The Chancellor was keen to please families and pensioners in the last Budget before going to the polls.

There were no apparent losers in a string of announcements offering tax cuts and investment in public services.

Schools and hospitals were promised multi-million pound investment; savers and income tax payers saw increases to the money they will have in their pockets rather than Government coffers and drinkers and smokers were able to breathe a sigh of relief as alcohol duty was frozen and tobacco prices increased in line with inflation.

Campaign groups and industry pundits have responded with scepticism at what many see as an attempt to deliver a popular pre-election sweetener.

Despite the freeze on alcohol duty, Sussex brewers were disappointed by the Budget.

Bev Robbins, chairman of the Sussex Society of Licensed Victuallers Association, said: "The Chancellor had no choice but to freeze the duty because billions are being lost in smuggling and day trippers going abroad for alcohol and cigarettes.

"We are disappointed he hasn't seen fit to put beer duty down so we can compete with our Continental friends."

Gordon Brown placed pensioners' needs high on the agenda as he confirmed the weekly rise for basic pensions at £5 for a single person and £8 for a couple.

Dorothy Engmann, director of Brighton and Hove Age Concern, said: "There's no surprising news for pensioners. The rise to the basic state pension is a welcome increase but we are worried many are going to have to apply for extra benefits."

At the other end of the age scale, investment in children was a major focus.

Pat Hawkes, Brighton and Hove councillor for school effectiveness, said: "The announcement of extra money for families as well as investment in schools is a brilliant move."

Mr Brown announced head teachers would see their school budgets rise by between £13,000 to £63,000 for primary schools and £68,000 to £115,000 for secondary schools, depending on size.

David Hart, general secretary of the Sussex-based National Association of Headteachers, said: "I am absolutely delighted the Chancellor has increased the money going straight into schools to be spent as they wish."

The NHS also saw promises of cash injections with help to bring old-style wards up to standard and a £135 million campaign to recruit more staff.

Andrew Partington of East Sussex, Brighton and Hove Health Authority, said: "We will be looking at the details to see what it means for Sussex where we spend more than £500 million each year. The news of money for physical investment and recruitment is welcome."

He said: "My constituents have now seen through a Government which taxes more and delivers less.

Business was not overlooked. Changes to VAT and a commitment to reduce red tape were made.

Mark Froud, director of policy at Sussex Enterprise, said: "This was a political Budget aimed at the individual, not the businesses. Once again we have a promise but few practical proposals for tackling the red tape issue."

Labour MPs said they had been given the perfect package to sell in the forthcoming election campaign.

Liberal Democrats and Tories said the public would not be fooled by a cynical Budget which had failed to tackle key issues.

Brighton Kemp Town Labour MP Des Turner said the Chancellor had been prudent.

He said: "It was heavily targeted towards the areas where a lot of people in my constituency need it most."

However, East Worthing and Shoreham Tory MP Tim Loughton said it was a "10p on, 1p off Budget".

He said Gordon Brown was only giving back a small amount of money he had raked in through "stealth taxes".

With thanks to Garry Spencer, partner with Worthing-based Wilbury Financial Management, who provided Budget analysis.