Household bills: which bills are going up in April 2026 and what's been confirmed - from water to council tax
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Some changes are locked in, others are still uncertain, but April could reshape monthly budgets 📊
- Several household bills are set to change from the start of the new UK tax year
- Some price increases have already been confirmed, while others are still pending
- Water bills and council tax are among the costs households should watch closely
- Energy prices, broadband and mobile bills remain uncertain but could shift in April
- Rent, mortgages and other everyday costs may also change as the new tax year begins
The start of the new UK tax year on 1 April 2026 is set to bring another round of changes to household bills.
While not every cost has been locked in yet, several price rises have already been confirmed, and others follow well-established annual patterns that mean higher bills are likely for many households.
Here’s what’s been confirmed so far, and what households should be prepared for as April approaches.
Water bills - confirmed rises
One of the clearest changes comes from water and sewerage bills, which are set to rise from 1 April.
In England and Wales, water companies have confirmed an average increase of around 5.4%, adding roughly £30–£35 a year to a typical household bill.
The exact increase will vary depending on your provider, with some customers facing higher-than-average rises due to local investment plans.
In Scotland, water charges are collected alongside council tax, and early indications suggest increases of around 8%–9%, meaning higher bills for most households. Northern Ireland remains the exception, with no separate domestic water charges.
Council tax - rises expected
Council tax is set by local authorities, but it almost always rises at the start of the new tax year.
While individual councils will not finalise their rates until late winter, most English councils are expected to increase bills again in April, often by close to the maximum level allowed without a local referendum.
For many areas, that typically means rises of up to around 5%. For households in a Band D property, this could mean paying £80–£120 more per year, depending on where you live.
Councils say the increases are needed to fund core services, particularly adult social care.
Energy bills - to be confirmed
The energy price cap, which limits what suppliers can charge households on standard variable tariffs, is reviewed every three months.
The next cap, covering April to June 2026, has not yet been confirmed, though the official figure is expected to be announced on February 26.
Current forecasts suggest the cap could fall slightly, reflecting lower wholesale energy prices and changes to policy costs. But energy markets remain volatile, and forecasts can change quickly.
Households should be aware that prices could still rise if market conditions shift before Ofgem sets the new cap.
Broadband, mobile and TV bills - likely increases
Many households will also see higher bills for broadband, mobile phone contracts and TV subscriptions.
These services often apply annual price rises in March or April, typically linked to inflation or a fixed percentage written into contracts.
While providers have not yet announced their 2026 increases, customers could see monthly bills rise by a few pounds when annual reviews take effect.
Anyone out of contract may be able to avoid increases by switching, while those in contract should check their terms to see what rises are permitted.
Rent - possible increases
Spring is a common time for tenancy renewals, meaning many renters could face higher costs around April.
With demand still outstripping supply in many parts of the UK, landlords continue to raise rents where possible.
How much renters pay will depend on their local market and whether they are renewing a fixed-term contract or moving onto a new agreement.
Mortgages - changes dependent on interest rates
Mortgage costs are not directly linked to the tax year, but households coming to the end of fixed-rate deals in spring 2026 could see their monthly payments change.
Future costs will depend on Bank of England interest rate decisions, which are due throughout the year.
While rates are expected to gradually ease, borrowers rolling off older deals may still face higher repayments than before.
Other costs that often change in April
A range of other household expenses are often adjusted at the start of the tax year, including:
- Vehicle tax (VED) rates
- Public transport fares
- Some insurance premiums, such as car and home cover
Not all of these have been confirmed yet for April 2026, but many tend to rise broadly in line with inflation.
With household expenses continuing to rise and energy bills still higher than pre-crisis levels, more people are turning to Utility Warehouse (UW) to save money. UW lets you bundle services like broadband, mobile, energy and insurance into one streamlined account—reducing hassle while unlocking multi-service discounts. The more you bundle, the more you save.
Customers benefit from a single monthly bill, up to £400 towards early exit fees, and access to cashback on everyday spending. UW also offers the UK’s cheapest variable energy tariff when bundled, helping shield households from further price hikes.