Pre-Budget Report

King applauds pre-budget plan 4:10pm GMT

Bank of England Governor Mervyn King approves plans to stimulate the economy with tax cuts and government spending. Full Article

Darling confident on borrowing

Analysis: Darling suspends budget rules

Round-up: Drawing up the battle lines

MAIN POINTS

VAT to be cut to 15 from 17.5 pct

Govt borrowing to more than double

Growth forecast slashed to 0.75 pct

Three-mth grace period on arrears

Sharp rise in air passenger duty

New, 45 pct tax rate for highest earners

Small firms' tax rises deferred

An extra 100 mln stg to insulate homes

Pre-Budget Web Headlines

The Great Debate
Pre-budget report:

Are the pre-budget measures enough to stop a recession or a dangerous debt-fuel gamble? Join the debate. Go to Blog

ECONOMIC BACKGROUND

Inflation drops at record pace

Lower prices of petrol and pork in October helped consumer price inflation to post its biggest drop since records began, falling to an annual rate of 4.5 percent from September's peak of 5.2 percent. Full Article

Repossessions rise as crisis bites

Bank signals more rate cuts as economy shrinks

Latest market updates

China stocks end up 0.4 pct, rise for 7th session

European stock index futures point to higher open

Nikkei edges up as China hopes give boost

UK Stocks -- Factors to watch on Nov 9

Nikkei edges up on China hope but bank fears weigh

Bookies see Europe stocks extending winning run

RPT-Nikkei edges up; yen helps it shrug off US jobs data