While the Chancellor may be in the process of fixing the roof of the economy while the sun shines, the reality is that many UK households are really struggling to find enough buckets to stem the leaks from their own finances.

The Autumn Statement didn’t really go far enough to reassure consumers that things will get better for their own wallets. While previously announced changes to personal tax allowances, increases in the State Pension and the freeze on fuel duty will be welcome for many, the reality is that bills are continuing to rise.

While the reduction in green levies on energy bills seems positive, the reality is that the cost of energy is continuing to rise at a much higher rate, while commuters will still be hit by inflation level increases on the cost of rail fares so can expect more pressure on their outgoings next year.

Savers will also be disappointed that the pre-statement speculation over changes to ISAs didn’t come to fruition, particularly those who would have appreciated bringing peer-to-peer lending into the tax-free savings wrapper.

Although George Osborne hasn’t given too much away in the Autumn Statement, it proves that you cannot wait for external influence to reduce your household bills.

Consumers need to take full control themselves and attempt to repair their own roof in a similar way the Chancellor is doing with the economy. Making sure you are maximising all of your money by making sure you are on the best deals for your circumstances and ensuring you are not paying over the odds on all of your household finances.

Clare Francis is editor-in-chief at MoneySuperMarket