This month, the cost of essential services such as water, gas, electricity, and council services is scheduled to increase, marking the beginning of what has been dubbed ‘awful April’.
As millions of households face the impact of the latest price cap hike, with average annual energy bills reaching £1,849, experts recommend considering fixed energy prices to mitigate the effects. Furthermore, a coalition comprising 35 businesses, charities, and energy groups is advocating for a reduction in bills through adjustments to green levies, urging Energy Secretary Ed Miliband to take action.
A new tool has been developed to provide estimates of the upcoming bill increases. By entering your postcode, you can view the anticipated changes in Band D council tax rates. Additionally, selecting your water company from a dropdown menu will reveal their expected average bill increase, while entering your gas and electricity expenses will display the projected uptick in those costs.
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Water bills across the UK, with the exception of a small area, are set to surge this year, with many expected to rise by over £100. Notably, Southern Water customers will face the steepest increase, with bills rising by an average of £224 per year. The surge represents a substantial 47% jump. Similarly, South West Water customers are anticipating a £166 annual increase, marking a 32% rise.
Other notable increases include crisis-affected Thames Water, which is expected to boost average bills by £151 (31%), Hafren Dyfrdwy by £143 (32%), Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water) by £136 (27%), and Yorkshire Water by £136 (29%). However, Sutton and East Surrey Water are an exception, as their average bill is projected to decrease by £5 annually.
From April, energy bills are set to climb by an average of £9.25 monthly, following Ofgem’s adjustment to the energy price cap. This update means that households will pay £1,849 annually for gas and electricity on a standard dual-fuel direct debit plan, reflecting a 6.4% increase compared to the previous cap. This equates to an extra £111 annually and a 9.0% (£159) year-over-year surge.
The data indicates that almost every council in England is poised to raise council tax rates in April. Bradford is projected to witness the most substantial increase, with a 9.99% rise in Band D bills compared to the previous year. Notably, this excludes any additional fees for police, fire, or regional mayors.
Other areas, such as Newham in London and Windsor & Maidenhead in Berkshire, will see their Band D charges climb by 8.99%, while Trafford, Birmingham, and Somerset are each planning a 7.49% increase.
Motorists should also anticipate higher annual car tax. Vehicles registered before April 1, 2017, will witness a rise to £195 per year, translating to a £5 increase for petrol and diesel cars. Additionally, electric cars, previously exempt from car tax, will now face a new charge. Meanwhile, cars registered between April 2017 and March 2001 will experience varying tax increases based on their CO2 emissions, ranging from £5 to £25 yearly. Newly-purchased cars will be subject to £20 tax if electric, while existing rates will double otherwise.
Lastly, the TV Licence is also scheduled to rise by £5, reaching £174.50.