Council tax, water bills and road tax will rise from today despite measures unveiled by the prime minister aimed at reducing the rising cost of living, as Good Morning Britain’s Ashna Hurynag reports.
Households face huge increases in their bills as what is being called “another bad April” takes effect.
While energy bills are falling – for now at least – charities have warned that rises in council tax, water, internet and mobile phone costs are threatening to leave many families broke.
Many of the changes to household bills previously announced by the government come into force on 1 April. So what’s changing, and what help is there for those struggling to pay?
Energy bills
Energy bills are the only household bill expected to fall this April, falling by 7% for most households.
The Ofgem price will drop from £1,758 to £1,641 – a reduction of £117 or £10 a month for the average household using electricity and gas.
However, the reduction is lower than the average £150 cut in bills promised by Chancellor Rachel Reeves to. November Autumn budgetwhen he removed 75% of the cost of the renewable bond from the mortgage to the general tax and abandoned the project of the commitment of the energy company (Eco).
The energy price hike remains in place until June 30, raising concerns that energy bills could rise significantly from July due to the Middle East conflict, with the latest estimates suggesting this could be as much as £300 a year.
Gas prices have risen at the fastest pace since the outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2022, After Iran’s attacks caused Qatar to suspend natural gas production.
Meanwhile, consumer groups have urged households to send meter readings ahead of Wednesday’s changes to ensure their energy use is charged at the lowest possible rate, and to search for fixed deals.
Council tax
Across England, the total Band D council tax in 2026/27 will be £2,392 – an increase of £111 or 4.9% from 2025-26, according to the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The figures include all additional charges, including social care for the elderly, parish orders and costs charged by police, fire and local authorities where applicable.
In Scotland, households will see a rise of between 4% and 10%, while in Wales bills will rise by 4% to 5%.
It is the fourth year in a row that growth across England has averaged 5%, while growth in Scotland and Wales has generally been lower than in previous years.
Water bills
Domestic water bills across England and Wales will rise by an average of 5.4%, which equates to £33 a year for the average household.
There is a big regional difference in the rate increase, with Severn Trent customers seeing a 10% increase, Sutton
with East Surrey adding an 11% rise, Bristol Water rising 12% and Affinity Water customers (central area) warned of a 13% jump.
About 2.5 million households are eligible for social benefits, with savings of around 40%.
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Broadband and mobile phones
Both internet and mobile phone rates are rising due to annual, contractually allowed increases designed to keep pace with the rising costs of doing business and investing in internet infrastructure.
Most contracts include a clause stating that monthly bills will increase each April by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate published in January, plus 3.9%. CPI currently stands at 3.2%.
Most broadband providers are increasing prices by around £50 a year. Consumer group TotallyMoney says BT, EE, Plusnet and Virgin Media are all seeing their broadband prices rise by £4 a month, Sky by £3, and Vodafone by £3.50.
Their spokesman James McCaffrey said: “One in four Broadband users are out of contract, paying up to £9 a month more than those with a contract. If you’re out of work, now you’re free to leave and get a better deal. If you want to stay with your current provider, pick up the phone and haggle for a new deal.”
Everywhere Money added that “millions” of people don’t have a contract with their mobile phone provider, so they’re free to move around and get the best deals – with some SIM-only SIMs available for less than £5 a month.
Car tax
Also in the Autumn budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that the average tax rate for all petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicles registered after 1 April 2017 will rise to £200 from today.
The correct amount for your annual road tax will be determined by the year your car was first registered, the type of fuel it uses and its tailpipe emissions.
Drivers whose car was listed above £40,000 when it was first sold, or £50,000 for an electric car, may also be liable for the payment of “luxury car tax”.
Electric vehicles are no longer eligible for free road tax.
Flight attendant work
Airline passenger duty (APD) will rise from £7 to £8 for a UK domestic flight in economy, from £13 to £15 for a short-haul European economy flight and from £90 to £102 for a long-haul economy seat.
APD is a tax on airlines and airlines, but it is understood that the cost of this is passed on to consumers in the price.
APD does not apply to children under the age of 16 traveling in basic economy.
What support is available?
Citizens Advice chief executive Dame Clare Moriarty said struggling families “need a way to support themselves”.
Many families have not seen the back of the last financial crisis…
“This should include support for energy tariffs aimed at low-income people, help with rising rent costs, and support to help people get out of debt,” he said.
Concerns about the cost of living pressure were addressed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last month when he announced £53 million scheme of support, aimed at consumers who are “highly exposed” to the effects of rising oil and gas prices. Oil prices rose because of the war Iranwhich began with the joint attacks of Israel and the US on March 28.
Families may be able to get help with essential costs from the local council, sometimes known as a “family support fund”.
Financial aid is aimed at anyone who is vulnerable or unable to pay for essentials, such as food, energy and water bills, and essentials. You don’t need to be on benefits to get help from your local council.
Individuals can check with their local council to find out what support is available.
The Citizens Advice Bureau also provides help and advice to those who are struggling. Moriarty said: “With important bills such as council tax and water rising from April and global uncertainty threatening other prices, we are worried about those exhausting every option to keep pace.
“So far this year, we’ve helped someone every 30 minutes with crisis support – that’s food bank grants and humanitarian aid. And the average debt is increasing.
“Those who struggle the most need a way to support themselves. This should include improved support for energy bills for people on low incomes, help with rising rent costs, and support to help people get out of debt.”
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