Finance Minister Bill English is set to deliver the Government's seventh Budget this afternoon.

And it is hoped New Zealand's growing economy will be translated into real, everyday benefits for households and businesses.

Finance Minister Bill English will deliver the Budget this afternoon.

'We're currently doing well compared to other developed economies,” says Bill. 'However, a few years of good economic growth is not enough – there is still much more to do.

Budget 2015 will set out the next steps in the National-led Government's economic programme.

Bill says the Government's focus remains front and centre on ensuring the economy continues to perform well.

'That's because it's only through a strong, growing economy that we're able to create more jobs, lift wages and deliver better public services to those who need them most,” he says.

'It also means we're able to deliver important policies that provide opportunities for more New Zealanders and their families to get ahead.”

In his pre-Budget speech on April 14, Prime Minister John Key outlined some important announcements ahead of the Budget.

'Two of the most important ways we can achieve sustainable, long-term growth are through innovation and investing in the education of our young people,” says John.

He revealed the Government will provide another $244 million over the next four years for:

*Seven new schools for 4,000 extra students in Auckland, Hamilton, Whakatane, Gisborne, Hastings and Canterbury.

*Major expansions at four other schools in Auckland, Papamoa and Queenstown.

*An extra 241 classrooms at existing schools right across New Zealand.

He also announced the Government will invest another $80 million over four years in encouraging more private sector research and development (R&D).

This is on top of the $566 million already committed to private sector R&D grants over four years.

It also means the National-led Government has boosted science funding significantly. This year it will total $1.5 billion – a 70 per cent increase since 2008.