As we head into April, millions of households are facing a financial storm, with major household bills set to rise dramatically.
From energy to water, council tax to car tax, it’s shaping up to be an expensive month.
With prices rising at an uncomfortable 3% across the board, families will soon feel the squeeze even harder. But don’t worry – there’s still a way to fight back.
Let’s explore how you can reduce your bills and survive this so-called ‘bill-maggedon.’
Energy Bills: How to Avoid the £111 Increase
Starting from April 1, gas and electricity bills are set to increase by £111 per year, taking the average annual cost for a typical household to £1,849.
The hike is a result of Ofgem’s 6.4% increase in the energy price cap for homes in England, Scotland, and Wales.
If you’re on a variable-rate tariff, this means you’ll directly feel the rise.
But here’s the good news – there’s still time to save. By switching to a fixed-rate energy deal, you can lock in your energy costs at a rate below the new price cap.
Some of the best deals could save you up to £140 a year.
For instance, Home Energy Fair and Fixed Dual could save you £133.83, and Ovo One Year Fixed Loyalty might cut your bills by £90.38.
To find the best fixed-rate deal, visit a comparison website like Uswitch or MoneySuperMarket.
Also, don’t forget about easy home-saving tips, like installing loft insulation, turning off appliances on standby, and adjusting your thermostat to save up to £560 annually.
Water Bills: Tips to Reduce the Pain of a £123 Increase
Households in England and Wales are also feeling the pinch with an expected £10 increase in water bills.
On average, bills will jump from £480 to £603 – a 26% increase.
Some areas, like Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire, will see even higher rises.
Unfortunately, water bills are set by the local supplier, so there’s no option to shop around for a better deal.
However, there are ways to save. Consider installing a water meter to pay based on what you use, which could save up to £100 a year.
Also, reduce water consumption by opting for shorter showers instead of baths and using an eco-mode setting on your washing machine.
By making these small changes, you could offset some of the rise.
Council Tax: How to Challenge a Potential £106 Hike
Council tax bills are going up by as much as 15% in some areas.
The average bill for a ‘Band D’ property in England is now £2,130, but this will rise by around £106.
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your council tax liability
. For example, if you live alone, share with someone with a severe mental illness, or have a live-in carer, you might be eligible for a 25% discount.
It’s also worth checking your council tax band to see if you’re paying more than you should.
If you’re in the wrong band, you could save hundreds by appealing.
Car Tax: What You Need to Know About New Hikes
From April, motorists are facing higher car tax rates.
If you drive a petrol or diesel car under a year old, your tax will double to £440.
Electric vehicle owners are also seeing changes, with a new tax of £195 for EVs registered between April 2017 and March 2025.
This means that even EV drivers will feel the pinch.
To save money, consider car-sharing for your commute or use fuel-price comparison apps to find cheaper petrol.
You could save up to £240 a year by shopping around for the best deals at petrol stations.
Phone, Internet, and TV Bills: How to Lower Your Costs
If you’re with BT, EE, or Virgin Media, you’re likely to see a rise in your phone, broadband, and TV bills.
BT and EE are hiking bills by 6.4%, while Virgin Media customers face a 7.5% increase. But don’t panic – there are ways to lower these costs.
First, check if you’re out of contract and use a comparison website to find cheaper options.
You can also call your supplier and negotiate a better deal or threaten to leave for a better offer.
Additionally, consider cutting down on your TV subscriptions.
Ditching one of your streaming services could save you up to £216 a year.
Stamp Duty: How the New Rules Impact Homebuyers
For anyone planning to buy a home, stamp duty is also set to rise.
Starting next month, the threshold for stamp duty in England and Northern Ireland will be halved from £250,000 to £125,000.
First-time buyers will also see a reduction in the stamp duty threshold from £425,000 to £300,000.
This could add thousands of pounds to the cost of buying a home.
For instance, a £355,000 semi-detached home will see its stamp duty rise by £2,500 from April.
If you were hoping to avoid stamp duty altogether, now’s the time to finalize your purchase or risk paying more.
Total Impact: How Much You’ll Pay and How to Save
All these rises combined mean that, on average, your bills will increase by £3,099 annually.
However, by following Money Mail’s action plan, you can save as much as £1,316 over the course of the year.
It’s clear that while the financial strain is real, there are strategies to fight back and keep some money in your pocket.
Stay proactive, shop around, and consider making small changes in your daily habits.
It might just be the key to surviving the coming financial storm.