CIDER producers, farmers and savers were among the big winners from George Osborne’s Budget – but his broadband assurances have been branded unrealistic by Herefordshire business leaders.

The Chancellor last week delivered his final Budget before May’s General Election, telling MPs Britain was “walking tall again”.

Measures introduced included a two per cent cider duty cut, while farmers will be allowed to average their incomes for tax purposes over five years, instead of the current two years.

But Mr Osborne’s claims that every house in the country could soon receive ultra-fast broadband was questioned here in the county.

“Broadband is the biggest barrier to business growth in Herefordshire,” said Angela Fitch, development manager with the Federation of Small Businesses, who was sceptical about Mr Osborne’s proposal.

The FSB’s Herefordshire chairman, Richard Asghar- Sandys, agreed, saying some county businesses remain on dial-up internet, the outdated system of accessing the web which broadband replaced.

He added that rural areas such as Herefordshire should benefit first from technology projects, instead of urban areas, a move he says would make it a more level playing field.

The pair were speaking during an FSE-led conference on Budget day at the Hereford College of Arts’ College Road campus which was attended by business leaders.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) welcomed the income agreement, saying it will allow farmers to manage market volatility.

“We are very pleased that Mr Osborne said he had listened to the NFU and will allow farmers to average their incomes over five years,” said NFU President, Meurig Raymond.

“As he mentioned in his speech, farmers are increasingly facing a volatile marketplace and this will enable them to manage the impacts of this.”

Hereford MP Jesse Norman said the news was “great news for Herefordshire farmers”.

The county’s Green Party, however, said coalition policies have failed the people of Herefordshire.

“This Budget only promises more of the same when what we need is a complete change in direction,” said Daisy Blench, the Green Party’s prospective parliamentary candidate for north Herefordshire.

“The Greens want to create a fair, green economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few,”