An IT contractor has compared changes to the tax credits system proposed by chancellor George Osborne in his emergency Budget as "poll tax material".

Speaking to Reuters, 47-year-old contractor John Lacey said that he expects lots of people to be put off sticking to their financial plans.

He told the news agency: "It is very brave to play around with that, so many people in this country live off the tax credit system.

"Honestly, I'm glad I don't have to make the decisions."

Analysts have had mixed reactions to Mr Osborne's Budget announcements concerning tax.

Institute for Public Policy Research senior economist Tony Dolphin said that the Budget could put Britain at risk of succumbing to a double-dip recession.

He said: "The overall Budget does put the economy at risk.

"If the British people become cautious about their spending - that makes companies worry about their investment."