Stamp duty is a bonus... but firms will pay

Here are five key measures to be aware of after the Budget.

1

No immediate changes to income tax or National Insurance. 2

Stamp duty holiday on property purchases has been extended for another three months, after which it will taper down.

3

Medium-sized firms suffer the main tax burden with a 30% capital gains increase.

4

Existing furlough scheme extended until the end of September, with employers contributing too.

5

Self Employed Income Support Scheme to be extended in tiers four and five.

■ Sow beetroot, broad beans and lettuce outdoors. Indoors you can sow aubergines, tomatoes and peppers. ■ Plant out sweet pea seedlings. They will need supports to climb up – you can make your own from birch twigs or with willow cuttings. ■ Decks, driveways and patios have suffered through the incessant moisture dumped on them. They might be greening up or greying with moss or dirt. Hire a power washer and hose all these surfaces down. A stiff yard brush and some elbow grease will work wonders as well.

■ Keep winter bedding such as primulas, cyclamens and pansies looking good by regular dead heading. Or inject some spring colour. Garden centres are full of wonderful flowering plants such as polyanthus, Bellis perennis and erysimum so you can celebrate the season by potting up colourful combinations in baskets or tubs.

■ Protect emerging apricot and peach blossom from frosts by covering with horticultural fleece. It’s also a good time to plant fruit trees. If you don’t have lots of space outdoors, remember there are plenty of dwarf varieties and fruit bushes available.

It’s time to start feeding the fish again!