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Council tax, water, energy How rising bills will pile more pressure on budgets
The Guardian
|April 01, 2025
The exact amount extra that consumers will pay from today will depend on where they live and their personal circumstances.
Despite some respite - including an increase in the minimum wage and a modest rise in most benefits, budgets are expected to be squeezed. Here are the main bills that are increasing.
Council tax Most households in England will face the maximum increase of 4.99%. This means the average council tax bill on a band D property is going up by £109 a year, to £2,280. Six councils were given permission to raise bills by more than a nationwide cap.
In Scotland, most homes' council tax will rise by at least 8%. The increase in Wales will be 4.5% to 9.5%. Northern Ireland uses a domestic rates system, instead of council tax. All of Northern Ireland's councils have put up rates by up to 5.9%.
Energy bills If you're on a variable tariff linked to the energy price cap, your costs will increase on 1 April.
This story is from the April 01, 2025 edition of The Guardian.
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