Business News Roundup: April Bill Hikes and More

Stay informed with the latest business news, including upcoming bill hikes, Santander outage, dog safety in cars, landlord fines, and a shoplifting incident.

Business News Roundup: April Bill Hikes and More

Welcome to your daily dose of business news. Today, we're covering a range of topics, from looming household bill increases to a major bank outage and even some unusual criminal activity. Let's dive in.

Bill-mageddon is Coming: Prepare for April's Price Hikes

Get ready for your wallet to feel a bit lighter. Over half a dozen major household bills are set to rise this April, impacting millions of households across the United Kingdom. Everything from water to council tax is going up, potentially adding hundreds of pounds to your annual expenses. It's time to start looking for ways to save!

Conceptual image of rising bills, with a hand trying to hold back a flood of bills

One expert suggests taking proactive steps to mitigate the impact. "The key is to be prepared," they say. "Look at your spending, identify areas where you can cut back, and shop around for better deals on utilities and services."

Santander Suffers Outage, Leaving Customers Frustrated

If you're a Santander customer, you may have experienced some frustration recently. The bank has been hit by a major outage, leaving users unable to access their accounts through mobile and telephone banking. Branch services and card payments have also been affected, causing widespread disruption and anger among customers.

Santander has confirmed the service issues and is working to resolve them as quickly as possible. However, the outage serves as a reminder of the importance of having backup plans for accessing your money.

Dog Safety in Cars: Are You Breaking the Law?

Are you a dog owner? If so, listen up! A recent survey has revealed that the majority of drivers are breaking the law by travelling with unrestrained dogs in their cars. This seemingly harmless act can result in a hefty fine and penalty points on your license. Make sure your furry friend is properly secured before hitting the road.

A dog safely secured in a car with a harness and seatbelt attachment

“It's not just about the fine," says a traffic safety expert. "An unrestrained dog can be a major distraction while driving, increasing the risk of an accident. Plus, in the event of a crash, an unrestrained dog is much more likely to be seriously injured."

Other Headlines: From Shoplifting to Landlord Fines

In other news, a brazen shoplifter was caught on video strolling out of a Tesco supermarket in London with a basket full of cooking oil and a bottle of red wine. The video has gone viral, sparking debate about retail crime and security measures.

A CCTV still of a person casually walking out of a grocery store with a basket of items.

On a more somber note, a landlord couple has been fined £90,000 after an e-bike fire in their "grossly overcrowded" flat led to the tragic death of a father-of-two, Mizanur Rahman. The incident occurred in the Shadwell area of east London and highlights the dangers of unsafe housing conditions.

Stay tuned for more business news updates!

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