April 1, 2025, marks the beginning of what many are calling “Awful April,” as millions of UK households face widespread increases in essential bills. With energy, water, council tax, and other costs climbing sharply, families are bracing for tighter budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes and what they mean for your finances.
Energy costs have risen once again, with the average annual bill for a typical household using gas and electricity increasing by £111 to £1,849. This 6.4% hike reflects Ofgem’s latest price cap adjustment due to rising wholesale energy prices. Around 22 million homes across England, Wales, and Scotland are affected. While fixed tariffs may offer stability, many families on variable tariffs will feel the pinch immediately.
Water bills have risen by an average of £10 per month in England and Wales, though the impact varies significantly by region. Southern Water customers face the steepest increase—47%—bringing their annual charges to £703. These hikes are part of a broader five-year plan to upgrade infrastructure and address environmental challenges like climate change
Most councils in England have implemented the maximum allowed council tax increase of 4.99%, adding an average of £109 annually to Band D households. In Scotland, where council tax caps don’t apply, some areas are seeing rises exceeding 10%, with Falkirk Council imposing a staggering 15.6% increase
Beyond energy and water bills, households are facing additional hikes:
These increases come at a time when many families are already struggling with high inflation and stagnant wages. While the government has introduced a higher national living wage to offset some costs, many feel it’s insufficient compared to the rising expenses
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by these rising costs, Pennyshores is here to help! As a trusted Utility Warehouse partner, we specialize in helping households save money on essential services like gas, electricity, broadband, and more.
📞 Contact us now for a FREE consultation to explore how you can lower your monthly bills and regain control of your finances.
Let’s tackle “Awful April” together—reach out today! 🌟
