The Mirror has rounded up all the ways you can beat the bill rises and save hundreds of pounds in the process
Cost of living clobbered households have been be hit with an average £214 a year jump in four essential bills alone.
The total increase jump in water, council tax, telecoms – broadband and mobile bills – and a TV licence comes to an estimated £6.85billion, says price comparison website Uswitch. Many other costs are also set to rise in what has been dubbed “awful April”.
It could not come at a worse time given the impact of “Trumpflation” on many families. But that doesn’t mean you have to sit back and take the bill hikes.
Water
Water bills in England and Wales will rise by an average of 5.4% from April – adding around £33 extra to annual costs. This will bring the average yearly bill to £639, according to Water UK.
If you’re on a low income, check if you qualify for a social tariff, which is a discounted rate. Who is eligible and the level of support varies depending on the firm.
“Many water companies offer social tariffs, discounts, or bill caps based on income, household size or essential usage,” says Thomas Gibbons, an adviser at Money Wellness, which provides free money advice. “Households that ask proactively can save a couple of hundred pounds a year, and sometimes much more.”
If you live in England and Wales then your water bill is still based on the rateable value of your home in 1990. All new homes have been fitted with water meters since then, and you can ask to get for free, though it is not always practical.
Consumer champion Martin Lewis refers to this rule of thumb for those considering getting one: “If there are more bedrooms in your home than people, or the same number, check out getting a meter.”
Council tax
The average Band D council tax set by local authorities in England is rising by £111 – or 4.9% – to £2,392. But many people do not realise that they may qualify for a discount, depending on their financial circumstances and living arrangement.
“If you live alone, you’re automatically entitled to 25% off. And people on a low income may also qualify for reductions,” says Gibbons.
“It’s also worth checking your property band. Some households have successfully reclaimed hundreds or even thousands in overpaid tax. A quick review could save £100 to £500 a year and sometimes more.”
Broadband and mobile
Most mobile and broadband providers are hiking bills between £1 to £4 a month, adding up to £48 a year to bills. Save money by shopping around for cheaper deals if you are out of contract, or try haggling down your existing provider .
Social tariffs are normally available to people on certain benefits, such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit. “These deals are designed to make essential services more affordable,” says Gibbons. “Switching is usually quick, free, and could save around £200 a year.”
He went on: “Many households are paying for multiple services they barely use. “ Bundling broadband, TV and streaming can unlock savings of £10 to £25 a month.”
TV licence
The TV licence fee is rising from £174.50 to £180 from April. People who are blind or severely sight-impaired can get a 50% discount, while a reduced fee of £7.50 per room or flat is available for those who live in residential care or sheltered accommodation .
Energy
Regulator Ofgem’s price cap – a limit on the unit rate of energy rather than overall bills – will drop by 7% to an average £1,641 a year. However, that annual figure is somewhat meaningless as the cap will be updated in July, and all the signs are it will rise sharply, unless there is a swift resolution to the conflict. Estimates vary but industry experts Cornwall Insight says the cap could surge by more than £330 a year to an annual £1,973 in July.
The price cap relates to standard variable tariff, and is what most households are on. However, a growing number are signing-up for fixed tariffs , which look in the unit rate for a set period.
Consumer group Which? says when it checked in mid-March, there were around 16 fixed tariffs available, half as many as three weeks’ previously. None would have save households money compared with the new lower price cap. But fixing a tariff may help you save money longer-term, if the cap increases in July and beyond.
Dental fees
NHS dental charges in England are rising from April, piling more pressure on those struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
The 1.7% increase means the cost of a routine check-up and others covered by Band 1 care will go from £27.40 to £27.90. Back in 2010 it was £16.50. Band 2 care, which includes fillings, tooth extraction or root canal treatment, will cost £76.60, up from £75.30. And the Band 3 rise means the cost of dentures will increase from £326.70 to £332.10.
You can get free NHS dental appointments and treatment if, for instance, you’re aged under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education, or you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months. Where you have to pay, there are various insurance products that allow you to claim back some or all of the cost.
Car tax
The standard car tax rate for vehicles that were registered from April 2017 is rising from £195 to £200. There are different car tax rates for vehicles that were registered before April 2017 and these are also going up. The first-year “showroom” tax is also increasing. If you can afford to do so, paying your car tax in one go for the year works out cheaper than paying in instalments.
Stamps
Royal Mail stamp prices are rising from April 7 with the cost of a first class stamp going up 10p to £1.80. The price of a second class stamp will rise by 4p to 91p.
Consumer champion Martin Lewis urged people who regularly post mail to “stock up” on stamps now ahead of the price rise. This works if you are stocking up on stamps that do not have a value, and instead just say the postage class.
