Taxpayers in the top 1.5 per cent income band have been targeted for tax rises in the chancellor's 2009 Budget speech.

A 50 per cent income tax rate for those earning £150,000 or more a year will come in from April next year.

The government had originally planned an increase in the higher rate tax band from 40 per cent to 45 per cent, which was due to come into force in 2011, but this now appears to have been sidelined.

In addition, higher-rate tax relief on pensions, which is currently 40 per cent, will be gradually brought back in line with the lower rate of 20 per cent, Darling said.

Other tax rises include alcohol and cigarettes, which will go up two per cent from midnight, while fuel duty will rise by 2p a litre from September.