Martin Lewis's team issues urgent warning over 'painful' costs that could be avoided: 'Everyone should check now'

Martin Lewis has issued a warning over council tax hikes which could be avoided
Martin Lewis has issued a warning over council tax hikes which could be avoided
Stefan Rousseau
Georgina Cutler

By Georgina Cutler


Published: 16/02/2023

- 12:11

The financial expert’s team is urging people to act now

Britons are being warned about “painful” costs due to hit in the coming weeks, with Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert team highlighting ways to avoid the increased prices.

People have been keeping up to date with the latest advice throughout the cost-of-living crisis with the Money Saving Expert newsletter.


And in his latest edition, a warning has been issued on the bleak outlook for the coming months with rising interest rates and surging energy bills.

General view of a council tax bill.PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 11, 2013. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire
People across Britain are set to be hit with an increase in council tax
Joe Giddens

It said: "Spring looks set to be painful this year, with hikes to broadband, energy and water bills all on the cards."

It comes after British Gas owner Centrica announced that profits soared to more than £3billion for 2022.

Millions of broadband and mobile phone customers can expect to face monthly bill increases of at least 14 per cent from April.

The Money Saving Expert also warned that council tax bills are set to increase in the same month.

"To add to the strain, most local authorities in England plan to hike council tax bills by the maximum five per cent allowed.

“That'll add almost £100 a year to the average band D property bill,” Lewis added.

Homeowners are now being encouraged to check if they are in the right council tax bracket as bills could be slashed by thousands.

According to figures from Money Saving Expert, up to 400,000 homes in England and Scotland are in the wrong bracket.

Broadband and council tax bills are set to rise from April
Broadband and council tax bills are set to rise from April
Pexels

The financial expert team have provided three steps for Britons to check their council tax band.

This includes, comparing the band with nearby similar homes, estimating the house value in 1991.

If both checks show the band is too high, then it can be challenged.

Experts also warn that there is a risk that challenging the band could reveal that homeowners and their neighbours are in a band too low.

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