April’s price hikes have landed – and for many households it feels like the damage is already done
It isn’t too late to cut your bills(Image: DejanMilic via Getty Images)
Energy bills are up, council tax has risen, broadband costs have quietly crept higher and water charges are following suit.
But here’s the reality: you haven’t missed your chance to save.
At MoneyMagpie, we see it every year – the biggest savings often come after price rises hit, when people finally take action. And right now, there are still simple, practical steps that can start cutting your costs within weeks.
What’s gone up this April
- Energy bills under the new Ofgem price cap
- Council tax – up by as much as 5% in many areas
- Water bills rising across the country
- Broadband and mobile contracts increasing (often CPI + 3–4%)
- TV licence creeping up again
For many households, that’s an extra £300–£500 a year .
The moves you can still make now
Switch your energy tariff
If you’re on a standard tariff, you’re likely overpaying.
Do it today:
- Check Uswitch or MoneySuperMarket
- Look for fixed deals around the current cap
- Call your supplier (Octopus, British Gas, EDF, E.ON Next) and ask what they can offer
Challenge your council tax
Challenging your council tax takes minutes – and could cut your bill permanently.
Check now:
- Your band on GOV.UK
- Similar homes on the VOA website
Then contact your council to ask about:
- Discounts
- Reductions
- Rebanding
Call your broadband provider
If your broadband bill has gone up, don’t accept it .
Call: BT, Sky, Virgin Media, TalkTalk, EE, O2, Vodafone
Say you’re thinking of leaving – you’ll often be offered a cheaper deal on the spot.
Consumer expert Helen Dewdney, known as The Complaining Cow, says companies often rely on customers staying quiet – and simply challenging a price rise can lead to immediate savings.
£0 phone call trick Brits are using to cut bills
Money-saving creators on TikTok have been sharing a simple script that’s helping people reduce their broadband and mobile bills in minutes.
In multiple UK-based videos, users show how calling their provider and asking to cancel or speak to the “retentions” team can unlock better deals.
The script: “I’ve noticed my bill has gone up and I can’t afford the increase. If I can’t get it back down, I’ll have to cancel — is there anything you can do?”
Why it works: Providers often have unadvertised retention deals designed to stop customers leaving.
Try it yourself:
- Call your provider (BT, Sky, Virgin, O2, EE, Vodafone)
- Ask for the “retentions” or “cancellations” team
- Be polite but firm
Ask for help with water bills
Support is available – but most people never ask.
Contact your supplier and ask about:
- Social tariffs
- WaterSure
- Payment plans
Check what you’re entitled to
This is where many people are losing money without realising.
Use:
You could unlock:
- Pension Credit
- Council tax support
- Energy help
Escalate if you’re not getting answers
If a company isn’t helping, don’t stop there.
Helen Dewdney advises putting complaints in writing and escalating them if needed – including going to the ombudsman .
Cut back where you can
Go through your direct debits.
Cancel:
- Subscriptions you don’t use
- Services that have crept up in price
Even small cuts can quickly offset rising bills.
The bottom line
It’s easy to feel like once bills go up, that’s it. But that’s not how it works.
As TV finance expert Jasmine Birtles explains: “People often think once bills have risen, there’s nothing they can do – but this is exactly when taking action can make the biggest difference. A quick switch or even one phone call can start saving money almost immediately.”
At MoneyMagpie, we see it time and time again – those who act now are the ones who stop these increases quietly draining their finances for the rest of the year.
Because even after “ Awful April ” – it’s not too late to fight back.
