FAMILIES across East Devon and West Dorset could be better off from today thanks to the Government.

FAMILIES across East Devon and West Dorset could be better off from today - thanks to the Government.It is today (Monday, April 6) implementing tax cuts and increasing benefits to provide help for families and individuals in dealing with the effects of the global economic downturn. A number of important changes for families and individuals will come into effect with the start of the new tax year today.Chancellor of The Exchequer, Alistair Darling, said: "We are determined to support families and businesses. The increases in child benefit, tax credits and pensions will provide extra help for millions of households across the country at a time when they need it most." The changes include: * Increased personal tax allowances, which will benefit 22 million basic rate taxpayers; * Increased child tax credits and working tax credits, benefiting over 4 million families; * Increases in the Basic State Pension for 12 million pensioners, and Pension Credit increases that benefit over 2 million pensioner households; * A new �190 grant for mums-to-be payable at the 25th week of pregnancy; * And since 5th January, over 7 million families have been benefiting from the increase in Child Benefit that was brought forward from April.