For a typical band D property, a 4.99 per cent rise adds an average of \u00a3114 on the next tax year compared to 2025\/26.<\/p>\n
However, there are ways to potentially cut your council tax bill. There are a range of discounts on offer, such as a 25 per cent reduction for single households, while full-time students are exempt.<\/p>\n
Those on low incomes may be able to get their bill reduced by up to 100 per cent. Discounts aren\u2019t applied automatically, so you need to contact your council to claim.<\/p>\n
You can also challenge your council tax band if you think you\u2019re paying more than other similar properties in your area.<\/p>\n
Gather information about comparable properties nearby and present the information to your council and ask for your band to be reduced. Beware your band could be increased, though.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re struggling to pay your council tax, you may be able to get help.<\/p>\n
![\"Council](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_280439733.jpg\")
Those on low incomes may be able to get their council tax bill reduced by up to 100 per cent (Photo: clubfoto\/iStock\/Getty)<\/p>\n
Save on your energy bills<\/p>\n
In some good news for struggling households, energy bills are actually set to fall from April \u2013 although the relief could be short-lived, with the conflict in the Middle East expected to drive up energy costs later this year.<\/p>\n
The average bill for a typical household fell by \u00a3117 at the start of April, bringing an average annual bill for households on standard variable tariffs to \u00a31,641, down from \u00a31,758. However, if you use more energy than a typical household, your costs will be higher than this.<\/p>\n
But analysts Cornwall Insights are now predicting the cap could rise to \u00a31,973 from July.<\/p>\n
This means April could be a good time to check you\u2019re on the best rate possible, and if you\u2019re not, consider switching and locking in a fixed deal to save money long-term.<\/p>\n
McCaffrey said: \u201cWhile energy bills are falling in April, they\u2019re expected to go up by \u00a3332 per year from July due to the war in the Middle East.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd with around 22 million households on their supplier\u2019s standard variable rate, most are paying the maximum allowed by the regulator. Check your current contract, and if you haven\u2019t switched in the past year, it\u2019s likely you\u2019ll be free to leave \u2013 and you could save up to \u00a3917.\u201d<\/p>\n
Many fixed-rate deals have been pulled over the past few weeks due to the war in Iran, but it\u2019s still possible to get a better deal if you look now.<\/p>\n
You can also save money by implementing basic energy-saving measures, like ensuring electronics aren\u2019t left on standby, lights are switched off when rooms aren\u2019t in use, and avoiding overusing energy-guzzling appliances like tumble dryers and dishwashers.<\/p>\n
Many suppliers can help those who are struggling with their energy bills. <\/p>\n
Get a water meter to dodge higher costs<\/p>\n
The average water bill is set to rise by \u00a333 to \u00a3639 per year from April, but some areas will see higher increases \u2013 and unfortunately, you can\u2019t change your water supplier unless you move to a different area.<\/p>\n
Southern Water customers will pay the highest average rates from next month, with a typical bill of \u00a3759.<\/p>\n
But you can potentially save money by applying to your supplier to get a water meter installed. These are devices installed on your water supply pipe that accurately measure the amount of water you use, meaning your supplier can\u2019t guess and overcharge you.<\/p>\n
McCaffrey said: \u201cIf your provider can\u2019t install one, they must offer you an \u2018assessed charge\u2019 \u2013 a fixed water bill where a meter cannot be installed \u2013 which could save you money.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAround 2.5 million households are also eligible for social tariffs, with average discounts of around 40 per cent,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Social water tariffs are discounted water rates for lower income households or those receiving certain benefits, reducing costs by up to 50 per cent or sometimes even more. For example, Southern Water says it will offer a discounted rate for households with an income of below \u00a322,020.<\/p>\n
Check if you qualify for a free TV licence<\/p>\n
TV licences are set to rise by \u00a35.50 from 1 April to \u00a3180 per year, up 3.1 per cent from \u00a3174.50.
You need a TV licence if you watch or record any live TV on any channel, such as BBC, ITV or Channel 4. You also need one to legally watch BBC iPlayer, even if the content isn\u2019t live.<\/p>\n
You don\u2019t need a TV licence if you only watch on-demand streaming services like Netflix or Disney Plus. One licence is valid for a whole household.<\/p>\n
However, some people qualify for a free TV licence and may not realise. For example, if you are over 75 and claim pension credit. You can also get a 50 per cent discount if you are blind or have a severe sight impairment.<\/p>\n