Zen Brief

The coming Budget shaped much of the day's economic news: the housing market and banks are bracing for it, while the IMF offered support for the government's borrowing plans. Separately, the government announced new funding for children's urgent care, and a theft case raised questions about safeguarding of the elderly.

1. 1 Property Price Cuts Hit 15-Year High Ahead of BudgetAsking price cuts reached their highest rate in 15 years as uncertainty over the coming Budget weighs on the housing market.
2. 2 Cooper Pledges £140m to End NHS Corridor CareYvette Cooper announced £140m in urgent care funding, with ending corridor care for children a priority before winter.
3. 3 Nurse's £750k theft exposes care sector safeguarding gapsA nurse was convicted of stealing £750,000 from a 99-year-old client, renewing calls for stronger safeguarding of vulnerable elderly people.
4. 4 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.
5. 5 IMF backs UK fiscal plan before autumn BudgetThe IMF praised UK plans to cut borrowing three times in 24 hours, giving the government rare backing before next month's Budget.