Your bills are changing today - how much more you will pay

While there is some relief on energy costs experts warn it may only be temporary.

Here is what is changing and what you can do to cut costs.

Council tax rises (again)

Council tax is increasing for the fourth year in a row with the average Band D bill in England now reaching £2,392 up £111 or 4.9 percent.

Many households could reduce their bill but do not realise they qualify:

• 25 percent discount for single occupants
• Full exemption for full time students
• Up to 100 percent reduction for low income households
• Extra support for carers and people with disabilities

Discounts are not automatic so you must apply through your local council.

Water bills jump (again)

Water bills across England and Wales are rising by an average of £33 a year or 5.4 percent with some areas facing much steeper increases:

• Up to 13 percent increases in some regions
• Millions eligible for social tariffs cutting bills by around 40 percent

If you are struggling check if you qualify as many households do not claim.

Broadband and mobile costs increase (again)

Major providers are raising prices again:

• Monthly rises of £3 to £4 for broadband
• Around £50 extra per year for many households

But many people are paying more than they need to:

• 1 in 4 broadband users are out of contract and overpaying
• Some pay up to £9 more per month than necessary

If you are out of contract you can switch or negotiate immediately.

Mobile users can text INFO to 85075 to check their status and find cheaper deals.

Energy bills fall - but only for now

In some good news the energy price cap is dropping:

• Average bill falls to £1,641
• Saving around £117 a year or about £10 a month

However the relief may not last:

• Prices could rise sharply from July
• Forecasts suggest an increase of £288 a year due to global pressures

Around 22 million households are still on expensive default tariffs.

Now may be the time to lock into a fixed deal before prices rise again.

Recommended reading:

• Millions owed £829 each in car finance scandal - Martin Lewis explains what to do now
• Best Easter 2026 deals at supermarkets from Aldi to Waitrose
• Full list of DWP payments rising for parents, carers and families in 2026

4 quick ways to cut costs

1. Check and claim council tax discounts
2. See if you qualify for water social tariffs
3. Switch or renegotiate broadband and mobile contracts
4. Consider fixing your energy tariff before July

Although April brings a small energy saving it is outweighed by rising everyday costs leaving many households worse off overall.

Experts warn the situation could worsen later this year especially for those already struggling or in energy debt.