Homebuyers were promised the chance to escape stamp duty by the Chancellor in his Pre-Budget Report this week, but there’s a catch. Only those who buy a new-build zero-carbon home qualify for the relief. There are, the Treasury admitted, only 24 such homes in the UK at present.

Those going green by creating their own energy using microgeneration, such as a wind turbine or ground heat pump, will not have to declare, or pay tax on, any money they make from selling surplus power to the National Grid.

Savers were relieved as Mr Brown confirmed that individual savings accounts (Isas), the tax-free savings vehicles, are here to stay. But there was dismay that the Chancellor did not raise the annual investment limits of £7,000 for stocks and shares Isas and £3,000 for cash Isas — the limits since their launch in 1999. Had he lifted the £7,000 limit in line with average earnings, it would now be £9,300.

There was a boost for expectant mothers. From 2009 they will be eligible for child benefit from the 29th week of pregnancy. And next year families receiving tax credits will also benefit from the child element of the child tax credit rising in line with earnings rather than inflation. This will raise the annual payment by £80 to £1,845.

But there was no increase to the first income threshold for tax credits, which remains at £5,220. This will cost claimants about £70 a week, says Mike Warburton, of Grant Thornton, the accountant.

Workers earning more than £33,540 will also see their national insurance contributions (NIC) increase by more than inflation next year. The Chancellor tinkered with NIC thresholds so that instead of paying an extra £114 a year in NICs — in line with inflation — employees will have to pay an extra £126.

Pension savers were dealt a blow as Mr Brown tolled the death knell for alternatively secured pensions (Asps), which were created by the Treasury as an alternative to annuities. Savers with an Asp will have to take an income each year, limiting the amount left to pass on to any heirs. Mr Brown also signed the death warrant for pension term assurance, the life cover that allows policyholders to cut their premiums by taking advantage of pension tax breaks.

Nor did freelance workers escape. Mr Brown pledged to legislate on managed service companies, used by construction workers, IT workers and engineers, to stop contractors side-stepping national insurance and income tax by taking much of their earnings as dividends. The new rules are due to come into force next April.

GRÁINNE GILMORE