British citizens face huge hikes in household bills as government ends energy support

British households and businesses are preparing for an onslaught of price rises during April, after the government ended its relief scheme for energy bills, fueling the worsening impact of the cost-of-living crisis on people’s lives.

Millions of Britons are set to face increased costs on a number of items and services from Saturday, including their council tax, water bills, mobile and broadband, while businesses face unprecedented hikes in their gas and electricity bills.

The government is putting up council tax by 5 percent from the 1st of April, meaning those living in a band D home will have to pay an extra tax of £100 each year.

The average water bill is set to rise by 7.5 percent, while broadband and mobile phone prices are due to go up by about 17 percent.

“Millions of people will now have to stomach inflation-busting price hikes on their mobile and broadband contracts, totaling an average of £90 more a year,” said Matthew Upton, Director of Policy at Citizens Advice.

“We called on these firms to support their customers during this uniquely challenging time, but they didn’t listen. Ofcom should be holding these companies to account,” Upton said.

Going through the NHS, prescription charges in England are set to rise by 30 percent from April, taking fees to £9.65 per item.

Following close behind the increases will be higher costs of food and commodities across the country.

Mortgage payments will also rise for borrowers after the Bank of England (BoE) raised borrowing rates to a 14-year high of 4.25 percent.