2011 Budget: Predictions and hopes

The IT industry anticipates some big announcements

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne is to unveil the 2011 Budget at 12.30 today.

Predictions and hopes mooted by the IT industry to date have included the following:

- A more strategic vision for how organisations and technology can deliver innovation and growth across the economy.

- Incentives and support for technology investment and development.

- Plans for 50,000 additional apprenticeships and 100,000 extra work experience placements in engineering, manufacturing and IT.

- Funding for training public sector workers in negotiating multisourcing contracts.

- Increased investment in broadband for rural areas.

- More money for the development of the UK's Public Sector Network.

- Possible simplification of the tax system, where self-employed IT managers may be impacted.

Tune in today to watch the Budget live, and keep an eye out for breaking news and analysis on the Budget at Computing.co.uk.