Three stories worth knowing today, in plain English: what happened, why it matters and what comes next.
New today: The Budget is now one day away, and the OBR has confirmed its forecast will be published alongside it.
Chancellor John Healey delivers his first Budget on Wednesday 28 October, under Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The Office for Budget Responsibility publishes its economic and fiscal forecast the same day.
Why it matters: The OBR forecast sets how much room the Chancellor has. That decides what is left for tax, spending and help with bills.
What next: Healey speaks in the Commons on Wednesday 28 October. The OBR forecast is published the same day.
Sources: HM Treasury, 31 July · Office for Budget Responsibility
The Bank of England held Bank Rate at 3.75% at its meeting on 17 September. Its next decision is on Thursday 5 November. Inflation rose to 3.5% in September, above the Bank's 2% target.
Why it matters: Bank Rate sets the price of borrowing. A rise would make new mortgages and loans dearer for households and firms.
What next: The Bank announces its decision on Thursday 5 November.
Sources: Bank of England · ONS
Builders in England started 35,910 homes between April and June, up 20% on a year earlier. Completions were 35,800, up 1% on the year. Permission was granted for 212,000 homes in the year to June, down from 242,000.
Why it matters: Permissions feed future building, so fewer of them make the 1.5 million homes target harder to reach. That matters most to renters and first-time buyers.
Sources: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government