Zen Brief

The coming Budget shapes much of the day: the IMF has praised the government's plan to cut borrowing, while bankers warn that tax rises could curb lending. Separate stories raise questions about elderly safeguarding, NHS winter capacity and Westminster transparency.

1. 1 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.
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 RowDetails of deleted hospitality records involving the prime minister and Man City's chairman have increased calls for clearer disclosure rules.
4. 4 IMF backs UK fiscal plan before autumn BudgetIMF officials have praised the UK's plans to cut borrowing, 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 winter capacity in hospital trusts.