The new financial year brings increases of 10.1 per cent to benefits and payments delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Around 1.7 million workers also received a pay boost at the start of April when the National Minimum Wage increased by 92p to £10.42 an hour for workers aged 23 and over.
April also sees an increase of £67 to energy bills for millions of people across the UK following the end of the UK Government’s £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme at the end of March. The £2,500 Energy Price Guarantee will remain in place until July, but either way, despite the benefits uplift, households are set to feel the squeeze over the coming weeks.
However, many people struggling with finances may not be aware that their local council may be able to provide help with money, food or fuel during the cost of living crisis.
