Britain's economy slowed sharply in August, raising fresh concerns about growth less than two weeks before Chancellor John Healey delivers his first Budget on October 28.
Gross domestic product (GDP) increased by just 0.1%, according to the Office for National Statistics, down from stronger-than-expected growth of 0.4% in July.
The UK's dominant services sector recorded no growth, while construction contracted by 0.2%, its fourth consecutive monthly decline, although manufacturing, oil and gas extraction and energy supply helped support output.
The disappointing figures come as the International Monetary Fund warned that Britain is increasing taxes faster than any other major Western economy, fuelling concerns that further tax rises could stifle growth.
The IMF forecasts that Britain's tax burden will reach a peacetime high of 41.9% of GDP by the start of the next parliament, adding to pressure on the Chancellor to deliver a Budget that supports business investment and economic growth.