Zen Brief

Uncertainty over the autumn Budget runs through today's economic news, from falling asking prices to banks' warnings on lending. Separately, the government announced new funding for children's urgent care, and a theft case has renewed concern over care safeguards.

1. 1 Small firms curb hiring as labour costs biteHeadline unemployment is improving, but small businesses cite rising labour costs and are holding back on hiring, pointing to a split economy.
2. 2 Property Price Cuts Hit 15-Year High Ahead of BudgetProperty asking price cuts have reached their highest rate in 15 years, as uncertainty over the upcoming Budget weighs on the housing market.
3. 3 Cooper Pledges £140m to End NHS Corridor CareYvette Cooper announced £140m for urgent care, with ending corridor care for children the priority before winter pressure on hospitals.
4. 4 Nurse's £750k theft exposes care sector safeguarding gapsA nurse's conviction for stealing £750,000 from a 99-year-old client has renewed calls for stronger safeguarding of vulnerable elderly people.
5. 5 Banks lobby against autumn Budget tax increaseSenior bankers warn that expected tax rises in the autumn Budget could reduce lending and investment across the UK economy.