A week before the Budget, new figures show government borrowing and inflation both higher than the Chancellor would want. A London hospital also gets money for a new A&E, and the Home Office faces questions over fines for illegal working.
Debt interest bill hits a September record
The government borrowed £24.5bn in September, which was more than expected, because rising inflation pushed up the interest it pays on its debt. Debt interest alone came to £10.9bn. That is the highest September figure since records began and only the eighth time any monthly total has gone above £10bn. The figures put more pressure on John Healey before his first Budget next Wednesday, when he will set out any changes to tax and spending.
Source: The Guardian
Inflation rises to 3.5%
Consumer Prices Index inflation was 3.5% in September, up from 3.1% in August, which puts it close to its highest level in a year. In practice, everyday prices are rising faster again. This gives households another reason to follow next week’s Budget closely.
Source: Evening Standard
Romford A&E to be rebuilt with £42m
In London, the overcrowded A&E department in Romford has secured £42m for a rebuild. It was built for 325 patients a day but regularly sees more than twice that number. The money goes to a unit that has been working far beyond its capacity, which matters to anyone who relies on it.
Source: BBC London
Home Secretary orders review of illegal-working fines
A BBC investigation caught a lawyer offering to make a fine for employing illegal workers go away. In response, the Home Secretary has ordered a review of how these fines are issued and collected. Employers and workers both depend on these rules being applied fairly, so any changes that come out of the review are worth watching.
Source: BBC News
Benefit cuts wait on two reviews
BirminghamLive reports that Andy Burnham plans to announce cuts to DWP benefits through new legislation. Before he sets out his plans, he is waiting for the findings of the Timms Review and the Milburn Review. If you receive benefits, watch for both reports, because they are likely to shape what happens next.
Source: BirminghamLive
Man jailed after contacting a 12-year-old girl through Roblox
Ryan Caine has been jailed after he met a 12-year-old girl on the online game Roblox and then sent her a series of disturbing messages on WhatsApp. For parents, the case shows how contact that starts on a gaming platform can move to private messaging.
Source: Manchester Evening News
UK Today is a curated digest: we summarise and link, the reporting belongs to the publications named. Something wrong or missing? Tell us.
Sources
- BBC London: Overcrowded Romford A&E secures £42m for rebuild, accessed 21 October 2026
- Manchester Evening News: He met 12-year-old girl on Roblox then came a string of sick WhatsApp messages, accessed 21 October 2026
- BirminghamLive: Exact month Andy Burnham to announce DWP benefits cuts with new legislation, accessed 21 October 2026
- BBC News: Lawyer caught offering to make illegal-worker fine go away, accessed 21 October 2026
- The Guardian: UK government borrowing rises to £24.5bn as John Healey prepares for budget, accessed 21 October 2026
- Evening Standard: Inflation jumps to near-year high of 3.5% in pre-Budget blow to Chancellor John Healey, accessed 21 October 2026
The UK, for internationals
One email a week: the week's news for internationals in the UK, new practical guides and what changed in the cities. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
