Don't spend it all in one shop! Pensions rise 4.8% on April 6

AS THE new financial year begins on April 6, state pensioners and benefit claimants will receive their annual income boost.

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Next month brings increases to a range of benefits, alongside rising bills and taxes, with different uplifts depending on how each is calculated.

The State Pension rises on the first Monday after April 6 each year. This time, that falls exactly on the day, so the increase will take effect immediately.

It will go up by 4.8% under the earnings element of the triple lock, as wage growth between July and September last year outpaced inflation and the 2.5% minimum.