The seven things that will cost you more money from this weekend
30.03.2023 - 10:55
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Some household bills and NHS charges will get more expensive for Brits from next month.
The cost of living crisis is far from over as struggling households faced an unexpected rise in inflation in February, which went against economic forecasts. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed a rise in the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) in February, up to 10.4% from 10.1% in January.
Most economists were expecting CPI to fall to 9.9% in February. It followed three straight months of declining inflation, which had seen hopes mount that the era of double-digit inflation was coming to an end. Meanwhile earlier this month the Bank of England raised the interest rate in a bid to help tackle climbing inflation.
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The base rate was raised from 4 percent to 4.25 percent in its 11th consecutive increase. It meant those with a loan or a mortgage with a variable interest rate saw an increase in their repayments, while those with savings account pays interest might have seen rates go up.
April marks the start of a new financial year - here are the price increases to be aware of next month.
The majority of council tax payments will increase by 5 per cent in April, but this may vary depending on where you live. It comes after a change in rules has allowed councils to raise their tax prices by up to 5 per cent without a referendum.
Analysis by the Mirror of town, city and council hall budgets found that more than three quarters (76%) were planning to impose the maximum possible hike to bills on April 1.
Water bills will rise by 7.5 percent from April 1 - the biggest increase in 20 years. From April 1, the typical combined water