This month's headlines share a common thread: mounting pressure ahead of the Budget.

Inflation has climbed to 3.1% as fuel costs surge, even as the economy posted a surprise, AI-driven growth spurt. At the same time, HMRC cancelled a record number of tax penalties on appeal, raising questions about how automated fines are issued in the first place, while new research suggests six in 10 UK millionaires have considered leaving Britain altogether over fears of further tax rises.

Individually, these stories touch on inflation, growth, tax administration and wealth planning. Together, they point to a wider picture: with Chancellor John Healey's first Budget just weeks away, uncertainty is building on multiple fronts, and both households and higher earners are bracing for what comes next.

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