The increase in the threshold for stamp duty land tax from£120,000 to£125,000 may have a positive effect on consumer confidence.
Economist Philip Shaw of Investec Securities said: 'The extended threshold for stamp duty could help confidence in the housing market and, in turn, an increase in housing turnover could have a positive effect on retailers - but any change will be marginal.'
The Chancellor's decision to freeze fuel duty until September may benefit the stores sector.
Freight Transport Association chief economist Simon Chapman said: 'It is very important that the Chancellor did not add to the industry's enormous fuel costs by further increasing diesel duty. However, it is unfortunate that he did not bite the bullet and extend the freeze for a full year and establish a little more stability into transport operating costs.'
The price of diesel has risen by 10 per cent over the past year and fuel represents 30 per cent of the operating costs for lorries.
A British Retail Consortium (BRC) spokeswoman said: 'No retail-specific concerns stood out, though issues such as micro-generation technologies were of interest.'
The Chancellor announced a further£50 million increase in investment in technology to reduce carbon emissions.
The BRC spokeswoman added: 'The retail sector invests considerable resources into ways of reducing carbon emissions from their stores. The BRC therefore welcomes the Government's commitment to renewable energy.'
On the back of today's Budget, electricals retailer Comet announced that it would be working closely with the Government to encourage the purchase of more energy- efficient entertainment products.
The VAT rate on contraceptives, including condoms and the morning-after pill, will be lowered from the standard 17.5 per cent to five per cent. Superdrug, which has been campaigning to re-classify condoms as an essential healthcare item, was delighted by the Government's decision but will continue to campaign for the removal of VAT from other key products, such as toothpastes and toothbrushes.
Alcohol duties have been frozen on spirits, cider, champagne and sparkling wine. However, beer and wine duties will rise with inflation, with a four pence increase on a wine and a penny on a pint of beer. VAT on cigarettes will rise by nine pence.
The Chancellor reported an outlook for economic growth much in line with forecasts outlined in December's pre-budget report, with an annual increase of two per cent to three per cent over the next three years.
Gordon Brown's tenth Budget provided little reason for celebration in the retail sector, but potential nightmare scenarios have been avoided.
The increase in the threshold for stamp duty land tax from£120,000 to£125,000 may have a positive effect on consumer confidence.
Economist Philip Shaw of Investec Securities said: 'The extended threshold for stamp duty could help confidence in the housing market and, in turn, an increase in housing turnover could have a positive effect on retailers - but any change will be marginal.'
The Chancellor's decision to freeze fuel duty until September may benefit the stores sector.
Freight Transport Association chief economist Simon Chapman said: 'It is very important that the Chancellor did not add to the industry's enormous fuel costs by further increasing diesel duty. However, it is unfortunate that he did not bite the bullet and extend the freeze for a full year and establish a little more stability into transport operating costs.'
The price of diesel has risen by 10 per cent over the past year and fuel represents 30 per cent of the operating costs for lorries.
A British Retail Consortium (BRC) spokeswoman said: 'No retail-specific concerns stood out, though issues such as micro-generation technologies were of interest.'
The Chancellor announced a further£50 million increase in investment in technology to reduce carbon emissions.
The BRC spokeswoman added: 'The retail sector invests considerable resources into ways of reducing carbon emissions from their stores. The BRC therefore welcomes the Government's commitment to renewable energy.'
On the back of today's Budget, electricals retailer Comet announced that it would be working closely with the Government to encourage the purchase of more energy- efficient entertainment products.
The VAT rate on contraceptives, including condoms and the morning-after pill, will be lowered from the standard 17.5 per cent to five per cent. Superdrug, which has been campaigning to re-classify condoms as an essential healthcare item, was delighted by the Government's decision but will continue to campaign for the removal of VAT from other key products, such as toothpastes and toothbrushes.
Alcohol duties have been frozen on spirits, cider, champagne and sparkling wine. However, beer and wine duties will rise with inflation, with a four pence increase on a wine and a penny on a pint of beer. VAT on cigarettes will rise by nine pence.
The Chancellor reported an outlook for economic growth much in line with forecasts outlined in December's pre-budget report, with an annual increase of two per cent to three per cent over the next three years.
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