Entrants for the “Chance to be Chancellor” competition had to grapple with issues that challenge Alistair Darling as he prepares for the Budget on Wednesday. Students were to create their own Budgets and justify their plans for public spending. They were given 27 possible policies to include, including increased flood defences, extra funding for the 2012 Olympic Games and free dental care. They also had to balance the books, forcing them to choose their policies carefully.

The competition, run by The Citizenship Foundation, an education charity that is supported by Norwich Union and The Times, was open to students aged 14 to 18 and was endorsed by Mr Darling.

The most popular policy was the plan for 100 new GPs' surgeries in areas with the poorest provision. Nearly half of all entrants included this measure. Tellingly, 46 per cent of students opted to boost funding for sporting facilities in schools and youth clubs. University fees featured heavily - 42 per cent opted to cut fees and increase grants.

Tanim Zaman, 17, from Seven Kings High School in Ilford, was awarded first prize. He impressed the judges with a well-argued speech, the essential points of which are published here. (Grainne Gilmore)

Britain is currently in one of the longest periods of continuous economic growth since 1992. It is my aim to keep our country in this period of prosperity, stability and growth.

The fundamental objective of this year's Budget is to secure the prosperity of families and all British citizens. We aim to further enhance living standards for everyone, particularly the unfortunate and less well-off - people who are often neglected by society.

Global warming is the most serious threat our planet has ever faced and its disastrous effects are visible all around the globe.

As witnessed in recent times, flooding has become undesirably common in Britain, and we must prepare to face more calamities. There will be increased spending on flood defences, alongside more resources for improved response units in all local councils.

I can confirm the opening of 100 new GP surgeries in areas with the poorest provision. If these surgeries are not built, people in remote areas will experience suffering which should not be experienced in a developed country like ours.

Statistics tell us that incidents of vandalism, gun crime, knife crime and antisocial behaviour have risen in recent years.

This is affecting our nation to such an extent that many weaker and more vulnerable citizens do not feel safe enough to leave their homes. It is on this basis that we have decided to provide funding for an extra five Police Community Support Officers in each police force, in all areas of the UK.

In 2006 we increased child benefit payments. Material deprivation during childhood can be injurious for children. Our future and success reside in our children, which is why we will further increase child benefit for all families.

We will fund a scheme to provide free bus transport for the elderly and disabled. The scheme will give these neglected groups of society greater mobility and enable them to stop living in isolation. By improving mobility, it will be possible to almost halve the number of carers needed. This considerable section of the population will be able to go out and spend, positively contributing to the economy.

As the Government of a wealthy and responsible developed country, it is our duty to help and support countries which are handicapped by war, corruption and famine. This is why we will grant extra money for aid and poverty relief in the poorest and most exploited areas, such as Darfur in Sudan.

Britain's Armed Forces have been very active in the past few years, serving courageously in Afghanistan and Iraq. We should be proud of our brave troops. They have faced battles in hostile locations and they deserve the best possible accommodation.

I am glad to announce that we will carry out a massive investment in order to improve army housing, army barracks and facilities for those returning from service in the Middle East.

Figures show that one in eight primary school children now speaks English as a second language. At least 27,000 school-aged children have arrived with their parents in the UK since 2004. The huge increase in numbers of students from countries such as Poland is leaving some councils with massive bills to fund additional support. This is why we will be granting extra funds to provide one-to-one support for 300,000 young children who struggle with maths and English. This will allow all children to have a more solid basic education that they can build upon to equip themselves with the skills required to get good jobs.

I can announce a greater investment in sport, with increased sporting facilities in schools, youth clubs and local authorities, making sporting activities available for all. Making sport activities more accessible and available will not only improve the health of Britain's youth, but will also help to reduce the levels of crime, vandalism and anti-social behaviour. We believe this is what Britain needs to boost the quality of life in our country.

This is the Budget for 2008, a Budget for fairness, equality and prosperity. I commend this Budget to the House.

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