Rises in some bills in the coming days mean many households will see their already tight budgets stretched further - but not all costs are going up.

 

Cuts to national insurance and increases in the amount people receive in benefits take effect in early April.

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But regular bills like council tax and water are going up so experts say family budgets need careful attention.

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We will take a look at bills going up and those going down further down this page, but first a look at wages that are going up, and why they are doing so.

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Millions of workers across the UK will see their pay increase when the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage go up on 1 April.

The Real Living Wage - a higher amount voluntarily paid by some UK businesses - remains the same.

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The National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage are both set by the Department for Business every year on the advice of independent advisory group, the Low Pay Commission.

The amount you get depends on your age. Rates apply across the UK.

From 1 April, employees aged 21 and over are entitled to the National Living Wage.Previously, you had to be23 to qualify.

The rate is increasing to £11.44 an hour, up from £10.42.

The government says the 2024 increase means it has reached its long-term goal to make the National Living Wage equal to two-thirds of median hourly pay for those aged 21 and over.

If all salaries were arranged in order, the median wage would be the one at the middle point - with half above and half below.

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WHAT BILLS ARE GOING UP?

1. Phone and broadband costs
Most broadband and mobile phone providers are currently introducing mid-contract price rises of up to 8.8%.

This is generally based on the inflation rate last December, plus an additional charge.

While this is allowed under current rules, the approach is expected to be banned by regulators later in the year.

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2. Water bills get more expensive
The average annual water and sewerage bill will rise by 6% in England and Wales, up £27 to £473.

In Scotland, water and waste charges will go up by 8.8%, a rise of £36.

Actual individual bills can differ significantly owing to regional variations and usage levels for those on a meter.

In the Welsh Water area, most bills will be around £492 (depending on usage)

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3. Council tax rises
Council tax, or the equivalent rating system, will rise in most areas - although a freeze is now expected across the whole of Scotland.

Local authorities collect the tax to pay for services such as rubbish collection, street lighting and libraries. Authorities in England with social care duties can raise council tax by up to 4.99%, without triggering a referendum. Others can increase it by up to 2.99%.

Some can increase bills by more than 5%, with government permission, such as Birmingham where council tax will rise by 21% in two years.

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Proposed increases vary from 5% to 16% in Wales, and between 4% and nearly 10% in domestic rates in Northern Ireland.

There is a freeze until 2025 in Scotland. although two councils had threatened to defy the national policy.

 

In general, some households - such as people living alone, those with disabilities, or student properties - can receive discounts. Get in touch with your local council to see what discounts you are entitled too.

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4. TV, car and dental fees rise
Various other fees and charges are rising in April.

They include the cost of the TV licence fee, which will go up by 6.6% to £169.50, after being frozen for two years.

It is free for for any household where someone is aged over 75 and also receives the means-tested pension credit. Anyone who is registered blind, or lives with someone who is sight-impaired - can get a 50% discount.

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Vehicle tax is also rising, with the annual flat rate for a car registered on or after 1 April 2017 going up by £10. The amount due depends on the type of vehicle, when it was registered and when type of fuel is used.

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NHS dental charges in England will increase by 4%, which means a standard check-up will cost £1 more, at £26.80. Some people are eligible for free dental care, such as when pregnant.

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5. The good news - falling energy prices

The annual energy bill for a household using a typical amount of gas and electricity will fall to £1,690, which is the lowest for two years.

Regulator Ofgem's new price cap takes effect on 1 April and means a drop of £238 a year, or around £20 a month, on that typical bill.

The regulator's price cap affects 29 million households in England, Wales and Scotland. Rules are different in Northern Ireland, where prices are also falling. The cap sets the maximum amount suppliers can charge for each unit of gas and electricity but not the total bill - so if you use more, you will pay more.

But the fixed standing charges element of the bill is rising, and the fee varies depending on the region where you live.

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You can find more on the COST OF LIVING on the BBC NEWS WEBSITE  (opens in new window)

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This page has been compiled from a number of sources including RADIO NEWS HUB, BBC NEWS and WALES ON LINE