Housing Market: Rightmove says Britain’s August house prices are at their weakest since 2018, with newly-listed homes down 2% to £364,999 and prices 1% lower than a year ago; it also cuts its 2026 growth forecast to 0% to -2%, citing mortgage-rate uncertainty and October Budget risks. Welfare Reform: Reform UK sets out plans to scrap Personal Independence Payment for working-age claimants if it wins power, replacing it with a new “Health Security Allowance” and reassessing millions over 3-4 years, with claimed savings of £22bn a year and a wider £50bn welfare reduction target. Employment Rights: Labour is urged to crack down on gig-economy “bogus self-employment” to protect 4m workers, with calls to enforce parental leave, redundancy pay and unfair dismissal rights via a strengthened Fair Work Agency. Water & Cost Pressures: In drought-hit England and Wales, water firms are exploring “surge pricing” style tariffs, while Ofwat and government say it’s about encouraging efficiency and keeping bills fair. Business & Regulation: The BRC backs Saturday jobs as vital entry-level work, warning Guaranteed Hours reforms could make flexible retail hiring harder. Energy Security: Oil and gas groups urge Andy Burnham to approve Rosebank and Jackdaw after consultations close, arguing for jobs and domestic supply. Public Safety: Record 1.9bn illegal cigarettes seized in the UK last year highlights the growing illicit trade on high streets.