First-time home buyers were the big winners after today's Budget by Chancellor Alistair Darling, who delivered his final speech before the General Election.

The Chancellor axed stamp duty on house purchases below £250,000 - yet announced increases in many traditional areas.

Among them are a 10% rise in tax on cider and alcopops, along with a 3p rise in fuel duty staggered between April 1 and January.

Beer, wine and spirits also rose, with a 2% increase set to take effect from midnight tonight, with increases of 2% above inflation for two years from 2013.

Tobacco is set to be hit by a 1% increase from today, then increase by 2% each year until 2014.

Meanwhile, Mr Darling said Labour had managed the economy well to bring about recovery from the current financial crisis.

He said: "The challenge now is to bring down borrowing in a way that does not damage the recovery or frontline services people rely on."

Although the Tory party complained that both the stamp duty and increase in duty on strong ciders and alcopops were policies taken from them.

And if the Conservatives win the General Election - widely believed to be set for May 6 - they have said will produce an "emergency Budget" within 50 days of taking office.

* But what do you think?

Are you happy with the tax increases announced by the Chancellor? Will you benefit from the stamp duty increase for first-time buyers?

And is it a good thing that alcohol is being penalised and will it have an effect on our streets?

Or is increasing duty and tax on things like cigarettes and cider simply a way of making money for the government, while paying lip service to other benefits in society?

And are car users the constant target for such drives, under a 'green' banner?

Has the budget changed the way you are intending to vote?

Whatever your view and however the Budget will affect you - we want to know.

Use the form below to have your say...