British chancellor unveils pre-election budget

London - British Chancellor George Osborne set out a blueprint for "national recovery" on Wednesday as he announced tax changes and other sweeteners in his government's final budget before a general election in May.

"Today I report on a Britain that is growing, creating jobs and paying its way," Osborne said in his budget speech to parliament, promising to deliver a "truly national recovery."

He promised more investment in manufacturing and science, and in poorer northern regions, raising the national hourly wage by 20 pence to £6.70 this autumn.