Bill Fawcett, in Bristol, emails: "I am a 19-year-old student at the University of Warwick, and the three most important things I would like to see in this budget are the increasing of the Personal Income Tax Allowance, so that when I am in a job I get to keep more of my hard won earnings. I would like to see also a real emphasis on getting young people into work, with more on apprenticeships and internships, especially paid ones. Lastly I would like to see a ring fence around the budget for the NHS, so that I am safe in the knowledge that it will be protected for my generation, my kids' generation and many generations to come."

Laura Kuenssberg
Chief Correspondent, presenter @BBCNewsnight

Osborne relishing this mornings job numbers - sticks in Labour's throat he can boast of moves to 'full employment'

Image source, Getty Images

The chancellor is underlining the importance of manufacturing. "Britain's manufacturing output has grown more than four-and-a-half times faster than it did in the entire decade before the crisis." And over the last year, the North grew faster than the South, he says. "We are seeing a truly national recovery."

George Osborne goes for a direct attack on Ed Miliband - he says that the Labour leader predicted Britain would lose a million jobs. In fact 1.9 million jobs have been gained.

Jacqueline Emmerson, in Sunderland, emails: As a solicitor dealing with estate planning I would be delighted if the inheritance tax threshold were raised. This has not changed for years for single or divorced clients.

The OBR has also revised up next year's GDP forecast to 2.3%.

Andy Verity
Business reporter

Growth revised up - but only just. 2015 - 2.5% (vs Dec forecast of 2.4%). 2016 - 2.3% (was 2.2%). But 2017 figure is lower at 2.3% (was 2.4)

Growth in 2015 was forecast to be 2.3% this time last year. It was revised upwards to 2.4% in the autumn statement and today the GDP growth forecast for 2015 stands is higher still at 2.5%, the chancellor announces. That's lower than the 2014 rate of growth though.

The Office for Budget Responsibilitty confirms that Britain's growth in 2014 was 2.6% - "faster than any other major advanced economy in the world last year".

Isabel Hardman
Assistant editor, The Spectator

Labour heckling squad of Michael Dugher, Anas Sarwar, Gavin Shuker and Jon Ashworth on the steps. Chamber rowdier than usual #budget2015

Chris, in Brighton, emails: "If the government is serious about tackling a pension crisis, why not introduce a 30% tax relief band for all? 75% of Tax Relief goes to higher rate tax payers at present. A 30% universal tax relief would be revenue neutral and a big bonus to ordinary workers paying into their pension. "

This will be a "truly national recovery", and savers and pensioners will benefit, the chancellor says. "We have a plan that is working and this Budget works for you." That's the end of the opening - lots of shouting and excitement, so much so that Deputy Speaker Lindsay Hoyle steps in and asks for a bit of quiet.

Sterling continues to fall in the wake of today's unemployment figures, with the pound down 0.7% against the US dollar to $1.4641.

Robert Peston
Economics editor

Osborne: there will be no unfunded spending #Budget2015

George Osborne is emphasising the long-term over any kind of "short-term giveaway". He thumps the despatch box as he declares Britain's goal is to become "the most prosperous nation in the world".

Living standards are quickly addressed - that's Labour's big line of attack but the chancellor is seeking to meet it head on. "We're selling more bank shares and getting taxpayers' money back." He repeats the "walking tall" line. Looks like that might be the soundbite.

George Osborne begins: "Today I report on a Britain that is growing, creating jobs and paying its way." He says the government took "difficult decisions... and it worked. Britain is walking tall again." Big "hear-hears" from the government benches there.

Robert Peston
Economics editor

Last budget of this parliament. This will be big #Budget2015

George Osborne is on his feet. After all the leaking and second-guessing, Budget 2015 is under way.

Tom Watson raises the Cyril Smith child abuse probe after yesterday's revelations. He wants a "cast-iron guarantee" that those with knowledge of the "cover-ups" are given "full whistleblower protections". David Cameron says: "I don't want to see anyone prosecuted for uncovering wrongdoing in this way."