With interest rates at a historic low, it currently costs the government very little to borrow money, so what are their options for investing in the future?

Noble Francis, chief economist at the Construction Products Association, told the Today programme that investment should be made in areas such as maintenance and repair work "that will benefit the short term and the long term". He said that the private sector will "have to play a part" but there is currently a "lack of private sector finance".

Charlie Elphike, Conservative MP and supporter of the Free Enterprise Group, said that private money is essential because "there isn't public sector money" available, adding that the country needs "short-term stimulus back".

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