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This week’s cost of living newsletter is a household bills special.
We’ve put together all the latest advice on your costs at home, with many due to rise in April with the new financial year.
We’ve outlined all the support options for water, energy, Council Tax and more below.
Water bills going up by at least 20 per cent
Water bills for residents in Wokingham Borough will go up by at least 20 per cent.
Firms say they need extra money to replace ageing, leaking pipes and to reduce sewage discharges into rivers and seas. Water UK says local supplier increases are:
- South East Water – average bill going from £245 to £294 (20 per cent increase)
- Thames Water – average bill going from £488 to £639 (31 per cent increase)
Your bill and the amount you pay depends on your use. Ofwat has advice on saving water and reducing your bills.
If you have a low income or are struggling to pay your water bills, you can apply for financial support from your water provider:
Average energy bill rises £111 per year
The annual energy bill for a household using a typical amount of gas and electricity will go up £111 a year to £1,849 from April.
This is nine per cent higher than the same period last year (April to June 2024).
Regulator Ofgem increased the energy price cap because of higher wholesale costs and inflation.
You can use our Community Big Switch scheme to get a free quote for a lower bill.
Get help with food and feeding your household
Food prices aren’t rising as quickly as the last few years, but we know costs staying high is still impacting residents.
There are a number of local options if you need help with food, across the borough on most days of the week.
SHARE Wokingham offers fresh produce, like bread and vegetables, for those who need it. These are surplus stock from local supermarkets and food suppliers.
There are also foodbanks which provide emergency food and support to people locally. You'll usually need a referral to visit.
Council Tax to rise by 4.99 per cent
We’ve put up Council Tax for the new financial year by 4.99 per cent for 2025/26.
This increase means Council Tax for the average Band D property (excluding fire service precept, police precept and average parish council precept) will be £1,931.04 (an increase of £7.65 per month on last year).
If you’re struggling to pay your Council Tax, there are support options available:
Contact us as soon as you can if you're struggling to pay your Council Tax. Email ctax@wokingham.gov.uk or call 0118 974 6000.
Internet, phone and TV licence
A TV licence will increase by 2.9 per cent, taking effect from 1 April. This will bring the cost of a colour licence fee to £174.50 per year.
Don’t forget you can get a free or discounted licence, in some situations. TV Licensing has advice if you’re struggling to pay.
Ofcom has a list of social tariffs for broadband to access the internet, which you may be eligible for if you receive other support like Pension Credit, Universal Credit or other benefits. These give you lower prices.
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