Council tax, water, telecoms bills and TV licence fees have all gone up this month, with the impact starting to show on bank statements and direct debits.
Kevin Mountford, co-founder of Raisin UK, says: “For households, this is about more than just another round of price rises. It is a reminder of how exposed everyday finances can feel when the wider world is unsettled. Even with the energy price cap falling this quarter, the overall picture remains fragile, making it harder for families to feel confident or fully in control of their money.”
Here’s what’s gone up, why it’s happening, and what you can do to fight back.
Council tax
The majority of local authorities in England and Wales have increased council tax bills by the maximum amount allowed without holding a referendum – typically 4.99%. For a typical band D property, this means an increase of about £100 a year, although some areas will see more.
Why are prices increasing?
With central government funding squeezed and inflation pushing up costs, many councils have little choice but to raise council tax to pay for services such as adult social care, children’s services and housing support.
Click here to view our Sponsored Content Hub
How can I combat the price rises?
“Many households don’t realise they could be paying too much,” says Thomas Gibbons, an adviser at Money Wellness. “If you live alone, you’re automatically entitled to 25% off. And people on a low income may also qualify for reductions. 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-£500 a year and sometimes more.”
TV licence fee
The UK standard annual colour TV licence fee went up by £5.50 from £174.50 to £180 a year from 1 April 2026.
Why are prices increasing?
The licence fee was frozen for two years from 2022 to 2024, but it is now rising in line with the consumer price index.
How can I combat the price rises?
The simplest way to avoid paying the licence fee is to check whether you actually need one. You only require a licence if you watch or record live television on any channel or use BBC iPlayer.
People aged over 75 who receive Pension Credit are eligible for a free TV licence.
Water bills
This month has seen the average annual water and sewerage bill go up by £33. This represents a 5.4% jump from last year, pushing the typical annual charge to £639, according to industry body Water UK.
The exact amount each household will pay varies depending on the water company and how they are charged.
Why are prices increasing?
Water companies say higher bills are needed to fund major upgrades to ageing infrastructure, reduce sewage overflows and improve water quality.
How can I combat the price rises?
“Unlike energy, you can’t switch water suppliers. But if you’re looking to cut costs, it might be worth applying to have a water meter installed,” explains TotallyMoney spokesperson James McCaffrey, “If your provider can’t install one, they must offer you an ‘assessed charge’ which could save you money. Around 2.5 million households are also eligible for social tariffs, with average discounts of around 40%.”
Broadband
Customers have seen typical broadband package (often bundled with home phone and TV channels) costs rise by £3 to £4 a month, depending on their provider and deal.
Why are prices increasing?
Most telecom firms build annual price rises into their contracts. In previous years increases were percentages linked to inflation, but most providers have now switched to fixed ‘pounds and pence’ increases.
How can I combat the price rises?
The best way to cut broadband costs is often to switch providers once your contract ends, as new customer deals can be significantly cheaper than staying put.
“Social tariffs are discounted broadband or mobile plans offered to people on certain benefits, such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit,” says Gibbons, “These deals are designed to make essential services more affordable.”
Mobile phone bills
Mobile customers are also seeing annual price hikes. Most contracts have risen by around £1.50 to £3 a month, depending on the provider and tariff.
Why are prices increasing?
As with broadband, many mobile providers include annual price rises in their contracts. These increases are designed to keep pace with inflation and rising operating costs.
How can I combat the price rises?
If you’re out of contract, keep your handset and switch to a SIM-only deal to slash your monthly bill. Check out smaller networks too – these use the same infrastructure as the major providers, but often charge less.
Energy bills
Energy is the one area where there has been some good news this April. The price cap set by Ofgem actually fell slightly on 1 April, reducing the typical annual bill from £1,758 to £1,641.
Why are prices increasing?
The new energy price cap was calculated and announced back in February – before the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. But the war has pushed up wholesale energy costs, meaning the next price cap (July to September) will be higher.
How can I combat the price rises?
In normal circumstances energy customers can stay ahead of price cap increases by switching to a fixed rate tariff. But these deals are disappearing from the market while suppliers wait and see what happens to wholesale costs.
Reducing energy use remains the most reliable way to cut bills – this is easier to do in the summer months as most households won’t need their central heating on.
