Bills & Cutting Costs

Staying put usually costs more: insurers, broadband and energy firms quietly raise prices for loyal customers. Diarising renewals and switching or haggling is where mass-market money is found.

The Ofgem price cap limits unit rates and standing charges for a typical direct-debit home — it's not a cap on your total bill — and changes every three months. It's about £1,641/yr for typical use to June 2026, rising to £1,862 from July 2026. A fixed deal can beat it; submit meter readings; and check the Warm Home Discount (£150) if you're on a low income.

Out of contract, you're usually overpaying — switch or haggle (the One Touch Switch process makes broadband easy). New contracts must now show rises in pounds and pence, not inflation-linked. Social tariffs for those on Universal Credit or PIP are much cheaper.

You can challenge your council tax band if it looks wrong, and check whether you qualify for Council Tax Reduction. Water meters help low-use households, and social tariffs exist for water too.