Zen Brief

Next week's Budget shapes much of today's news: higher inflation and borrowing narrow the Chancellor's options, and uncertainty is weighing on housing and hiring. Separately, the government pledged £140m for children's urgent care, and a care theft case renewed safeguarding concerns.

1. 1 Inflation surge limits Chancellor's Budget tax optionsHigher inflation and borrowing figures have reduced the room Chancellor John Healey has to work with ahead of next week's Budget.
2. 2 Small firms curb hiring as labour costs biteThe jobless rate is falling, but small businesses cite rising labour costs as a reason to hold back on hiring.
3. 3 Property Price Cuts Hit 15-Year High Ahead of BudgetAsking price cuts reached a 15-year high as uncertainty over the Budget weighs on the housing market.
4. 4 Cooper Pledges £140m to End NHS Corridor CareYvette Cooper announced £140m for urgent care, with ending corridor care for children a priority before winter.
5. 5 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.