By Ben Kerrigan-
Households across the UK are bracing themselves for a barrage of bill increases, encompassing a wide array of essential services.
From council tax to road tax, broadband to water, and even the cost of stamps, the financial burden on families is set to intensify, prompting calls for consumers to explore savings and entitlements diligently.
The average annual council tax bill is slated to surge by £106 this year, a 5% hike, as local authorities endeavour to shore up revenue to sustain frontline services.
According to data from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the bill for an average Band D property will escalate to £2,171, compelling households to dig deeper into their pockets.
In Wales, council tax increases vary, with some regions witnessing a rise of around 5% while others, like Pembrokeshire, facing an ascent exceeding 11%.
However, the Scottish National Party has pledged to freeze council tax rates across Scotland until 2025, offering some respite to Scottish households.
Meanwhile, water and sewerage bills in England and Wales are poised to surge by 6%, translating to approximately £27 more per year, reaching an average of £473 annually. Companies like Wessex Water and Anglian Water are slated to implement some of the steepest increases, with average bills soaring to £548 and £529, respectively.
However, Water UK assures consumers that the funds generated through these hikes will be exclusively allocated to enhancing water and sewerage infrastructure.
Broadband and mobile bills are also set for a significant uptick, with many major providers, including BT, EE, and Virgin Media, preparing to implement a 7.9% increase in line with inflation indices.
The surge, deemed “completely unacceptable” by some, is expected to cost the average consumer over £27 more annually for broadband and around £24 more for mobile services, further straining household budgets.
Moreover, subscription television services are not exempt from the price surge, with providers like EE and Virgin Media announcing an 7.9% and 8.8% increase, respectively, in their subscription fees. Even the cost of television licenses is set to rise, climbing to £169.50 from April 1st.
On a slightly more optimistic note, energy bills are poised to witness a decrease, with the regulator Ofgem lowering its price cap by 12.3%, offering some relief to consumers grappling with rising costs elsewhere.