The Coalition Government making its presence felt

An increase in capital gains tax (CGT) will be at the heart of any package of reforms. Currently, at a rate of 18% on "non-business assets", this is likely to increase to close to 40%.

The income tax threshold is likely to rise to £10,000 from April 2011, with plans to ditch the employee part of the proposed National Insurance increases.

The £1 million threshold on inheritance tax was always unlikely, while the Lib Dems have had to give up on their "mansion tax" on properties worth more than £2 million.

Public sector pensions are to come under scrutiny, with a commission to assess their sustainability.

Victims of the Equitable Life scandal in 2000 will benefit from a new compensation scheme that goes beyond that devised by the Labour government.