Zen Brief

Next week's Budget shapes much of the day's economic news, with higher inflation and borrowing limiting the government's options and unsettling the housing market. Separately, the government announced new funding for children's urgent care, and a theft case has renewed scrutiny of care for the elderly.

1. 1 Inflation surge limits Chancellor's Budget tax optionsHigher inflation and borrowing figures have narrowed the Chancellor's room for manoeuvre ahead of next week's Budget.
2. 2 Small firms curb hiring as labour costs biteHeadline unemployment is falling, but small businesses say rising labour costs are leading them to cut back on hiring.
3. 3 Property Price Cuts Hit 15-Year High Ahead of BudgetAsking price cuts are at a 15-year high as uncertainty over the Budget weighs on Britain's 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 safeguards for vulnerable elderly people.