FAMILIES £1,100 WORSE OFF IN APRIL BILLS SURGE

HOUSEHOLDS could be battered by over £1,000 a year in extra costs because of bill rises under Labour next month, the Tories have warned.

- By Steph Spyro

Average bills for some families are set to rise by £1,191, according to their analysis.

Many of the hikes take effect from tomorrow at the start of a month which has been dubbed "awful April".

Cruellest

Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride warned millions will be hit by "Labour's cruellest month in office".

He said: "Tomorrow, hardworking families across the country will see their cost of living rise yet again - and it's all thanks to this Labour Government's choices.

"A whole litany of household bills is set to soar, with some increases running into the hundreds of pounds.

"Whether it's council tax, energy, water, broadband or car tax, almost every corner of family life is about to get more expensive. Analysis by the Conservative Party shows the average household will be hit with over £1,000 in extra costs this year a fresh blow to family finances already under pressure.

"Yes, these bill hikes may come into force on April Fools' Day, but there's nothing funny about what Labour is doing to the country." Energy bills are set to rise by an average of £111 a year after three increases in the price cap since Labour took office.

Council tax will increase by an average of £109 as most town halls in England are planning to raise bills by 4.99% the maximum amount permitted with some, including Birmingham, Bradford, Newham, Somerset, Trafford and Windsor and Maidenhead, having permission to go even higher.