How to beat the April bill rises – from Council Tax to energy bills
The cost of living crisis has seen many families battling to cut costs wherever possible.
And things are only set to become harder as we are set to see more rises from next month.
From council tax to water and energy bills, it’s set to get more difficult to pinch the pennies as we see cost increases across the board.
However, there are plenty of tips and tricks to help you set up a budget to prepare or even slash spending.
Here are our top tips and tricks to save money as bills rise:
Council tax
Unfortunately, there is no way to save money on your council tax unless you move house.
However, there are ways to lessen the strain of council tax payments.
You could ask to spread your payments over 12 months, rather than paying for the standard annual bill.
Alternatively, some people are entitled to reductions on their council tax payments.
You could be eligible if you’re on a low income or claim benefits. Your bill could be reduced by up to 100%.
You can apply if you own your home, rent, are unemployed, or working.
What you get depends on:
- Where you live, as each council runs its own scheme
- Your circumstances, such as your income, number of children, benefits, and residency status
- Your household income, including savings, pensions, and your partner’s income
- If your children live with you
- If other adults live with you
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To apply for a reduction in council tax, you must apply to your local council.
Energy bills
If you are facing difficulties paying your energy bills, Ofgem regulations state that your energy firm must offer you a tailored plan to meet your needs.
According to the regulator, you can enter a payment plan and ask for:
- A review of your payments and debt repayments
- Payment breaks or reductions
- More time to pay
- Access to hardship funds
- Advice on how to use less energy
- The option of the free support service, the Priority Services Register.
Many energy companies and charities also offer schemes and grants you can apply for to help with the cost.
You may also be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment, the Cold Weather Payment, or the Warm Home Discount.
Ofgem also says that the way in which you pay your bills could have an impact, with direct debit payments often coming up cheaper.
Which? recommends not changing energy providers at current, but that you can analyse your bills for savings.
Sending your supplier regular meter readings will keep your payments accurate and stop you from getting estimate bills. If you have a smart meter, this is done automatically.
Using existing appliances more efficiently, or investing in energy-saving appliances, could also help pinch pennies.
You can keep your house warmer for longer by installing insulation, draught-proofing your home, and having your boiler serviced to ensure it is running efficiently.
Water bills
You cannot switch water companies as this is determined by where you live, but you can save money on your bills with a number of tricks.
Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has shared some tips on how to cut the price of your water bills.
Speaking on The Martin Lewis Money Show, one viewer said they saved £400 in a year after installing a water meter, with Lewis also urging viewers to check if they are eligible.
To get a water meter installed, first you need to head over to your water provider’s website and apply.
You can fill in an application form online, or call them and do it over the phone.
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland it’s free to have a water meter installed and they can be fitted inside and outside your home.
To find out whether this would be worthwhile for you, you can use CCW’s free online water meter calculator.
If a water meter doesn’t work for you, or you are looking to make even more savings, there are also a plethora of water saving gadgets on the market.
You can visit savemoneysavewater.co.uk to find free gadgets available from your water company.
Phone bills
If your current deal becomes too expensive, when your deal with your provider has expired, you are free to hunt for the best deal and move elsewhere.
Alternatively, you can negotiate with your current provider to get yourself a better deal.
If you receive certain benefits, you may be entitled to a low-cost social tariff that includes discounted phone and broadband deals.
If you or someone in your household claims Universal Credit, you could switch to any of the tariffs available.
Those eligible should first check if their provider offers a social tariff, or if they will need to swap to a different company.
You can apply for most social tariffs online, or by calling your chosen provider.
TV and broadband bills
Like saving money on your phone tariff, you can check if your TV or broadband provider offers a social tariff to cut costs.
Ofcom recommends checking your TV subscription and streaming services and cut back on them as a way to save money.
Many streaming services can be cancelled immediately without incurring any additional costs.
Stamps
Last year, Martin Lewis warned against stockpiling as stamps are now barcoded.
However, there are ways you can save money on stamps, with The Seller Journal reporting that buying stamps online or from wholesale clubs can save money.
The site also recommends searching for deals through retailers such as Amazon, where you can sometimes drop on a bargain.
Buying in bulk can also save money – especially if you run your own business and often find yourself sending parcels.
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