Budget 2012: Top rate tax to fall to 45%

At present, those in the top tax bracket pay 50% on earnings above that threshold.

But that rate will drop to 45% in April 2013.

Labour leader Ed Miliband tore into the decision.

He told MPs: "After today's Budget, millions will be paying more while millionaires pay less."

Osborne insisted the 50% rate raises little extra revenue due to various tax avoidance tricks used by the wealthy.