New mother Rachel Aitken is feeling the pressure of rising costs in the coming days, as some bills are set to increase. However, there are also some changes taking effect that may help ease the financial burden for some households.
While phone and broadband costs are on the rise, with providers implementing mid-contract price increases, there are cheaper social tariffs available for those on benefits. Customers are encouraged to check if they are out of contract and shop around for better deals without penalty.
Water bills are also getting more expensive, with the average annual bill set to increase in England and Wales and in Scotland. Additionally, council tax rates are expected to rise in most areas, although a freeze is expected across all of Scotland.
Other fees and charges, such as TV licence fees, vehicle tax, and NHS dental charges are also increasing in April. However, the good news is that energy prices are falling, with the annual energy bill for a typical household set to decrease.
For those struggling to make ends meet, claiming benefits they are entitled to can help offset some of these rising costs. Information on how to make a claim is available, with a helpline also available for assistance.
Overall, households are encouraged to carefully review their budgets and seek out ways to save money where possible in order to navigate these upcoming financial changes.