Martin Lewis shared strategies to counter upcoming price increases affecting UK households. Water bills in England and Wales will rise by about 5.4% from April 1, equating to an average yearly increase of £33. To potentially save on water costs, consider switching to a water meter, which can be done for free in these regions. If a meter is not feasible, inquire about an ‘assessed charge’ to possibly lower your bill.
Additionally, many homes are missing out on discounts, such as social tariffs and the Watersure scheme, which can cap bills for those with medical conditions requiring higher water usage. In terms of council tax, rates are set to rise by approximately 5% in England, 4% in Wales, and between 4% to 10% in Scotland. Eligible individuals can secure discounts based on various criteria, including living arrangements and income levels.
Mobile contract costs are also anticipated to increase by around £2.50 monthly. To potentially save money, check your contract status by texting INFO to 85075. If free to switch, utilize comparison sites for better deals. Furthermore, switching providers does not necessarily mean losing coverage, as most companies utilize the same networks. To retain your number when switching, request a switching code by texting PAC to 65075.
In light of upcoming broadband price hikes, Martin Lewis recommends using comparison sites to find cost-effective deals. By being proactive and exploring these options, households can potentially mitigate the impact of rising expenses.
