Zen Brief

The coming Budget and pressure on the NHS ahead of winter shape the day. The IMF has backed the government's borrowing plans, while bankers warn of tax rises and hospitals face growing waiting lists.

1. 1 Cooper Pledges £140m to End NHS Corridor CareYvette Cooper announced £140m in urgent care funding, with ending corridor care for children a priority ahead of winter.
2. 2 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.
3. 3 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.
4. 4 IMF backs UK fiscal plan before autumn BudgetThe IMF praised the UK's plans to cut borrowing three times in 24 hours, giving Starmer's government rare backing before next month's Budget.
5. 5 NHS Surgery Waiting Times Rise as Winter Crisis DeepensWaiting lists for planned surgery are rising earlier than usual, prompting warnings about winter capacity in hospital trusts.