UK households face £660 bill increase in April 2025

Households in the UK are preparing for significant bill increases starting in April. These changes, often referred to as "awful April," could add up to £660 to annual expenses. Price hikes will affect energy bills, water, council tax, and mobile and broadband services. It's crucial for families to check their current bills and make adjustments where possible to avoid paying more. Energy bills will increase from April 1, as the energy price cap rises. This will cost the average household an extra £9.25 a month, or £111 annually. The cap for dual fuel bills will go from £1,738 to £1,849 per year. Households on standard variable tariffs should consider switching to fixed-rate plans to avoid future increases. Water bills in England and Wales will also rise, with average annual costs going up by £123 due to approved price hikes. Different water companies will implement varying increases, with some areas seeing rises of up to 32%. Homeowners may consider installing water meters to potentially save on their bills. Council tax is set to increase by an average of 5% across the UK, adding over £100 to the annual cost of a typical Band D property. Some areas may see larger increases, especially in Scotland, where certain councils can raise rates more significantly without public votes. Residents can check if they are in the correct property band or if they qualify for discounts. In April, over 40 million mobile and broadband customers will face price hikes as well. Providers will implement increased charges based on contract dates, so customers should review their plans and explore cheaper options if possible. Many customers may save money by switching providers. TV licence fees will increase, with the standard colour licence rising from £169.50 to £174.50 annually. Discounts are available for certain groups, including those over 75 or living in care facilities. Car tax rates are also set to rise, particularly for high-emission vehicles. From April 1, 2025, the annual charge for cars emitting over 255g/km of CO2 will increase significantly, leading to potential costs of up to £5,490 in the first year. Drivers of electric vehicles will also be subject to car tax for the first time. To mitigate these costs, households struggling to pay bills should reach out to their service providers for assistance programs. Many energy companies have funds available for customers facing hardship, and the Priority Services Register offers additional support for vulnerable households.