According to the Times, ministers are looking at ways to help poorer households with their energy bills, external to tackle fears of what the paper calls a “winter cost of living crisis”. Ahead of the budget, Chancellor John Healey is said to have asked officials for options to “cushion” households from price rises. Government sources are quoted as saying the chancellor wants to take a “hands on” approach, but warn that the “challenging” economic situation means any support is likely to be targeted.

The Daily Telegraph leads on allegations regarding the care of the explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes., external

The Guardian reports that there is at least a two-year delay for people in large parts of England waiting for autism assessments, external, due to surging demand. The paper says NHS care boards are struggling with the cost, and adopting different approaches to rationing assessments. The NHS Alliance’s mental health director tells the Guardian that health leaders are “keenly aware” of the issues and working to address them.

Downing Street advisors are said to be pushing for an election as soon as next year, external, reports the Daily Telegraph. However, one senior source is quoted as saying there is a “diverse” opinion across government about the timing of the next election. They add that Labour would be “naive not to be contemplating all scenarios”.

Sarah Ferguson, the former wife of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has received “seven-figure offers” for her autobiography, external, according to the Sun. Publishing sources tell the paper she is “days away” from a deal.

And the musician Rick Wakeman is pictured in the Guardian playing the piano to an audience of 150 bears in Vietnam., external The paper explains his performance at a sanctuary is aimed at raising awareness about bears being kept in terrible conditions. The former Yes keyboardist is said to have joked behind the mic: “Before you ask, I won’t be playing teddy bear’s picnic.”

Sign up for our morning newsletter and get BBC News in your inbox.