Put some fizz in the Budget

THE BRIEFCASE will be opened on 30 November for the Autumn Budget, which will combine the Government's spending and money-raising plans for the first time.

Kenneth Clarke, the Chancellor, is thought to like the odd drink and smoke, but this is unlikely to influence the traditional Treasury stance.

The possibility of a tightening of the tax relief rules on pension contributions, which currently attract relief at the top marginal rate, is a strong reason for people to make payments into pensions soon rather than wait until the end of the tax year next April.

The possibility that the Chancellor may tinker with mortgage interest tax relief is also a reason for home hunters to move a little faster than they might otherwise to beat the Budget.

As usual, Coopers & Lybrand, the chartered accountancy firm, has put together a table of racing odds reflecting its view of the Budget.

Readers of the Independent on Sunday are invited to make their own forecasts. Complete the 'Budget predictions' form opposite, using the Clarke Handicap table if you think it helps, and you could win a Coopers & Lybrand Budget-beating case of champagne.

Answer 'yes' or 'no' to each of the 10 predictions and send your completed form to: Budget Competition, the Independent on Sunday, 40 City Road, London EC1Y 2DB.

Entries must be received by Friday 26 November. The first correct entry drawn from our Budget bowler hat will receive 12 bottles of champagne. Usual competition rules apply. The winner, who must be over 18, will be announced in the Independent on Saturday 4 December and the Independent on Sunday on 5 December.

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