to create or support 250,000 jobs as part of a package of measures to stem the rise in unemployment and help jobseekers find jobs.

He also unveiled a "cash for bangers" car-scrappage scheme.

And while unions hit out at the Government over their spending plans, our experts were more cautious in their approach.

We ran live text coverage of the Budget with a team of analysts from across the North East, and took questions and comments from our readers.

Click below to replay the live blog.