Pre-Budget report: Main points

Key points from the pre-Budget report:

ECONOMY:
UK growth predicted to be 3.25% this year and between 3% and 3.5% in 2005. Gordon Brown said his 'golden rule' would be met.

FUEL DUTY:
A freeze on fuel duty continues due to volatile oil prices.

CHILDCARE:
15 hours a week free childcare for three/four-year-olds (up from 10 at present), paid maternity leave of nine months (up from six months) - both from April 2007

COUNCIL TAX:
£1bn to help local authorities keep council tax down.

SECURITY:
£105m is being released to boost counter terrorism and enhance surveillance at ports.

TRAINING:
Each unskilled adult to be given free training opportunities.

CIVIL SERVICE:
A total of 20,000 civil servants will be relocated to the regions by 2010.

SCIENCE:
Creation of 'Science Cities' in York, Newcastle and Manchester.

TAX:
Clampdown on tax avoidance including tackling film tax legislation abuse.

PENSIONERS:
Pensioners over 70 will receive an additional £50 payment as part of the winter fuel allowance, giving a total of £250. And pensioners aged over 80 will receive a total of £350.

WORK:
Single parents would get £40 return to work bonus and a £40 credit for people on incapacity benefit to help them into employment.

SCHOOLS:
Cash so schools can stay open between 0800 and 1800 to help working parents.

TRUST FUNDS:
Government is to consult on extending child trust fund scheme. It will also give additional sums of £250 and £500 when children turn seven.