To start with, the engine management light and the brakes not being right are 2 entirely different things, so treat them as such.
The most common fault with diesels of this sort of age is the EGR valve clogging up - basically, this pulls some of the exhaust gases back through the engine again to clean them up a bit more. However, the valve that controls the gas flow ends up getting clogged by part-burnt diesel, which has the consistency of tar. The valve then sticks, either in the open or closed position, and you get an engine management light.
No guarantee it is that, but it's always a good prime suspect.
Regarding the brakes : it could be anything, from pads/discs worn, to a leak in brake fluid, a servo failing, or even the brake fluid (possibly) never having been changed in the last 9 years, and in need of that.
First step, open the bonnet, and find the brake fluid reservoir. DON'T open it, but have a look at it from the outside. If the level is low, then it needs topping up or the fluid changing. Also, if the level is low, then ask why it is low - could be a leak somewhere, which realistically a garage will need to get it up in the air to have a look at.
One other point : if at all possible, don't go to a main agent for this, they'll probably skin you alive. Hopefully, you've got a decent independent garage in your area.
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