Virgin Media bills increasing significantly from April 1

Millions of Virgin Media customers will face higher bills starting April 1, as the company raises prices for broadband, mobile, and TV services. The increase is due to inflation and will vary based on when customers signed their contracts. For those who signed up before January 9, bills will go up by 7.5%. This means, for example, a £20 TV bill will increase to £21.50. Customers who signed contracts after this date will see a smaller increase of £3.50 a month. Customers can take steps to reduce their bills amid these increases. One effective method is to negotiate with Virgin Media for a better deal. Using comparison websites can help find cheaper alternatives, and calling Virgin's customer retention team might lead to a discount. Another option is to explore "social tariffs," which are discounted rates available for customers on benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit. Virgin offers packages starting as low as £12.50 for essential broadband services. Customers can also consider changing their existing packages to cheaper options, such as selecting a broadband plan with lower speeds. Additionally, those who are 75 or older and receiving Pension Credit can apply for a free TV licence. Finally, if you are out of contract with Virgin, you have the option to cancel without penalty. Evaluate whether you need certain services if you have subscriptions to competitors like Netflix or Amazon Prime.