London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Saturday, Dec 02, 2023

Energy bills, council tax, broadband and everything due to rise in price from 1 April

Energy bills, council tax, broadband and everything due to rise in price from 1 April

People will be facing increased costs on a number of items and services from today, including their council tax, mobile and broadband, while businesses face hikes in their energy bills.

Households and businesses are facing increased costs on a number of items and services today.

Broadband, mobile and water bills are among those being hiked, along with corporation and council tax and energy charges for businesses.

Here, Sky News explains what is affected - and what you can do if you're struggling.

Wages

The national minimum wage and the national living wage are both increasing. What's the difference? The national minimum wage is a legal requirement - employers must pay you at least this much. The national living wage is higher and workers get it if they're over 23.

The living wage is going up by 92p an hour to £10.42 an hour for workers aged 23 and over and the Resolution Foundation says this will be the biggest annual cash hike in the wage's 24-year history.

Around 1.7 million workers earning up to 5p above the previous minimum wage will be most likely to notice the difference in their pay packets. Another five million low-paid workers will also benefit, as employers look to maintain differentials between pay bands.

The new rates are:

*  The national living wage is increasing by 92p to £10.42

*  The rate for 21 and 22-year-olds is increasing by £1 to £10.18 an hour

*  The rate for 18-20-year-olds is going up 66p to £7.49

*  16-17-year-olds will get an increase of 47p to £5.28, as will apprentices

The Trades Union Congress, however, says the increase in the minimum wage is not enough to keep up with inflation, which has been at around 10% in recent months.

But a rise in the minimum wage is not good news for everyone - businesses have to find more money to pay their workers and, as we'll see later, they already have some pretty big price rises of their own to worry about.

Corporation tax


Corporation tax is going up six percentage points today to 25% for business with profits exceeding £250,000.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has insisted that this will only affect 10% of businesses.

Tina McKenzie, policy chair at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: "This week sees the end of meaningful energy support for most small firms, alongside rising employment costs and increases to corporation tax.

"The combined pressures facing firms right now will greatly impact small businesses' ability to weather the storm, and leaves them facing very tough choices.

"It's crucial we keep a strong small business economy so there are jobs, competition and a strong offer for consumers."

Alex Veitch, director of policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: "Changes on corporation tax, water bills and the minimum wage are all extra costs that businesses have known were coming. But when piled on top of energy bills they make it a difficult start to the new financial year.

"Firms knew before the budget that corporation tax would rise, and the super-deduction tax incentive was going, but its replacement does not appear as generous.

"The most recent BCC survey on investment found that only a fifth of firms were increasing investment and a similar number were reducing it.

"The government is unlikely to see the economic growth it desperately needs when so many businesses are still fighting to keep their heads above water."

Energy bills


Businesses will see massive hikes in their energy bills because the government's energy bill relief scheme comes to an end today.

The BCC has said that almost half of firms will be finding it difficult to afford to pay their bills from now on.

Mr Veitch said the organisation had suggested seven ways the government could help businesses get through this difficult time but "not one was acted upon".

These included things such as easing the burden of VAT on energy bills and funding for improved business energy efficiency.

Households are also facing the prospect of paying more for their energy supply.

Most will have received £400 from the government in the form of discounts on energy bills from late last year - so about £67 a month. Well, your last instalment of that was in March - it's over now.

There is some ongoing support for the most vulnerable, but the support will no longer be given to everyone regardless of circumstance.

The government's energy price guarantee, brought in late last year as a sort of de-facto price cap, will remain at £2,500 for the typical household.

But because most of us have lost the £400 government support, we will effectively be paying more.

Standing charges - the daily rate you pay to have an energy supply (regardless of how much you use) - are also going up from today.

Broadband, mobile and water bills


The average household water bill is going up by £31 a year to £448 - a rise of 7.5% - for customers in England and Wales.

Mobile and broadband prices are expected to rise by between 14% and 17%. Citizens Advice said these could add an average of £90 a year to household bills. This is especially frustrating, as many telecoms suppliers regularly hike bills anyway - even if you're in the middle of a contract.

Matthew Upton, director of policy at Citizens Advice, said: "We called on these firms to support their customers during this uniquely challenging time, but they didn't listen. Instead, they're pushing ahead with these mid-contract price rises.

"Ofcom should be holding these companies to account, but it has kicked the can down the road with a review that won't land until the end of the year.

"When the regulator does act, it must deal with this once and for all by banning any future mid-contract price hikes."

Council tax


Most local authorities are hiking council tax by 5% from April.

This means that a band D home can expect to pay about an extra £100 a year, with the average bill topping £2,000 for the first time, according to government figures released last week.

Personal tax


The rate of personal tax hasn't actually increased, but you're still likely to end up paying more. Let me explain.

The government announced back in November that personal tax thresholds - the point at which a worker starts paying tax or starts paying tax at a higher rate - will be frozen in England, Wales and Northern Ireland until 2028.

Incomes generally rise - especially when workers are having to cope with high inflation and other living costs. But if the tax thresholds stay the same, more workers get dragged into the next tax band. This is what economists call fiscal drag and it's what newspapers often call a stealth tax.

The Institute of Fiscal Studies says that the freezing of income tax and national insurance allowances and thresholds will cost most basic rate taxpayers an extra £500 and most higher rate taxpayers £1,000.

The Resolution Foundation says the size of the UK's 'stealth tax' threshold freeze over six years has almost trebled to £25bn, compared to the £9bn forecast when it was originally announced in the 2021 budget, and later extended.

Anything else?


You mean that's not enough?

Prescription charges are going up in England by 30p from today, taking the fee per item to £9.65.

We already know that the price of food is continuing to rise, and train fares were increased earlier this year. Mortgage rates have gone up - fine if you're sitting on a fixed rate, but potentially very painful if you're about to re-mortgage.

And renters aren't safe either - if a landlord is having to pay more to own the house, you can bet they're likely to recoup at least some of that from the occupants.

The average prices of unleaded, super unleaded and diesel are expected to fall, however. That's right - fall! You might remember those crazy days of July when a litre of unleaded was averaging 191.43p - well, by 15 March, it was sitting at 147.28p.

And according to RAC Fuel Watch, the prices will fall further. Well, at least that's one thing.

So what can you do if you're struggling?


The most important thing is not to ignore the bills. They won't get better or go away.

Contact the company you owe money to and they are likely to be able to help - they could arrange an instalment plan with you, reduce your repayments, or pause your repayments in some circumstances.

Contact your council and see if you're eligible for any help from them.

If you're in debt or just looking for some help, contact an organisation like the CAB or a debt advice service such a StepChange. This advice should be free.

Newsletter

Related Articles

London Daily
Close
0:00
0:00
Trump’s lawyers say he did not take an oath ‘to support the Constitution’
You Are So Beautiful
Henry Kissinger, the influential American diplomat, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and former Secretary of State, passed away at 100 at his Connecticut home.
Postmodern Jukebox European Tour Version
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dr. Parnpreeb Commends ICRC's Role in Hostage Release
An old French tune (by Georges Brassens) Pomplamoose ft. John Schroeder
Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the crypto exchange FTX who was convicted of fraud earlier this month, is adjusting to his new life in the detention center where he awaits sentencing.
Sattahip Motor Show 20
Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the crypto exchange FTX who was convicted of fraud earlier this month, is adjusting to his new life in the detention center where he awaits sentencing.
SONATE AU CLAIR DE LUNE - Moonlight sonata
The political network founded by the billionaire industrialist brothers Charles and David Koch has endorsed Nikki Haley in the Republican presidential nominating contest
A kiss to build a dream on
Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett's longtime investing partner, dies at 99
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Robert De Niro told an awards ceremony a speech he was reading had been edited without his knowledge, removing critical comments about Donald Trump
Mean Blues
Standard Chartered is in the early stages of a search for its next chair as the bank prepares for the departure of Jose Vinals, who’s entering his eighth year in the role
La Chansonnette
Eurostar to Suspend Amsterdam to London Service for 6 Months
Pattaya Addicts
California is not considered a racist place. Or so it seems.
Franz Liszt - Liebestraum - Love Dream
Sam Altman's return to OpenAI marks a significant turn of events for Microsoft and its relationship with the AI giant.
Dream a little dream of me
Radical immigrants set on fire police cars and loot shops in Dublin.
Unchained Melody sung like you've NEVER heard!
The BBC Caught Again with Questionable Journalistic Standards, as Ugly Facts Undermine Its Attractive Yet Flawed Arguments
Dave Brubeck - Take Five
This video reveals that Target's Black Friday promotions are entirely fake, with no actual discounts. The prices before and after are identical!
Édith Piaf - Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien (Sofie)
Israel's Spokesperson Mark Regev's Response to Comparisons Between Palestinian Teenage Terrorists and Young Innocent Victims of Hamas Captivity
Rondo Alla Turca
Here is a video showing the moment of the release of the captives by the terrorist organization Hamas and their transfer to the Red Cross on their way back to the State of Israel.
Kiss of fire
Here is a video showing the moment of the release of the captives by the terrorist organization Hamas and their transfer to the Red Cross on their way back to the State of Israel.
Tom Jones - I´ll Never Fall In Love Again 1967, 1989, 2001
Bill Gates Envisions a Possible 3-Day Work Week with AI
Israel Cachao López - Guajira Clásica
Viktor Orban's Provocative Assertions and Their Significance in Europe
Edward Maya - Stereo Love (feat. Vika Jigulina) (Extended Mix)
Orban's Blunt Challenge to Brussels: Embracing National Sovereignty in Migration Policy
Strauss - Radetzky March - Karajan
OpenAI Staff Rebellion: 500 Employees Demand Board Resignation in Dramatic Standoff
La vie en rose
OpenAI Staff Rebellion: 500 Employees Demand Board Resignation in Dramatic Standoff
The Temptations - My Girl (Smokey Robinson Tribute) 2006 Kennedy Cent
Over 200 Convicted in Italy's 'Ndrangheta Mafia Trial
Orlando Cachaito Lopez Redencion
In a scandalous revelation at the COVID-19 inquiry, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is under fire for an alleged remark that suggests a chilling indifference to human life during the pandemic
Edith Piaf - NON, JE NE REGRETTE RIEN
Abu Dhabi-Backed Fund Poised to Assume Control of UK's Telegraph Media Group
RADETZKY MARCH-2008-Wien, New Year Concert
Sam Altman and Greg Brockman Join Microsoft Amidst OpenAI Developments
Only you (And you alone)
Reporters Without Borders Unveils News Platform to Counter Russian Propaganda
Strangers In The Night
Singer Shakira will pay a fine of eight million euros after being accused of evading taxes worth 14.5 million euros during the years 2012-2014.
Charles Aznavour - La Boheme
Hungary's Orbán Asserts Ukraine Is Far from EU Membership
Summer time
Racial Bias in AI Leads to Wrongful Arrest Due to False Recognition
Sting and Stevie Wonder - Fragile (from Sting's 60th birthday concert)
Orban Stresses Hungary's Need to Reform the EU Rather Than Exiting It
Aux Champs Elysees
Biden Advocates for Palestinian Authority to Govern Gaza and West Bank
Stand By Me - Ben E. King (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Brigitte Macron Opens Up About Her Marriage to Younger President Emmanuel Macron
La Mer (Beyond the Sea) – Avalon Jazz Band
Apple and Disney Halt Ads on X Following Elon Musk's Antisemitic Post, US Reacts
She
Finland Shuts Four Crossing Points on Russia Border
Nathalie Song by Enzo Petrachi Stjepan Hauser Cello
Viktor Orbán Welcomes Cameron's Political Return
Shape of My Heart - Sting (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
The UK’s Supreme Court, in a move that surprised no one who respects international law and human rights, has just delivered a landmark ruling against Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s immigration strategy.
Radiohead - Creep
YouTube has introduced an AI feature named Dream Track that can mimic the voices of celebrities such as Demi Lovato and John Legend, enabling users to compose brief songs by specifying lyrics and mood
Quizás,Quizás,Quizás - Andrea Bocelli - Jennifer Lopez
Viktor Orbán Welcomes Cameron's Political Return
Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps - Multi-Couples
The UK’s Supreme Court, in a move that surprised no one who respects international law and human rights, has just delivered a landmark ruling against Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s immigration strategy.
Pentatonix Havana
AWS, Google, and Microsoft to Invest $8.5 Billion in Thailand
Paula Cole - Autumn Leaves
Top German journalist received €600,000 from Putin ally, leak reveals
Oscar Benton Bensonhurst Blues
A Dramatic Video from Gaza, Provided by IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari, Offers Undeniable Evidence of Hamas Establishing Terror Operation Bases Near Schools, Above Hospitals, and Inside Civilian Areas.
OH NANANA vs ABUSADAMENTE
FBI Agents Confiscate Electronic Devices of New York Mayor
Nina Simone - ”I Put A Spell On You”. Vezi aici cum cântă Jeremy Ragsd
Moody's Downgrades U.S. Credit Outlook to Negative Amid Fiscal Concerns
NIGHTWISH - The Phantom Of The Opera
Significant security measures set in place by Scotland Yard this Remembrance weekend in London
Motorshow 2016 Tanjay Negros Oriental
Paper straws found to contain long-lasting and potentially toxic chemicals - study
Monica Bellucci - Ti Amo
FTX's Bankman-Fried headed for jail after judge revokes bail
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean Milena The Voice France 2018
Blackrock gets half a trillion dollar deal to rebuild Ukraine
Michael Buble (Help Me Make It Through The Night) feat Loren Allred
Memories Canon In D - Maroon 5 (Boyce Avenue piano acoustic cover)
Matteo Simoni - Marina
Maroon 5 - One More Night
Maroon 5 - Memories
Mark Knopfler - Brothers In Arms (Berlin 2007 Live)
Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris - Romeo And Juliet (Real Live Roadrunni
Marina, Marina - The LUCKY DUCKIES intimist live concert at Guimarães
Major Lazer & DJ Snake – Lean On Mauranne The Voice France 2016
Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet - Joslin - Henri Mancini, Nino Rota
LoLa & Hauser - Love Story
Linkin Park Jay-Z - Numb Encore (Live 8 2005)
Hallelujah Mennel Ibtissem, The Voice France Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen - Dance Me to the End of Love
Leonard Cohen & Natasha Rostova - Dance me to the end of love
La casa de papel - Bella Ciao
La Camisa Negra
L'italiano (Toto Cutugno) - The Gypsy Queens
Juanes - La Camisa Negra
Jonathan and Charlotte - Britain's Got Talent 2012 Live Semi Final - U
John Powell - Assassin's Tango
Joe Cocker - You Can Leave Your Hat On (LIVE in Dortmund)
Joe Cocker - Unchain My Heart 2002 Live
Joe Cocker - A Whiter Shade Of Pale
Jay Z & Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind LIVE
Jason Mraz - Im Yours (live)
Jarrod Radnich - Bohemian Rhapsody - Virtuosic Piano Solo
James Blunt - You're Beautiful
James Blunt - You're Beautiful & Bonfire Heart (Live at The Nobel Peac)
If You Go Away - Helen Merrill & Stan Getz (Tribute to Virna Lisi)
I'LL BE MISSING YOU
I Say a Little Prayer
Hotel California ( Eagles ) 1994 Live
Historia de un amor - Luz Casal. Vezi interpretarea Biancăi Sumanariu
Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover) on Spot
Heart - Stairway to Heaven Led Zeppelin - Kennedy Center Honors
HAVANA by Camila Cabello Zumba Pre Cooldown TML Crew Kramer Pastra
HAUSER and Señorita - I Will Always Love You
HAUSER - Waka Waka
HAUSER - Sway
HAUSER - Lambada
HAUSER - Historia de un Amor
HAUSER - Despacito
Great Pretender
Georgia May Foote & Giovanni Pernice Samba to 'Volare' - Strictly Come
Gary Moore - Still Got The Blues
GIPSY KINGS VOLARE Penelope Cruz
Fugees - Killing Me Softly With His Song
French Latino - Historia de un Amor
For A Few Dollars More The Danish National Symphony Orchestra (Live)
Flashdance • What a Feeling • Irene Cara
Filip Rudan - “Someone You Loved” Audicija 4 The Voice Hrvatska Sez
Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight
Enya - Only Time
Enrique Iglesias - Bailando (English Version) ft. Sean Paul
Enrique Iglesias - Bailamos
Elena Yerevan Historia de un amor
Ed Sheeran - Shape of You (Official Music Video)
Ed Sheeran - Perfect Symphony [with Andrea Bocelli]
Ed Sheeran - Perfect (Official Music Video)
Easy On Me - Adele (Boyce Avenue 90’s style piano acoustic cover) on S
ERA - Ameno
ELENA YEREVAN- Cancion Del Mariachi-IN STUDIO-2017 DPR
Dust In The Wind - Kansas (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
Despacito x Shape Of You - Pentatonix
Deep Purple - Child In Time - Live (1970)
David Foster When A Man Loves A WomanIt's A Mans World (SealMichael Bo
Dance me to the end of Love ( Pi-Air Design )
Coolio - Gangsta's Paradise (feat. L.V.) [Official Music Video]
Conquest Of Paradise (Vangelis), played on Böhm Emporio organ
Cielito Lindo
Chico & The Gypsies - Bamboleo
Canción Del Mariachi - Antonio Banderas, Los Lobos • Desperado
Camila Cabello - Havana (Audio) ft. Young Thug
Camila Cabello - Havana ( cover by J.Fla )
California Dreamin' - The Mamas & The Papas José Feliciano (Boyce Ave
Buster Benton - Money Is The Name of The Game
Hallelujah Pentatonix
Bobby McFerrin - Don't Worry Be Happy (Official Music Video)
Bob Dylan - Knockin' On Heaven's Door Emilia The Voice Kids France
Besame Mucho - Cesaria Evora
Ben E. King - Stand by Me Sax Cover Alexandra Ilieva Thomann
Bella Ciao
Bella Ciao - INSTRUMENTAL
Beautiful in White x Canon in D (Piano Cover by Riyandi Kusuma)
Bad Romance - Vintage 1920's Gatsby Style Lady Gaga Cover ft. Ariana Savalas & Sarah Reich(1)
BELLA CIAO 2020 - KARAOKE ITALIANO
BAMBOLEO - Gipsy Kings • Antonio Banderas, Katya Virshilas
BAILANDO (original)
Awesome Ukrainian yodeler - SOFIA SHKIDCHENKO (with English subtitles)
Avicii - The Nights
Atom - The Great Gig in the Sky
Aretha Franklin - (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (Official Ly
Antonio Banderas - Cancion del Mariachi (Desperado)
André Rieu - Zorba's Dance (Sirtaki)
André Rieu - Can't Help Falling In Love
André Rieu & Mirusia - Ave Maria
Andrew Reyes Elton John - Don't Let The Sun Go Down The Voice 2020 (
Andreas Kümmert Whiter Shade Of Pale The Voice of Germany 2013 Showd
And I Love You So
All About That Bass - Postmodern Jukebox European Tour Version
Alan Walker - Faded (Piano Cover)
Ain't No Sunshine -- Bill Withers (cover by Canen 12 y.o.)
African music
Adriana Vidović - “Creep” Audicija 4 The Voice Hrvatska Sezona 3
Adriana Vidović - “Believer” Nokaut 3 The Voice Hrvatska Sezona 3
A Fistful of Dollars - The Danish National Symphony Orchestra and Tuva
4 Beautiful Soundtracks Relaxing Piano [10min]
2CELLOS - Whole Lotta Love vs. Beethoven 5th Symphony [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
2CELLOS - Smooth Criminal (Live at Suntory Hall, Tokyo)
2CELLOS - Smells Like Teen Spirit [Live at Sydney Opera House]
2CELLOS - Despacito [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
13 Year Old Girl Playing Il Silenzio (The Silence) - André Rieu
094.All About That Bass
00 - SADNESS PART 1
(Ghost) Riders In the Sky (American Outlaws Live at Nassau Coliseum, 1
(Everything I Do) I Do It For You - Bryan Adams (Boyce Avenue ft. Conn
What a wonderful world
Moon river
×