Mr Speaker, I now turn to a wide range of measures which I am taking to support the economy and the people of this country.

They will help businesses, support home-ownership and boost people`s incomes now.

Bringing forward capital spending, on major projects, supports jobs and businesses.

It is right that, at this time, we re-prioritise investment, from within the existing three-year limits, so that more money is being spent now, when the economy is weaker.

I can announce today that £3bn of capital spending will be brought forward from 2010/11 to this year and next.

The money will be used to:

* increase capacity in the motorway network,

* improve and build new social housing,

* renew primary and secondary schools,

* and invest in energy efficiency measures.