News in Brief: March 25 - April 7

The UK’s inflation rate showed a modest improvement, falling from 3.0% in January to 2.8% in February. Core inflation, which excludes volatile components like energy and fuel, also eased slightly from 3.7% to 3.5%. While this downward trend is encouraging, it may be temporary. Rising employer National Insurance contributions, along with upcoming increases in council tax and energy bills, are expected to put upward pressure on inflation in the coming months. This outlook is likely to keep the Bank of England cautious, with their recent decision to hold interest rates suggesting limited appetite for rate cuts in the near term.

Retail sales figures surprised markets, defying expectations of a decline. February saw a 1% month-on-month increase, following a strong 1.4% rise in January (revised). Online sales led the gains, rising 3.3%, with clothing and household goods also performing well. Despite the positive data, the momentum may be short-lived, as higher prices could constrain consumer spending going forward.

For a broader round-up of the latest economic trends, see our News in Brief (25 March – 7 April).

‘Sadistic’ Teen Online Gangs Targeting Children, NCA Warns

The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has raised alarm over a rise in violent online abuse by so-called “com networks”—loosely connected groups, mainly made up of teenage boys, who use extreme coercion to manipulate victims, often children as young as 11. Reports of such activity have increased six-fold between 2022 and 2024.

Victims are forced into self-harm or harming siblings and pets, while offenders share violent, sadistic, and abusive material for notoriety and status. These groups operate like online street gangs, driven not by money but by fame, using cybercrime-style tactics to exploit and desensitise both victims and members. The NCA describes the trend as new, extreme, and deeply harmful, calling for urgent action by tech platforms, police, and Government.

Explore more on cybercrime trends in our News in Brief (25 March – 7 April).

Birmingham Residents Overwhelmed by Stench and Rats as Bin Strike Continues

A growing public health crisis is unfolding in Birmingham as a bin workers’ strike over pay leaves rubbish piling up across the city. In areas like Highgate and Balsall Heath, residents are surrounded by mountains of bin bags, the stench of rotting waste, and infestations of rats and mice.

The city council, which declared a major incident this week, has begun deploying extra trucks to manage the mess. However, officials say protestors have blocked waste depots, delaying collections further. Despite the conditions, some media outlets report that residents sympathise with the striking workers, highlighting deeper frustrations over pay and underfunded public services. The crisis also casts a spotlight on Birmingham’s broader financial struggles, after the city effectively declared bankruptcy less than two years ago.

Read additional local coverage in our News in Brief (25 March – 7 April).

MP Dan Norris Arrested Over Serious Allegations

Labour MP Dan Norris has been arrested on suspicion of rape, child sex offences, child abduction, and misconduct in public office. The Labour Party suspended him immediately after being informed. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed a man in his 60s was arrested and bailed as part of an investigation into non-recent offences from the 2000s and a rape allegation from the 2020s. The inquiry, led by Operation Bluestone, is ongoing.

Norris, 65, was elected in 2024 and previously served as an MP and Mayor of the West of England. He has not yet commented. Due to the legal and ethical implications, it’s important to await the outcome of the investigation before drawing conclusions.

For more political updates, visit our News in Brief (25 March – 7 April).

UK Bans Hidden Fees and Fake Online Reviews

The Government has introduced new consumer protection laws banning hidden fees and fake online reviews, aiming to save shoppers up to £2.2 billion a year. From now on, businesses must include all mandatory charges—such as booking, admin, and installation fees—in the upfront price. This affects websites in sectors like entertainment, travel, and retail. Optional extras like airline seat upgrades are not covered.

The law also targets fake reviews, making companies legally responsible for ensuring the reviews on their sites are genuine. This comes as research shows 90% of consumers rely on reviews, influencing £217 billion in online spending in 2023. The changes should help prevent misleading purchases, such as highly rated restaurants serving poor-quality meals or products that don’t match their descriptions.

Discover more on consumer protection in our News in Brief (25 March – 7 April).