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Households and businesses are facing increased costs on a number of items and services today.

Broadband, mobile and water bills are among those being hiked, along with corporation and council tax and energy charges for businesses.

Here, Sky News explains what is affected – and what you can do if you’re struggling.

Wages

The national minimum wage and the national living wage are both increasing. What’s the difference? The national minimum wage is a legal requirement – employers must pay you at least this much. The national living wage is higher and workers get it if they’re over 23.

The living wage is going up by 92p an hour to £10.42 an hour for workers aged 23 and over and the Resolution Foundation says this will be the biggest annual cash hike in the wage’s 24-year history.

Around 1.7 million workers earning up to 5p above the previous minimum wage will be most likely to notice the difference in their pay packets. Another five million low-paid workers will also benefit, as employers look to maintain differentials between pay bands.

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The new rates are:

  • The national living wage is increasing by 92p to £10.42
  • The rate for 21 and 22-year-olds is increasing by £1 to £10.18 an hour
  • The rate for 18-20-year-olds is going up 66p to £7.49
  • 16-17-year-olds will get an increase of 47p to £5.28, as will apprentices

The Trades Union Congress, however, says the increase in the minimum wage is not enough to keep up with inflation, which has been at around 10% in recent months.

But a rise in the minimum wage is not good news for everyone – businesses have to find more money to pay their workers and, as we’ll see later, they already have some pretty big price rises of their own to worry about.

Read more:
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Gender pay gap narrowing – but women still paid 89p for every £1 a man earns

Corporation tax

Corporation tax is going up six percentage points today to 25% for business with profits exceeding £250,000.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has insisted that this will only affect 10% of businesses.

Tina McKenzie, policy chair at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “This week sees the end of meaningful energy support for most small firms, alongside rising employment costs and increases to corporation tax.

“The combined pressures facing firms right now will greatly impact small businesses’ ability to weather the storm, and leaves them facing very tough choices.

“It’s crucial we keep a strong small business economy so there are jobs, competition and a strong offer for consumers.”

Alex Veitch, director of policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Changes on corporation tax, water bills and the minimum wage are all extra costs that businesses have known were coming. But when piled on top of energy bills they make it a difficult start to the new financial year.

“Firms knew before the budget that corporation tax would rise, and the super-deduction tax incentive was going, but its replacement does not appear as generous.

“The most recent BCC survey on investment found that only a fifth of firms were increasing investment and a similar number were reducing it.

“The government is unlikely to see the economic growth it desperately needs when so many businesses are still fighting to keep their heads above water.”

Energy bills

Businesses will see massive hikes in their energy bills because the government’s energy bill relief scheme comes to an end today.

The BCC has said that almost half of firms will be finding it difficult to afford to pay their bills from now on.

Mr Veitch said the organisation had suggested seven ways the government could help businesses get through this difficult time but “not one was acted upon”.

These included things such as easing the burden of VAT on energy bills and funding for improved business energy efficiency.

Households are also facing the prospect of paying more for their energy supply.

Most will have received £400 from the government in the form of discounts on energy bills from late last year – so about £67 a month. Well, your last instalment of that was in March – it’s over now.

There is some ongoing support for the most vulnerable, but the support will no longer be given to everyone regardless of circumstance.

The government’s energy price guarantee, brought in late last year as a sort of de-facto price cap, will remain at £2,500 for the typical household.

But because most of us have lost the £400 government support, we will effectively be paying more.

Standing charges – the daily rate you pay to have an energy supply (regardless of how much you use) – are also going up from today.

Broadband, mobile and water bills

The average household water bill is going up by £31 a year to £448 – a rise of 7.5% – for customers in England and Wales.

Mobile and broadband prices are expected to rise by between 14% and 17%. Citizens Advice said these could add an average of £90 a year to household bills. This is especially frustrating, as many telecoms suppliers regularly hike bills anyway – even if you’re in the middle of a contract.

Matthew Upton, director of policy at Citizens Advice, said: “We called on these firms to support their customers during this uniquely challenging time, but they didn’t listen. Instead, they’re pushing ahead with these mid-contract price rises.

“Ofcom should be holding these companies to account, but it has kicked the can down the road with a review that won’t land until the end of the year.

“When the regulator does act, it must deal with this once and for all by banning any future mid-contract price hikes.”

Listen and subscribe to The Ian King Business Podcast here.

Council tax

Most local authorities are hiking council tax by 5% from April.

This means that a band D home can expect to pay about an extra £100 a year, with the average bill topping £2,000 for the first time, according to government figures released last week.

Personal tax

The rate of personal tax hasn’t actually increased, but you’re still likely to end up paying more. Let me explain.

The government announced back in November that personal tax thresholds – the point at which a worker starts paying tax or starts paying tax at a higher rate – will be frozen in England, Wales and Northern Ireland until 2028.

Incomes generally rise – especially when workers are having to cope with high inflation and other living costs. But if the tax thresholds stay the same, more workers get dragged into the next tax band. This is what economists call fiscal drag and it’s what newspapers often call a stealth tax.

The Institute of Fiscal Studies says that the freezing of income tax and national insurance allowances and thresholds will cost most basic rate taxpayers an extra £500 and most higher rate taxpayers £1,000.

The Resolution Foundation says the size of the UK’s ‘stealth tax’ threshold freeze over six years has almost trebled to £25bn, compared to the £9bn forecast when it was originally announced in the 2021 budget, and later extended.

Anything else?

You mean that’s not enough?

Prescription charges are going up in England by 30p from today, taking the fee per item to £9.65.

We already know that the price of food is continuing to rise, and train fares were increased earlier this year. Mortgage rates have gone up – fine if you’re sitting on a fixed rate, but potentially very painful if you’re about to re-mortgage.

And renters aren’t safe either – if a landlord is having to pay more to own the house, you can bet they’re likely to recoup at least some of that from the occupants.

The average prices of unleaded, super unleaded and diesel are expected to fall, however. That’s right – fall! You might remember those crazy days of July when a litre of unleaded was averaging 191.43p – well, by 15 March, it was sitting at 147.28p.

And according to RAC Fuel Watch, the prices will fall further. Well, at least that’s one thing.

So what can you do if you’re struggling?

The most important thing is not to ignore the bills. They won’t get better or go away.

Contact the company you owe money to and they are likely to be able to help – they could arrange an instalment plan with you, reduce your repayments, or pause your repayments in some circumstances.

Contact your council and see if you’re eligible for any help from them.

If you’re in debt or just looking for some help, contact an organisation like the CAB or a debt advice service such a StepChange. This advice should be free.

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UK

Man suffers cardiac arrest onboard boat trying to reach UK

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Man suffers cardiac arrest onboard boat trying to reach UK

A man has died after suffering cardiac arrest onboard a boat attempting to reach the UK.

The vessel turned back towards Equihen beach on the French coast yesterday morning.

A nurse tried to resuscitate the man but was unsuccessful.

Pic: PA
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Pic: PA

French authorities have now launched an investigation into the circumstances.

A spokesperson for Doctors Without Borders, also known as MSF, has criticised authorities on both sides of the Channel.

Jacob Burns said: “Yet again we have a tragedy in the Channel, that is the consequence of the deadly, costly and ineffective security policies implemented by the UK and France.”

Pic: PA
Image:
Pic: PA

Later on Saturday, a lifeboat carried migrants who have made the voyage into the Port of Dover.

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Photographs showed them huddled under blankets and orange life jackets on board.

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Protesters clash over asylum hotels

Provisional statistics from the Home Office suggest almost 24,000 people have arrived on small boats in the UK so far this year.

Towns and cities across the UK have seen protests in recent days, primarily outside hotels believed to be housing asylum seekers.

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UK

Women’s Euros final: The Lionesses face Spain tonight – and they’re seeking revenge

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Women's Euros final: The Lionesses face Spain tonight - and they're seeking revenge

Here the Lionesses are again. Another final. Another showdown with Spain.

All of a sudden, what was once so anticipated and longed for can start to seem expected rather than extraordinary.

What happened to the great underachievers of world football? They are now consistently among the final two going for glory.

England wins
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At Euro 2022, the Lionesses ended England’s 56-year wait for a major trophy by beating Germany 2-1 after extra time. Pic: Reuters

No one is taking that for granted.

Especially not Leah Williamson, with the chance to retain the European Championship trophy lifted three years ago at Wembley.

“The opportunity of tomorrow and what’s on offer is the best thing in football,” the England captain said. “I think we don’t necessarily carry the weight of it and how much it means to people, but we’re aware of it because it means the same to us.”

So often they were only watching other nations making finals.

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England’s first was the men winning the 1966 World Cup.

England v Spain: All you need to know

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Lionesses ‘know what win would mean to nation’

Then, with the rebirth of women’s football after bans and neglect, it was the Lionesses’ turn to make it to the finals – in 1984 and 2009.

And the Three Lions had to wait until 2021 to make it to a final, losing to Italy on penalties at Wembley.

It kickstarted an incredible run of five successive years of finals for England senior teams – with another men’s Euros final defeat in 2024.

The Lionesses have led the way, bringing football home by defeating Germany in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley.

They just missed out on going one better when reaching a first Women’s World Cup final a year later.

Soccer Football - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Final - Spain v England - Stadium Australia, Sydney, Australia - August 20, 2023 England manager Sarina Wiegman reacts REUTERS/Carl Recine
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England manager Sarina Wiegman reacts to defeat against Spain at the Women’s World Cup final in 2023. Pic: Reuters

Soccer Football - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Final - Spain v England - Stadium Australia, Sydney, Australia - August 20, 2023 England's Lauren James looks dejected after losing the world cup final REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
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Lauren James looks dejected after their World Cup defeat, but is confirmed fit for Sunday’s revenge match against Spain. Pic: Reuters

Now, in Basel, comes the chance for revenge against Spain – even though no one in the England camp is saying that, publicly at least, in Switzerland.

Especially knowing how challenging a task it is coming up again against Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putella – the recent winners of football’s biggest individual honours.

England fans celebrate after England beat Italy at Women's Euro 2025. Pic: Reuters
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England fans celebrating after England beat Italy to reach the finals. Pic: Reuters

Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Final - Fans in Manchester watch Spain v England - Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, Britain - August 20, 2023 England fans watch the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
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Given England’s history against Spain, it could be a nerve-wracking time for England fans. File pic: Action Images/Reuters

But this is Spain’s first Euros final.

And there is some fear from the world champions at England’s grit and resolve to produce comebacks late in the quarter-finals and semi-finals – with 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang’s goals integral to the fightbacks.

England celebrate after defeating Italy in the Women's Euro 2025 semi-final. Pic: Reuters
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England celebrate their semi-final win against Italy to reach the finals. Pic: Reuters

Michelle Agyemang celebrates scoring her side's opening goal.
Pic: AP
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Michelle Agyemang has propelled England to the Euro 2025 final with two vital goals. Pic: AP

Spain captain Irene Paredes reflected yesterday on how the Lionesses can flip a result late on.

But she was also discussing how their World Cup win was tarnished by the on-pitch kiss that led to former Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales being convicted of a sexual assault on striker Jenni Hermoso.

It sparked a wider clamour in Spain for improved rights and respect for women.

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Spain’s players struggle for respect

“Since then [2023] we took big steps forward,” Paredes said.

“I think this idea is disappearing from society. I still believe we have to continue opening doors… we’re a reference for boys and girls in society, but we still have things to do.”

It is a reminder that while tonight is about collecting silverware, both England and Spain know that emerging as champions can drive further growth in women’s football back home.

Amid it all, they’ll try to savour just what reaching a final means and how rare they are – until recently for English and Spanish women.

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UK

Unlicensed Botox-like injections spark outbreak of disease many doctors have never treated

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Unlicensed Botox-like injections spark outbreak of disease many doctors have never treated

A woman who thought she was being injected with Botox was left unable to swallow and doctors thought she had suffered a stroke – after she contracted a life-threatening illness from a potentially illegal product.

Nicola Fairley is one of dozens of people who have developed botulism linked to unlicensed anti-wrinkle injections.

She had the procedure done with her regular beautician after winning a Facebook competition for three areas of “Botox”.

Nicola Fairley
Image:
Nicola Fairley

“Within two or three hours my forehead and the sides of my eyes had started to freeze,” Nicola says.

“At first I thought ‘amazing’, that’s what I wanted – then it just carried on.”

Nicola was eventually sent to A&E in Durham, where she met several other patients who all had similar symptoms.

Doctors were stumped. “They thought I’d had a stroke,” she says.

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“We all had problems with our eyes, some of us with our breathing. I couldn’t swallow – they put me on nil by mouth because they were worried I would choke in the waiting room.”

Nicola Fairley
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Doctors were worried Nicola could choke after she was injected with a suspected illegal product

It turns out all of the patients had recently had anti-wrinkle injections containing botulinum toxin.

Health officials believe they were imported, illegal products.

Botulism – the disease they caused – is so rare many doctors never see it in their entire careers.

It can cause symptoms including slurred speech and breathing problems, and can be deadly.

The disease is so unusual, and so many cases were coming in, that doctors exhausted their stocks of anti-toxin and had to ask hospitals as far away as London to get more.

Botulism

The UK Health Security Agency has so far confirmed 38 cases of botulism linked to cosmetic toxin injections, but Sky News has been told of several more.

The outbreak began in the North East but cases have now been seen in the East of England and East Midlands as well.

There are only a handful of legal botulinum toxin products in the UK – of which Botox is one.

But cosmetic treatments are largely unregulated, with anyone allowed to inject products like fillers and toxins without any medical training.

Cheap, illegal products imported from overseas are easily available.

Steven Land
Image:
Dr Steven Land

‘It’s the Wild West’

Dr Steven Land runs Novellus Aesthetics clinic in Newcastle upon Tyne. He worked for decades as an emergency medicine doctor before moving into aesthetics.

He says he has been warning health officials of an outbreak for years.

“It’s the Wild West,” Dr Land told Sky News.

“Because anyone can do this, there is a lack of knowledge around what is legal, what’s not legal, what is okay to be injected.

“These illegal toxins could have 50 units, 5,000 units or rat poison – there could be anything in there.”

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Botulism

Dr Land showed us messages that he says he gets on a weekly basis, from sellers trying to push him cheap, unlicensed products.

They advertise “limited time offers” and cheap bundles on toxins imported from overseas. He calls them “drug dealers”.

“They are preying on the lack of knowledge among non-medical practitioners,” he says.

Consultations on how to regulate the aesthetics industry have been ongoing for years – but so far, no changes have been introduced.

The UK government now says it does plan to regulate certain procedures, but it’s not said how it will do this, or when.

“What will it take?” Nicola says. “One of the women we were with did almost die – she had to be resuscitated.”

Nicola’s beautician has stopped responding to her messages, so she says she still has no idea what the product was “or how much of it is in me”.

She doesn’t know how long her symptoms will last, but just hopes she will eventually recover.

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