Council tax
Council tax to rise for millions from 1 April with most facing 5% hikes – here's what's happening
Council tax bills will increase for millions of people in England from 1 April, with the majority of local authorities set to hike rates by 5% – though in some cases bills will rise by up to 15%.
14 February 2023
Council tax rebate claims deadline extended as over 300,000 households yet to get their £150 - here's what you need to know
You've now got until 30 November to claim the payment from your local council, so make sure you don't miss out.
2 November 2022
Struggling with energy bills but don't get the £150 council tax help? Check our council-by-council list to see if you're due further support
If you weren't eligible for the £150 council tax rebate to help with the cost of living but are struggling to pay your energy bills, you may be entitled to a one-off cash payment. We've trawled the websites of every UK council to see which ones have released their eligibility criteria for the money, and so check below.
12 July 2022
Don't pay your council tax bill by direct debit? Check now to see how and when you'll get your £150 rebate
If you don't pay your council tax by direct debit it's likely you've yet to receive your free £150 energy rebate from the Government.
12 July 2022
MSE Exclusive: Households in Great Britain due £150 million in council tax refunds – check NOW to see if you're one of the 862,000 due a payout
Households are being urged to check NOW if they are one of the 862,000 due a refund of overpaid council tax, with an investigation by MoneySavingExpert.com showing residents in England, Scotland and Wales could claim back a total of just over £150 million.
3 July 2022
In council tax bands A-D and pay by direct debit? Check when your £150 energy rebate is coming
Most English and Welsh households eligible for the Government's £150 council tax rebate should receive the payment by the end of May – so long as they pay their council tax by direct debit.
30 May 2022
Warning: Beware scam calls about the Government's £150 council tax rebate
Households should beware cold callers asking for their bank account details in order to seemingly pay them the Government’s £150 council tax rebate as it’s likely to be a scam. MoneySavingExpert.com has seen a number of reports from councils urging residents to beware fraudsters, while officials have also cautioned households to watch out.
16 April 2022
Growing numbers told they won't get £150 council tax rebate this month with further delays expected - but set up your direct debit now
People should brace for the prospect that the £150 council tax rebate might not come in April, with reports of local councils informing residents that a software issue has caused delays. Make sure you’ve set up a direct debit now to help prevent further delays.
6 April 2022
Households in council tax bands A-D to get £150 as part of a nationwide energy crisis support package
Millions of households in England will get £150 off their council tax bills, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced
5 April 2022
Council tax bills to rise from 1 April - here's what's happening and what to do about it
Council tax bills are set to rise for millions of households from 1 April, with the majority seeing total increases of around 3%. We've tips on how to reduce your bill below and a list of how much local councils will charge across England, Scotland and Wales.
29 March 2022
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Ovo launches one-year fixed tariff – but is it worth switching to?
24 March 2023![]()
Almost every household has been charged the same price for their energy over the last year under the Energy Price Cap (EPC) and the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG), with no cheaper fixed deals to switch to. That has now changed, with Ovo launching a one-year fix for existing customers that undercuts the EPG level of £2,500 a year. -
BT customers 'forced into overdrafts' after duplicate payment error - here's what you need to know
24 March 2023![]()
BT customers have complained that they've been forced into overdrafts after payments were wrongly taken twice this month. The telecommunications giant said it will refund any duplicate payments taken automatically. -
Martin Lewis: Four urgent ways you may be due £1,000s in tax back – if you're married, had a PPI payout, wear a work uniform or even just pay tax
23 March 2023![]()
If you're married or in a civil partnership, have ever had a PPI payout, wear a uniform to work or pay any income tax, you could be due £100s or even £1,000s in tax back – but you'll need to check urgently. -
Bank of England increases base rate to 4.25% – what the rise means for your mortgage and savings
23 March 2023![]()
The Bank of England has increased the base rate from 4% to 4.25%. This rate is used by the central bank to charge other banks and lenders when they borrow money – and so it influences what borrowers pay and what savers earn.
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Martin Lewis: Is it time to ban unnecessary Christmas presents?
5 December 2022![]()
Update September 2017: It’s eight years since I first braved this subject, expecting a snowstorm of protest. Instead, year after year more join in, like Julia who recently tweeted me, “@MartinSLewis, finally took your advice and told my family I can’t afford Christmas presents. What a weight off my mind. Thank you.” One year even the Archbishop of... -
Martin Lewis: The one thing everyone aged over 66 needs to know
29 November 2022![]()
It is a national tragedy that getting on for a million pensioners, many of whom have been paying into the system for years, are missing out on a critical boost to their income. It's called pension credit, and this year it also means you get an extra £650 to help with energy bills.
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