Every household bill rising in April – and how you can beat the hikes
Many household bills are rising from today – ranging from energy prices and council tax to mobile phone contracts and broadband.
Coinciding with the new financial year, from today there will be higher bills for:
- Energy
- Broadband, mobile phone and TV licence
- Car tax
- Water
- Stealth taxes
- Stamp duty
- Council tax
The Sky News Money blog outlined the hikes – and how you could potentially beat them – in one of its long read features below.
You can read more from the Money blog as well as reactions to today’s increased bills here.
Cost of living calculator: See how much your bills are going up
ENERGY BILLS
The average annual energy bill will rise to £1,849 as industry regulator Ofgem increases the price cap for the third time in a row.
The new figure represents a 6.4% a year – or £9.25 per month – increase in the typical sum the vast majority of households face paying for gas and electricity when using direct debit.
You can read more about the changes and why they’re happening here.
Only those on fixed-rate deals – around 11 million homes – will see no change until their current term expires. An extra four million homes have fixed the cost of energy units since November, Ofgem said.
Standing charges – daily fixed fees to connect to a gas and electricity supply which vary by region – are also rising for gas while dropping for electricity, but it depends on where you live.
So should you fix?
Consumer expert Martin Lewis says that, based on where energy prices are currently at: “If you find a fix for up to 3% more than the current (January to March) or 3% less than the new (April to June) price cap, it’s predicted you’ll save over the year compared with staying on the price cap.”
The best deal currently on the market is with Outfox the Market, which is offering a 12-month fix for 7.4% less than January’s cap and 12.9% less than April’s.
EDF is currently offering a no-exit fee fix, and Octopus is doing the same for existing customers – so if the maths work for you, these could be risk-free options.
We spoke to Emily Seymour, Which? energy editor, about switching.
“There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to fixing an energy deal as it will all depend on your individual circumstances,” said Seymour.
“For example, if you have an electric vehicle, you might want to look for a tariff which offers cheaper electricity overnight to charge your car.
“As a rule of thumb, we’d recommend looking for deals close to the current price cap, not longer than 12 months and without significant exit fees.”
Other help
The warm home discount provides a £150 annual reduction on energy bills.
Those wanting to receive the payment must be getting the guarantee credit element of pension credit or be on a low income with high energy costs.
The government advises: “If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill. The money is not paid to you.
“You’ll usually get the discount automatically if you’re eligible. You only need to apply if you’re on a low income in Scotland – contact your energy supplier to apply.”
Those on pension credit will also be eligible for the winter fuel allowance later this year – this is worth up to £150.
BROADBAND AND MOBILE
While Ofcom’s new rules banning inflation-linked contracts came into effect in January, many consumers will be on older contracts that will still see a price rise linked to inflation.
This is causing confusion among customers, so for overall clarity: Uswitch says this April’s rises are expected to add an average of £21.99 annually for those on inflation-linked contracts and up to £42 a year for those on newer “pounds and pence” plans that are subject to fixed increases.
How do you know which contract you have?
Many providers started putting customers on fixed increase contracts in 2024 – so if you started a new broadband contract recently, you may be subject to a pounds and pence price hike.
These are the dates the providers started introducing them…
- BT/EE/Plusnet: Contract started on or after 10 April 2024
- Vodafone: Contract started on or after 2 July 2024
- TalkTalk: Contract started on or after 12 August 2024
- Three Broadband: Contract started on or after 1 September 2024
- Virgin Media: Contract started on or after 9 January 2025
So if you signed up for a deal on any of the above after those dates, you should be on a fixed annual increase – but you’ll want to check your individual policy.
Here’s an overview of the hikes being implemented by major providers…
Consider switching
You might be able to avoid the rises by switching provider as cheaper deals are often available to new customers.
You should check to see if you’re out of contract first, or what the exit penalty may be.
Research by Which? shows switching providers when you’re out of contract could cut bills by up to £235 annually.
If you don’t want to leave your provider, you could also call them and try to haggle down your monthly cost.
Several broadband providers have social tariffs available, helping those on benefits access an internet connection at a lower monthly price.
According to Uswitch, two-thirds of financially vulnerable households are unaware that low-income broadband tariffs exist.
Bundling?
You may be able to get cheaper prices by bundling your phone, internet and TV services – though you need to read the small print as exit fees can be significant.
TV LICENCE
The cost of a TV licence will also go up by £5 to £174.50
The rise comes after a £10.50 rise brought the charge to £169.50 in April last year.
If you’re 75 or over and you get pension credit, or you live with a partner who does, you qualify for a free TV licence.
You can apply for it here or by calling TV Licensing on 0300 790 6071.
Those in residential care or sheltered accommodation can get a licence for £7.50, while those registered blind or living with someone who is can get a 50% discount.
TRAIN FARES
Train fares in England have increased by 4.6% as of 2 March. Railcards are also going to become more expensive, despite the record-low reliability of services.
The Welsh government matched Westminster’s cap, while Transport for Wales is applying various increases to its unregulated fares.
Meanwhile, the Scottish government will increase all ScotRail fares by 3.8% from today.
One of the best ways to beat the price hikes is by getting a railcard – and they’re not just for traditional concession groups. We outlined all the different railcards here…
How can I use a railcard to save money on my train fare?
How to beat the system
Mark Smith, who set up The Man in Seat 61 blog to help people travel cheaper and better, told Money there were various “traps” people fell into.
Tickets are normally released around 12 weeks in advance, but initially you may only see more expensive Off-Peak and Anytime tickets.
There’s often a gap of a week or two before reservations open and the much cheaper Advance fares go on sale.
Smith says you can save money by purchasing any time before your day of travel – a £30 or £40 Advance fare will then turn into an £68.60 Off-Peak one-way or a £184.70 Anytime, for example.
If you are forced to travel at peak times you should consider split ticketing. For example:
If you’re travelling at 5pm on a Monday, instead of getting a peak ticket all the way from London to Manchester, get a peak Anytime ticket to Milton Keynes and then an Off-Peak from Milton Keynes to Manchester.
Read more about split ticketing here
One final trap to avoid was exposed by a Which? investigation last year that found train station ticket machines could be much, much more expensive than buying online.
CAR TAX
Also going up is the standard rate of road tax for cars registered after April 2017.
The flat rate cost of car tax from April 2025 is £195 (so an increase of £5).
Hybrid cars get a small discount (£10) but if your vehicle had a list price of more than £40,000 when it was first sold then you may also be liable for the “luxury car tax” fee, which adds £410 to your annual costs.
You may pay less if your car was first used before 2017 – the exact amount will depend on the year a car was registered and the type of fuel it consumes.
Perhaps a bigger change is that electric vehicles (EVs) will also no longer be exempt from tax – those registered from April 2025 will pay the lowest rate of £10 in the first year, then move to the standard rate.
Feeling confused? Autotrader gives this example…
It’s April 2025 and you’re choosing between Porsche Macans, petrol or electric (lucky you). A basic petrol Macan will mean you pay £4,680 in car tax in the first year, whereas with the electric one, you’ll pay £10. After that, they’ll both go to the standard rate (£195 per year) plus the £410 Expensive Car Supplement for five years.
Vehicle tax reminder. Pic: iStock
WATER
Possibly the most controversial of the April changes is the sizeable increase to water bills.
Bills are going up in a development that has been blamed on problems including higher borrowing costs on large levels of debt, creaking infrastructure and record sewage outflows into waterways.
However, it was reported last March that England’s private water firms made £1.7bn in pre-tax profits – up 82% since 2018-19 – prompting renewed calls for the utility to be renationalised.
The average annual water bill will rise by 26% or £123 in the next financial year alone, figures showed.
Water UK said the increases across households would also vary, depending on circumstances such as water use and whether a water meter was installed.
Get the full story here…
Water bills in England and Wales to rise by average of £10 per month
All water companies offer a social tariff for eligible customers that reduces the cost of water bills – check with your provider to see if you are eligible.
Should you get a water meter?
Martin Lewis has some simple advice on this one: if you have more bedrooms than people in the house, a water meter is likely to save you money.
If your water company says it can’t give you a meter, you can asked for an “assessed charge” – which can offer the best of both worlds. Ofwat explains yours rights here.
STAMP DUTY
Changes come into force from today and affect those in England and Northern Ireland.
The current “nil rate” band (at which you start paying) for first-time buyers will reduce from £425,000 to £300,000, while other home-buyers will also see a reduction from £250,000 to £125,000.
In London, an average first-time buyer could end up paying more than £11,000 extra from April, Santander said.
You can read more about Stamp Duty rules here
COUNCIL TAX
Some 85% of top-tier council authorities in England are set to increase council tax by just under 5%.
Additionally, Bradford, Newham, Birmingham, Somerset, and Windsor and Maidenhead have been given special permission by the government to bypass the 4.99% cap – meaning they could raise council tax by more.
Read more:
The town bracing for UK’s biggest council tax rise of almost 16%
Our data and forensics unit has been taking a look at how council finances have deteriorated here.
With the majority of councils increasing their council tax by the maximum amount this month, some households could see their bills jump significantly.
Are you eligible for a discount?
You may qualify for extra support or a reduction in your council tax bill, for example if you’re on a low income, a student, living alone or are disabled.
Another option is to have your council tax bill spread over 12 months instead of the usual 10 – this won’t save you money but could help you to budget, if your council offers this option.
You could also get your home’s council tax band reviewed, which may entitle you to a refund if you’re in the wrong band. However, you should be aware the review could lead to your property being put in a higher band.
STEALTH TAX
Expecting a pay rise?
You may be surprised to see how little translates to your pay cheque.
That’s because frozen income tax thresholds could mean that some people get pushed into higher tax brackets as their wage goes up.
Others could be pushed into paying tax on their savings by breaching the personal savings allowance – which is £1,000 tax-free interest for basic rate taxpayers.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING TO PAY BILLS
If you’re having trouble paying your bills, there’s lots of support out there.
Emily Seymour, from Which?, told Money: “If you’re struggling to afford any household bills such as energy, council tax, water and telecoms, the first step is always to speak to your provider and see what help is available.
“It’s important to remember that energy companies are obliged to help you if you tell them you are struggling to pay and will not disconnect you if you miss a bill payment. You could ask for a review of your payments, a reduction in your payments or a payment break, more time to pay, and access to hardship funds.
“For water and broadband, there are cheaper social tariffs available so it’s worth speaking to your provider to see if you qualify.
“If you don’t qualify for a broadband or mobile social tariff, our research shows you could still make big savings by switching providers – especially if you’re with a firm that hikes prices annually – so it’s always a good idea to compare deals at the end of your contract to find the best offer for you.”
You can check your eligibility for benefits on the government website which may allow you to access lower tariffs and contact your local council to see if you’re able to get support with water and energy bills.
There’s also charities offering help, including Citizens Advice and National Debtline, which are on hand to provide free, impartial advice.
The threat of physical attacks by Iran on people living in the UK has increased “significantly” since 2022, according to a new report by parliament’s intelligence watchdog.
Iran poses a “wide-ranging, persistent and unpredictable threat” to the UK, according to the Intelligence and Security Committee.
It also said Iran’s intelligence services were “willing and able – often through third party agents – to attempt assassination within the UK, and kidnap from the UK”.
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Pic: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/West Asia News Agency/Reuters
The report said there have been 15 murder or kidnap attempts against British citizens or UK-based individuals since the beginning of 2022 and August 2023.
Sky News has approached the Iranian embassy for a comment.
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Millions of Iranians unite in mourning
The report authors add: “Whilst Iran’s activity appears to be less strategic and on a smaller scale than Russia and China, Iran poses a wide-ranging threat to UK national security, which should not be underestimated: it is persistent and crucially – unpredictable.”
The committee also says that while the threat is often focused on dissidents and other opponents to the regime, there is also an increased threat to Jewish and Israeli interests in the UK.
The report warns that while Iran has not developed a nuclear weapon, it has taken steps towards that goal.
It found that Iran had been “broadly compliant” with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), aimed at limiting its nuclear ambitions.
But since Donald Trump withdrew from that deal in 2018, the report said the nuclear threat had increased and Tehran “had the capability to arm in a relatively short period”.
The UK government is also accused of “fire-fighting” rather than developing a real understanding of Iran.
Iran’s president oversees a parade in Tehran in April showing off the country’s military hardware. Pic: West Asia News Agency/Reuters
Missiles are paraded through the capital during the recent National Army Day ceremony. Pic: West Asia News Agency/Reuters
The report says: “The government’s policy on Iran has suffered from a focus on crisis management, driven by concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme, to the exclusion of other issues.
“As one of our expert witnesses told the committee: ‘Strategy is not a word that I think has crossed the lips of policy makers for a while, certainly not in relation to Iran’.”
The committee concluded its evidence-taking in August 2023, the result of two years of work, but the report authors say their conclusions “remain relevant”.
But the report authors questioned whether UK sanctions against individuals would “in practice deliver behavioural change. Or in fact unhelpfully push Iran towards China”.
The committee also said the British government should consider proscribing the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), although some argue it would limit the UK’s ability to talk to and influence Iran.
Read more from Sky News:
Who is Iran’s supreme leader?
Defiant Khamenei makes appearance
Anger in Iran over US and Israeli strikes
Listen to The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim every Wednesday
Responding to the report, a UK government spokesperson said: “The government will take action wherever necessary to protect national security, which is a foundation of our plan for change.
“We have already placed Iran on the enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme and introduced further sanctions against individuals and entities linked to Iran, bringing the total number of sanctions to 450.”
British security services say Tehran uses criminal proxies to carry out its work in Britain.
In December, two Romanians were charged after a journalist working for a Persian language media organisation in London was stabbed in the leg. In May, three Iranian men appeared in court charged with assisting Iran’s foreign intelligence service and plotting violence against journalists.
Earlier this year, the UK government said it would require the Iranian state to register everything it does to exert political influence in the UK, because of what it called increasingly aggressive activity.
The first thing you notice when immigration officers stop a possible illegal moped delivery driver is the speed in which the suspect quickly taps on their mobile.
“We’re in their WhatsApp groups – they’ll be telling thousands now that we’re here… so our cover is blown,” the lead immigration officer tells me.
“It’s like a constant game of cat and mouse.”
Twelve Immigration Enforcement officers, part of the Home Office, are joining colleagues from Avon and Somerset Police in a crackdown on road offences and migrants working illegally.
The West of England and Wales has seen the highest number of arrests over the last year for illegal workers outside of London.
“It is a problem… we’re tackling it,” Murad Mohammed, from Immigration Enforcement, says. He covers all the devolved nations.
“This is just one of the operations going on around the country, every day of the week, every month of the year.”
Murad Mohammed, from Immigration Enforcement, says his team are attempting to tackle the issue
Just outside the Cabot Circus shopping complex, we stop a young Albanian man who arrived in the UK on the back of a truck.
He’s on an expensive and fast-looking e-bike, with a new-looking Just Eat delivery bag.
He says he just uses it for “groceries” – but the officer isn’t buying it. He’s arrested, but then bailed instantly.
We don’t know the specifics of his case, but one officer tells me this suspected offence won’t count against his asylum claim.
Such is the scale of the problem – the backlog, loopholes and the complexity of cases – that trying to keep on top of it feels impossible.
This is one of many raids happening across the UK as part of what the government says is a “blitz” targeting illegal working hotspots.
Angela Eagle, the border security and asylum minister, joins the team for an hour at one of Bristol’s retail parks, scattered with fast food chains and, therefore, delivery bikes.
Border security and asylum minister, Angela Eagle, speaks to Sky News
She says arrests for illegal working are up over the last year by 51% from the year before, to more than 7,000.
“If we find you working, you can lose access to the hotel or the support you have [been] given under false pretences,” she said.
“We are cracking down on that abuse, and we intend to keep doing so.”
There are reports that asylum seekers can rent legitimate delivery-driver accounts within hours of arriving in the country – skipping employment legality checks.
Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat all told Sky News they’re continuing to strengthen the technology they use to remove anyone working illegally.
But a new Border Security Bill, working its way through Parliament, could see companies fined £60,000 for each illegal worker discovered, director disqualifications and potential prison sentences of up to five years.
“I had them all in to see me last week and I told them in no uncertain terms that we take a very tough line on this kind of abuse and they’ve got to change their systems so they can drive it out and off their platforms,” the minister tells me.
Read more:
Welfare bill passes final Commons stage after another concession
Ex-Tory chairman defects to Reform
Wealth tax could be coming to the UK – what is it?
The gig economy – so prevalent in every city – creates another incentive for those wanting to risk their lives coming to the UK illegally.
More than 20,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel to the UK in 2025 – a record number at this point of the year.
For some of those who arrive, a bike and a phone provide a way to repay debts to gang masters.
There were eight arrests today in Bristol, one or two taken into custody, but it was 12 hours of hard work by a dozen immigration officers and the support of the police.
As two mopeds are pushed onto a low-loader, you can’t help but feel, despite the best intentions, that at the moment, this is a losing battle.
We see the boat from a distance – the orange of the life jackets reflected in the rising sun.
And as we draw closer, we can make out dozens of people crowded on board as it sets off from the shore, from a beach near Dunkirk.
There is no sign of any police activity on the shore, and there are no police vessels in the water.
Instead, the migrants crammed into an inflatable dinghy are being watched by us, on board a private boat, and the looming figure of the Minck, a French search and rescue ship that soon arrives.
Minck, a French search and rescue ship, shadows the boat
The dinghy meanders. It’s not heading towards Britain but rather hugging the coast.
A few of the passengers wave at us cheerfully, but then the boat starts to head back towards the shore.
Sky’s Adam Parsons at the scene
As it nears a different beach, we see a police vehicle – a dune buggy – heading down to meet it.
Normal practice is for French police officers to slice through the material of any of these small boats that end up back on shore.
Two police officers get out of the buggy and wait. A police helicopter arrives and circles above, performing a tight circle over the heads of the migrants.
The police think they might be about to go back on to the beach; in fact, these passengers know that most of them are staying put.
Listen to The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim every Wednesday
The boat stops a short distance from the shore and four people jump out. As they wade towards the beach, the boat turns and starts to head back out to sea.
We see the two police officers approach these four men and have a brief conversation.
They don’t appear to check the bags they are carrying and, if they do question them about why they left the boat, it is the most cursory of conversations.
In reality, these people probably don’t speak French but they were almost certainly involved in arranging this crossing, which is against the law. But all four walk away, disappearing into the dunes at the back of the beach.
Read more:
Why do so many from around the world try to cross the Channel?
Channel crossings rise by 50% in first six months of 2025
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Why do migrants want to come to the UK?
We follow the boat as it chugs off in the direction of Britain, carrying around 50 people.
The Minck returns to shadowing its progress, but its job is limited to offering help if the boat gets into trouble.
Otherwise, if the engine keeps working, then this flimsy vessel will reach British waters in a few hours’ time.
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