By James Gant For Mailonline
Published: 11:16 BST, 6 April 2019 | Updated: 11:17 BST, 6 April 2019
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Philip Hammond has announced sweeping tax cuts today - in a move that will impact half the country.
The chancellor also pledged an extra £1.1billion funding for police, £1.1billion for schools and £1.3billion for local councils.
It comes amid mounting pressure on the government over the links between police funding cuts and a surge in violent crime, as well as a backlash from teachers over school funding.
A key part of Mr Hammond's plan will see an overhaul to income tax which will result in an increase in the tax-free personal allowance - from £11,850 last year to £12,500.
Chancellor Philip Hammond has announced tax cuts that will be felt by 32million people - half the country
A rise in the higher rate threshold to £50,000 will also give an extra £495 a year for higher rate taxpayers.
Brexit uncertainty has led many across the country to tighten their belts - with fears heightened after sterling fell 0.66 per cent against the US dollar last month.
Britons from all parts of society have even been stockpiling goods, with more than £4.6billion spent on household items as of last month.
The country is set to leave the EU on April 12 without an agreement in place unless a plan is reached or a further extension is granted.
