Big changes to household budgets from this weekend as Council Tax, broadband and mobile bills due to rise

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Households are facing an onslaught of price hikes that could leave the average family hundreds of pounds a year worse off. From April 1, millions of people will face increases to their Council Tax, broadband, mobile and water bills.Most local authorities in Scotland are putting up Council Tax this year and coupled with the ending of the monthly £67 energy bills rebate, this weekend is going to herald the start of a challenging month ahead for millions of households across the country.

The UK Government’s Energy Bill Support Scheme has provided a £400 discount on gas and electricity bills since October 2022, helping some 29million households keep on top of soaring energy costs.April will also bring higher bills for mobile phones, broadband and streaming services.

It’s not all doom and gloom though as the National Minimum Wage is set to rise to £10.42 per hour for around 1.7million workers aged 23 and over from April 1.Matthew Upton, director of policy at Citizens Advice, said: “Millions of people will now have to stomach inflation-busting price hikes on their mobile and broadband contracts, totalling an average of £90 more a year.

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’s kicked the can down the road with a review that won’t land until the end of the year.