Seven bills going up and one going down in April

Several bills are set to increase in April, further stretching tight household budgets, though there are some reductions too.

Notable changes include a cut in national insurance and a rise in benefit payments. However, expenses such as council tax and water are going up, requiring close budget management.

New mother Rachel Aitken from Southport emphasizes the financial strain, especially during her maternity leave, as she and her husband navigate their finances with careful shopping for their growing baby.

Here's a summary of the key changes:

1. Phone and Broadband: Prices are rising by up to 8.8%, linked to inflation. Critics label the mid-contract increases unfair, urging for later bans. Consumers in contracts can switch without a fee by texting "Info" to 85075, and those on benefits might access lower tariffs.

2. Water Bills: In England and Wales, the average bill will increase by 6% (£27) to £473, with a 8.8% increase in Scotland. Companies like Wessex and Anglian Water have some of the highest adjustments. Assistance is available through schemes like WaterSure.

3. Council Tax: Increases are expected across most regions, barring a complete freeze in Scotland. The hikes are to fund local services, with variations based on the council's social care duties and government permissions for significant increases. Discounts may apply to certain households.

4. Other Fees: The TV licence fee rises by 6.6% to £169.50, vehicle tax by £10 for cars registered after 1 April 2017, and NHS dental charges in England by 4%. Exceptions and discounts apply, such as for those over 75 or registered blind.

5. Good News on Energy: The annual energy bill will drop to £1,690, the lowest in two years due to Ofgem's new price cap, reducing the typical bill by £238 a year. However, fixed standing charges are increasing, varying by region.

Facing these changes, consumers are advised to manage their budgets carefully and explore available help to mitigate the financial impact.