We’ve seen a lot of changes come into power in recent weeks.
Energy bills are set to rise next month and the new Highway Code was recently launched.
But now Brits must brace themselves as there are more changes coming their way.
The minimum wage is rising for all basic-rated workers ahead of the new tax year.
Council tax rates are set to change and there’s a shake-up involving Royal Mail stamps too.
Student loan changes are happening as the new energy price cap is set to impact households in the UK as well.
So here are 10 things to look out for starting from this week…
(Image: Getty Images)
Meter readings: March 31
Households are being told to take and submit an electricity and gas meter reading before this Thursday.
Those who don’t submit a reading risk some of their energy being charged on the new higher unit price.
Exchange Royal Mail stamps: March 31
Millions of postage stamps will become unusable in less than a year.
Royal Mail will be moving to a digital system where postage stamps are accompanied by a digital barcode.
Brits who bulk-buy their stamps will be able to “swap out” any non-barcoded editions from this week.
Council tax rising and £150 rebates begin: April 1
New council tax rates will come into force from next month.
The official cap on how much local authorities can increase council tax is by 5%.
Bill-payers are being advised to set up a direct debit for their council tax payments before April to ensure they receive the rebate.
(Image: PA)
Energy price cap: April 1
The energy price cap is the maximum amount a utility company can charge a customer for the electricity and gas they use.
From April 1, the cap will rise from £1,277 to £1,971 for a household on average usage.
Prepayment meter customers will see an increase of £708 from £1,309 to £2,017.
Minimum wage increase: April 1
The living wage is currently £8.91 an hour and this will soon increase to £9.50 from this Friday.
This means employees will receive 6.6% more in their pay packets, equaling to an extra £1,074 a year before tax.
Water bills are changing: April 1
The average household water and sewerage bills are set to increase by around £7 a year from April.
According to industry body Water UK, the average yearly water bill will rise to £419 from an average of £412 last year.
But some bills are increasing by up to £35 a year, while some might actually drop to £31 a year.
First and second class stamps going up in price: April 4
Royal Mail has also announced price increases for first and second class stamps from April 4, 2022.
First class stamps will cost 10p more than the current price of 95p, while the second class options will become 68p.
Deadline to switch your Post Office account: April 5
The Post Office will stop accepting payments for tax credits, Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance, HMRC has warned.
From April 5, anyone who has not switched these payments to a new account will get nothing until they do.
The change was due November 30 last year, but it was pushed back to allow people more time to arrange a new payment.
National Insurance: April 6
National Insurance contributions will increase by 1.25% points to be spent on the NHS, health and social care in the UK.
But not everyone will pay it as it impacts those earning more than £35,000 a year.
State pension: April 11
The new full state pension will see a 3.1% increase in 2022/23.
It is based on your National Insurance record when you reach state pension age.
You will only get the full amount if you have a minimum 35 full qualifying years of contributions.
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