Zen Brief

The coming Budget shaped much of the day: the IMF praised the government's plan to cut borrowing, while bankers warned that tax rises could curb lending. Separately, questions over deleted hospitality records, a nurse's theft conviction and rising NHS waiting lists drew attention.

1. 1 Nurse's £750k theft exposes care sector safeguarding gapsA nurse was convicted of stealing £750,000 from a 99-year-old client, prompting calls for stronger safeguards for vulnerable elderly people.
2. 2 Banks lobby against autumn Budget tax increaseSenior bankers warn that expected tax rises in the autumn Budget could curb lending and investment across the UK economy.
3. 3 Deleted Records on PM-City Dinners Spark Transparency RowDeleted hospitality records involving the prime minister and Manchester City's chairman have increased calls for clearer disclosure rules.
4. 4 IMF backs UK fiscal plan before autumn BudgetThe IMF praised UK plans to cut borrowing three times in 24 hours, giving the government rare international backing before next month's Budget.
5. 5 NHS Surgery Waiting Times Rise as Winter Crisis DeepensNHS waiting lists for planned surgery are rising earlier than usual, prompting warnings about hospital capacity this winter.