Martin Lewis issues warning over price hikes set to hit Britons in just DAYS as he offers advice on how to save money

The new financial year is traditionally when bills go up but this year a combination of inflation, soaring costs and energy prices, means costs are set to be much higher than usual.

Lewis has highlighted the five rises that Britons should be aware of going into spring.

This April the majority of local councils across England are raising their council tax by five per cent, with some surging even more as they have been given "special permission".

Those living in band D properties will see council tax rise by around £100, according to Lewis.

The finance expert said there isn't much people can do to "beat the hike" but there are checks that can be carried out to ensure the correct amount of council tax is being paid.

"First check your band, and compare it with your neighbours' bands. Make sure the properties are as close as possible in size and value. Sadly, the sheer scale of the database means a few properties are missed off it," he said.

"A second crucial step is to estimate what your home was worth in 1991, as that's when and how the council tax bands were defined.

"This can't be used as evidence if you challenge your band. But it enables you to check out various property prices on your street and it's an important test that you're on the right track if you do decide to challenge."

He added: "This is only a very rough indication, but still an important safety check. You may be in a higher band than your neighbours because they're in the wrong band, not you.

"In that case, if you appeal and stay in the same band, but their band is increased, it won't make you popular."

Lewis said another is to check if you are eligible for a council tax reduction such as the single person discount, student discount, or a low income discount.

Stamp prices are also set to rise in April with 1st class stamp prices to increase to £1.10 from 95p, and 2nd class stamps rising to 75p from 68p.

On his show, he told viewers: "Here's the thing when you buy stamps it doesn't matter what number it has on it, it is always valid as long as you get one of the barcoded ones."

"If they don't have the barcode on then you will have to swap them in for something else."

Lewis advises anyone who uses stamps regularly to stock up ahead of the price rise.

The cost of broadband is due to surge in April with many plans expected to see an increase of between 14 per cent and 17 per cent.

Increases will affect those signed up to a contract as providers bump up prices mid-contract by the rate of inflation plus an extra amount on top, usually around four per cent, as set out in their terms and conditions.

Lewis said: "Firms have millions of customers who are out of contract and have simply been rolled onto often pricier tariffs without signing up for them. But if that's you, you can leave at any point penalty-free, and given the best broadband and mobile deals tend to be for newbies, there's a good chance you're overpaying anyway.

"Benchmark prices elsewhere and switch if you can get a cheaper deal. Alternatively, if you're willing to stay, you can try haggling and see if your provider will match or beat a deal you've found elsewhere."

Water bills are to climb by an average of 7.5 per cent from April 1 with each water company increasing their rates by a different amount.

The expert explained that SES Water is increasing prices by 14 per cent while Southwest water is upping prices by two per cent.

Lewis recommended that those who have fewer people living in their house compared to bedrooms should consider going on a water meter.

He said: "So three bedrooms and two people, it's very likely the water bills, which is based on the value of the home, would be more expensive than a water meter because there are only two of us using water in there."

The Money Saving Expert suggested that those affected should check on the Consumer Council for Water's website to use their calculator which can advise whether a water meter is worthwhile.

He added: "If they say you can't have a metre because it's not practicable, you're allowed to ask for an assessed charge, which is where they work out what you'd likely pay on a metre.

"If it's lower than your water bills, then thank you very much and if it's higher, then no thank you very much. It is as simple as that."

Lewis reiterated that the Government's Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) is no longer set to rise.

However, he said households will be paying more as the £66/£67 Government support paid monthly from October to March will end as planned.

He added that the price of wholesale gas is dropping and he expects new energy tariffs to be launched by energy companies "imminently" over the next few weeks.

"When these new tariffs come out, I will of course be on social media and I will be analysing them and telling you whether they're better," he said.