Millions of households are bracing for “Anxious April” and a wave of bill hikes, but one simple energy tweak could still save more than £100 a year.

Switching how you pay your energy bill is emerging as one of the easiest wins as costs surge across council tax, water, broadband and more. Sarah Pennells, consumer finance specialist at Royal London, warned families face mounting pressure. She said: “These are very uncertain times, and many people will be worrying about the prospect of higher costs and bills.

“Even without the higher oil and gas prices caused by the Middle East conflict, many costs are due to rise next month, meaning an Anxious April for millions of households.”

The £100+ energy saving hiding in plain sight

Around 17 million households will see energy bills fall by 7% from April 1 under the price cap.

Typical costs drop to £1,641 a year if paid by direct debit – but jump to £1,772 if you pay on receipt of the bill. That’s a £131 gap.

How to fight back:

• Switch to direct debit to unlock instant savings of over £100
• Compare tariffs – though many cheap fixed deals have been pulled
• Consider tracker tariffs (often slightly cheaper but not price-protected)
• Speak to your supplier early if you’re struggling – they must offer support such as payment plans

Bills going up almost everywhere else

While energy offers a brief reprieve in April, most other household costs are heading firmly in the opposite direction. Royal London has identified the increases and how people can fight back against the cost of living squeeze.

Council tax

Bills are rising by up to 4.99% in England – adding roughly £100–£110 to a typical Band D home, pushing average bills to £2,394.

How to fight back:

• Check for discounts (e.g. 25% off for single occupants)
• Apply for reductions if on low income or disabled
• Ask to spread payments over 12 months instead of 10
• Contact your council early if struggling – don’t miss payments or you risk the full bill being demanded

Water bills surge again

Water bills are rising 5.4% on average – about £33 a year – with some increases as high as 12%.

How to fight back:

• Consider installing a water meter – often cheaper if you have spare bedrooms
• Cut usage if already on a meter
• Apply for social tariffs – discounts can reach up to 50% or even 90% in some cases

Broadband and mobile bills jump

Millions will see increases of £3–£4 a month – more than 10% in some cases.

How to fight back:

• Switch providers if you’re out of contract
• Haggle with your current provider – many will offer discounts to keep you
• Downgrade your package if you’re paying for unused data
• Check eligibility for social tariffs costing £10–£23 a month

TV licence rises again

The fee increases 3.1% to £180 a year.

How to fight back:

• Spread payments via monthly or fortnightly plans
• Check eligibility for discounts (e.g. if registered blind)
• Ensure you actually need a licence – it’s only required for live TV or BBC iPlayer

Car tax changes – including EV shock

Standard car tax rises to £200 – and electric vehicles will no longer be exempt.

How to fight back:

• Pay annually instead of instalments to avoid extra charges
• Check your vehicle band – older cars may have different rates
• Be mindful of the £50,000 threshold to avoid the £440 luxury car supplement

Stamp prices climb

First-class stamps rise nearly 6% to £1.80, while second-class increase 4.6% to 91p.

How to fight back:

• Stock up before prices rise
• Switch to email or messaging where possible

Heating oil costs double

For off-grid households, heating oil has surged from £307 to £595 for 500 litres in just weeks.

How to fight back:

• Compare suppliers before ordering
• Time purchases when prices dip
• Ask about payment plans to spread the cost
• Check eligibility for Government support via local councils

Mortgage pain returns

Rates are rising sharply, with a 0.5% increase adding around £700 a year to a £200,000 mortgage.

How to fight back:

• Act quickly – deals are being withdrawn fast
• Speak to a broker to find the best option
• Check your credit file to secure better rates
• Prepare early if your fixed deal is ending in 2026

The stealth tax squeeze

Frozen thresholds mean more people are dragged into higher tax bands, with higher-rate taxpayers set to jump 38.7%.

How to fight back:

• Increase pension contributions to reduce taxable income
• Use salary sacrifice where available to cut tax and National Insurance

Ms Pennells warned many households wait too long before seeking help.

“Our research showed that… many people who were struggling didn’t ask for help until they were in financial crisis,” she said.

“If you are struggling, talk to your supplier or a debt advice charity as soon as you feel like you’re falling behind… The earlier you get support the better.”