Dreading April’s price rises? How you can save on household bills

As April approaches, many of us are bracing for a wave of price hikes hitting our essential bills. With the rising costs of energy, Council Tax, water, and more, it’s no wonder many are feeling stressed about managing their household budgets.

In fact, a recent survey found that 73% of Brits are worried about paying their bills this spring, with 42% already cutting back on essentials like heating and food just to stay afloat. So, what can we do to prepare for the increases and take control of our finances?

What's going up this April?

There are a number of bills that are set to rise this April, making it even harder for households already feeling the pinch.

• Energy bills: The Ofgem price cap is set to increase by 6.4%, bringing the average annual energy bill to £1,849.
• Council Tax: Many councils are raising their tax by up to 4.99%. If you live in a Band D home, expect to pay around £100 more this year.
• Water bills: Households in England and Wales will face an average rise of £10 per month, with some areas seeing hikes as high as 47%.
• Car tax: The cost of road tax will go up by £5 to £195 per year. Electric vehicles will also lose their exemption and pay £10 in the first year, rising to the standard rate after that. If your car was over £40,000 new, you’ll also pay a luxury car tax supplement of £425 a year on top.
• TV licence: The cost of your TV licence will rise by £5, bringing it to £174.50 annually.
• Broadband and mobile bills: Inflation-linked price rises could push these bills up by 6-7.5%, adding around £3-£5 to your monthly expenses.

How to fight back against rising bills

April might bring some nasty surprises, but there are still ways to ease the burden. With a few simple steps, you can take control of your finances and save yourself some extra cash at the end of the month.

1. Slash your broadband and mobile bills with a quick call

Have you ever haggled with your broadband or mobile provider? Many people don’t realise how much they can save just by asking for a better deal. On average, customers save £120 a year by simply calling their provider and asking for a discount.

If you’re out of contract, you’ve got even more power – switching providers could save you further money. And if you recieve benefits, look out for social tariffs, which start from just £10 a month.

2. Check for Council Tax discounts

Did you know there are discounts available for Council Tax? For example, single-person households can get 25% off their bill, and people with disabilities may be eligible for band reductions.

There are also support schemes for low-income households. Make sure you check if you’re eligible for any of these discounts.

3. Save on water bills by installing a water meter

If your water bills are set to rise, installing a water meter could save you money, especially if you live alone or have more bedrooms than people in your home. The meters are free, and some water companies also offer free water-saving devices, like shower timers and tap aerators.

Plus, look out for social tariffs and hardship schemes, such as the WaterSure scheme, which caps bills for households on benefits with high water usage.

4. Cut your energy costs with small changes

Small changes can add up to big savings on your energy bills. For example, turning off appliances at the socket instead of leaving them on standby overnight could save you £100 a year.

Another easy fix is lowering your boiler’s flow temperature to 60°C – it won’t affect the warmth of your home, but it could save you another £100 a year.

5. Cancel forgotten subscriptions draining your bank account

It’s easy to forget about subscriptions that are quietly draining your bank account. Whether it’s a streaming service, an unused gym membership, or an app subscription, reviewing your Direct Debits could free up some extra cash. If you're not sure whether you can live without a subscription, try pausing it for a month. If you don’t miss it, you probably don’t need it!

If you're struggling with rising costs, there are organisations like Citizens Advice and StepChange that offer free debt advice. Don't be afraid to reach out for help – managing your finances can be overwhelming, but with the right support, you can get back on track.

By making a few simple changes and staying proactive, you can take control of your bills and avoid feeling stressed when those April price hikes come around.