A TAUNTON couple are more than £1,000 better off thanks to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Siân Woodhouse and her fiancé Jacob Smith are among the first people in the country to benefit from changes in stamp duty for first time buyers announced by Philip Hammond in the Budget.

They completed the purchase of their new home just days after the new rules came into force on November 22.

Siân and Jacob had actually exchanged contracts before the Budget, but they were still able to benefit from the change as it took effect on completion of the deal.

Laura Godfrey, from Pardoes solicitors in Taunton, who advised Siân and Jacob on their purchase, said: "I am delighted that we were able to help them save over £1000 on stamp duty as a result of the changes.

"We have a number of other first time buyers who have exchanged and are in the process of completing who will all benefit from savings as a result of the changes."