BUSINESS leaders paid Gordon Brown the ultimate compliment today. They said his budget was boring.

Budgets only make high political theatre when the economy is in trouble. The Chancellor has overseen low interest rates, high employment and financial stability for several years, a soporific success story.

But the Budget proved to be an alarming wake up call for some. Today hundreds of civil servants in York and North Yorkshire are fearing for their future after Mr Brown announced swingeing job cuts in both the work and pensions and the tax departments.

Most of us are left to wonder how it is possible for 40,000 people to be on the public pay roll who are apparently surplus to requirements.

For those in the firing line, one factor is in their favour. The day before the Budget, it was announced that thousands of Whitehall jobs were being relocated north. It would therefore make little sense to then start cutting existing posts in York.

The Budget contained good news for young and old. Headteachers have welcomed the extra money for every school. This should wipe out the memory of last summer's education cash crisis in York.

Pensioners are to get another £100 on the winter fuel allowance, offsetting the council tax increases that have caused such anger.

Mr Brown's cautious support for a mass house building programme could prove a boost to York's builders, although they also face a land bank tax. An emphasis on increasing social housing is crucial. His failure to increase the stamp duty threshold will do no favours for first-time buyers, however.

Meanwhile, Science City York received a shot in the arm from the Government's improved commitment to research and development.

It seems there are more winners than losers in "Boring" Brown's election budget.

Updated: 12:03 Thursday, March 18, 2004