In the UK, an unsettling financial storm is expected to hit these shores in April. Coined as ‘Awful April’, several pundits and economists have warned of significant bill hikes that could significantly burden household finances. This notable rise in the cost of living is propelled by increases in energy bills, telecommunications, and council tax, leaving millions desperately searching for practical ways to stay afloat.
These rising costs, experts suggest, are largely due to multiple factors including inflation, Brexit aftermath, global financial instability, and a recovering pandemic-hit economy. Collectively, these factors are establishing a challenging financial landscape that UK households are forced to navigate.
Leading the pack is an intense surge in energy bills, with a record-breaking increase in gas and electricity tariffs. The energy cap set by Ofgem is expected to rise by almost 54%, forcing about 22 million households on default energy tariffs to brace for a substantial hit. This could lead to the average energy bill rising by a whopping £693 a year, according to the latest figures from MoneySuperMarket.
Adding to the financial strain is an expected rise in council tax, which in England could surge by an average of 3.5%. This hike could mean an extra £50-£100 out of yearly budgets for most households. On the eve of the digital era, telecom giants Virgin Media and Sky are also set to increase broadband and phone package prices by a potential 11.7% and 9% respectively, putting further strain on finances.
Anticipating these impending bumps is paramount, and financial advisors suggest a multipronged strategy to manage household finances effectively during this period. The first course of action advocated by critics involves budget planning by reassessing income and expenditure, and identifying potential areas for savings.
Energy consumption habits play a critical role in managing expenses. Consumer groups are encouraging households to undertake measures like switching off devices when not in use, installing energy-saving bulbs, and reducing thermostat levels to cut power consumption costs. It’s also advisable to compare tariffs and switch to cheaper providers if possible.
Experts are recommending households to reevaluate necessary outgoings such as insurance, broadband, and mobile phone contracts. Often, regular price comparison and switching providers can yield significant cost savings. For council tax, it might be worth checking if your property is in the right band or if you’re eligible for discounts, and make an appeal or claim if it’s not.
An integral albeit overlooked part of coping with living cost increases is maximising income. Exploring avenues for additional earnings and ensuring one is claiming all the benefits they are eligible for can go a long way in mitigating the effects of ‘Awful April’.
Financial advisors also encourage building an emergency fund. While it may be challenging to put aside money given the current circumstances, even a small buffer could play a vital role in managing unexpected expenses without sliding into debt.
While the Government has introduced a one-off £150 council tax rebate for most households and a temporary energy discount of £200 to manage the cost of living crisis, critics argue these actions are mere temporary Band-Aids for a more chronic issue. The true remedy, they say, lies in a combination of practical money management strategies and more sustainable government interventions in the long term.
As ‘Awful April’ looms large on financial horizons, the message is clear: proactive preparation is key. While no all-encompassing solution exists, a combination of budgeting, optimising energy consumption, exploring cheaper services, maximising income and providing for emergencies appear to be the most probable lifeboats for households navigating these turbulent financial waters.
UK households might not have control over external economic variables, but they can equip themselves with the necessary tools to weather this financial storm.
Original Source: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/mar/30/cost-of-living-how-to-prepare-for-the-awful-april-shower-of-bill-increases
