Households across England are being alerted to brace themselves for higher charges from April. Most households will see a rise in council tax, adding to the cost of living pressures.
This is in accordance with the government’s confirmation that local authorities can increase rates by 5%. This will result in average council tax bills leaping by over £100 annually.
This grim news means Brits will witness more money draining from their bank accounts when the new charges come into effect. And it’s not just council tax; other main household bills are also on the rise.
Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp
Sign up to our newsletter for our best money-saving tips and hacks. Energy bills, which already saw an increase in January, are set to climb again from April.
There have also been warnings that water charges will skyrocket, offering no relief to households from the cost of living pressures. This means three of the core household bills will be increasing, putting further strain on budgets.
Local authorities argue that the extra funds are necessary to bolster their budgets during a time when they are cash-strapped. However, this will be another added expense for struggling families to fret about.
Council tax charges have been rising each year in many areas recently, leaving residents frustrated, especially when they witness deteriorating roads, uncut verges and other issues. Some residents can receive council tax discounts, such as those living alone or on low incomes.
Those concerned about costs should contact their council to see if they qualify for support.
The Government elaborated on eligibility for a reduction in council tax, saying: “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.”
They added, “What you get depends on:”.
Under the DWP Budgeting Loan system, the lowest amount you can borrow is £100, the benefits department stipulates.