Household bills remain high across the UK, but there are still some ways to check you aren't paying more than you need to. Many households can save hundreds of pounds each year by making some key changes.
What’s in this guide
Reducing your home phone and broadband bill
Even if you are happy with your provider and think you are getting a good deal, remember that there are a lot of phone and broadband suppliers and it can be easy to cut these bills by looking into switching.
It's important to consider your landline costs when looking at broadband prices – as many seemingly cheap deals make you take out expensive line rental. In most cases, you need a landline to get broadband.
It’s never been easier to change home phone and broadband provider – new rules mean that all customers can expect a simpler and faster process if they want to switch. And you could save yourself hundreds of pounds on your bills. Learn more about switching in our guide How to reduce your home phone and internet bill.
Get a cheaper mobile phone bill
Is your mobile phone contract coming to an end? Are you trying to find the cheapest way to get the latest handset?
Here are a few tips to keep your bills low:
- Use online tools to analyse your bills and recommend a contract.
- Negotiate with suppliers – remember that you’re in charge.
- Use price comparison websites to find the best deal for you.
Find out more in our guide How to save money on your mobile phone and try our free and easy-to-use Budget planner.
Cutting the cost of your water bill
The average yearly water bill in England and Wales is £603, according to Discover Water. And although you can’t switch water supplier, there are ways to save money on bills.
For example, you could:
- have a free water meter installed
- take fewer baths and switch to showers
- switch to a more efficient shower head.
Find out more in our guide How to reduce your water bill.
Government help to reduce your energy bills
Gas and electricity prices are controlled by the Ofgem energy price cap. This limits what your supplier can charge you for each unit of energy you use.
There are now lots of tariffs available at less than the price cap, so it’s worth looking if you can get a better deal.
If you live in England, Scotland and Wales you can compare energy deals using comparison sites, like:
- MoneySavingExpert’s Cheap Energy ClubOpens in a new window
- Compare energy deals on Which?Opens in a new window
You can find more information about the suppliers you can switch to in Northern IrelandOpens in a new window on the Consumer Council site.
It’s usually cheaper to pay by monthly Direct Debit, rather than cash or cheque.
Even if you don’t switch energy companies, you might find you save money by moving onto a different tariff. For example, if you own an electric car, there are deals that can get you lower prices if you charge your vehicle overnight.
Find out more about electric vehicle energy tariffsOpens in a new window on MoneySavingExpert.
For more financial help and ways to make your home more energy efficient, see our guide How to reduce your energy bills.
Get ready to switch
The Ofgem price cap is now £1,758 a year. This will change again on 1 April 2026 to £1,641 a year.
The energy price cap is a limit on the amount it costs per unit of gas or electricity when you’re on your supplier’s standard variable tariff. The yearly figure above is based on what an average household uses.
There are now fixed deals available for less than the price cap. Try using comparison websites to lower your bills.
Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount SchemeOpens in a new window offers low-income households a £150 discount to help with energy bills. The scheme opens for applications between October and March each year, you’ll need to apply directly to your energy supplier.
Winter Fuel Payment
This is a tax-free payment of up to £300 to help people over State Pension age to keep warm during winter. Some people call it the winter fuel allowance.
If you live in England or Wales
You'll only get the Winter Fuel Payment (worth up to £300) if:
you’re above State Pension ageOpens in a new window, and
claiming a means-tested benefit like Pension Credit or Universal Credit.
Use our Benefits calculator to quickly check if you're eligible for any benefits or grants.
Winter Fuel Payment no longer tied to Pension Credit
The government has announced changes to who can get the Winter Fuel Payment. It will no longer be restricted to those who get Pension Credit.
Everyone over State Pension age in England and Wales with an income of £35,000 or below will get the payment, worth up to £300 per household.
You need to claim Pension Credit to get the payment. Visit GOV.UK for further details about the eligibility changesOpens in a new window
If you live in Northern Ireland, see nidirect for more information on Winter Fuel PaymentOpens in a new window
If you live in Northern Ireland
You’ll only get the Winter Fuel Payment if you’re above State Pension age and claiming a means-tested benefit.
However, pensioners in Northern Ireland who are no longer eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment will get a one-off £100 payment instead.
If you live in Scotland
If you live in Scotland you’ll get an equivalent payment this winter if you're eligible. The payment will be automatic, meaning you don’t have to make a claim. You’ll have received a letter containing details of your payment.
This will be replaced by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment from winter 2025.
How does the Winter Fuel Payment work?
The amount you get depends on your age and who lives in your household.
If you’ve had the payment before, you should get it again without having to claim, if you meet the criteria.
You should also get it automatically if you meet the age and residence criteria, and get any of the wide range of government benefits. These include:
Pension Credit
Universal Credit
income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).
If you qualify, you will receive a letter in October or November confirming how much money you can expect. If you applied for Pension Credit later and are eligible, you’ll get your payment later. If you live with someone, only one of you will get the payment even if you’re both eligible.
The letter will also explain how you can update any incorrect information, such as your bank details.
Roughly three weeks after you get the letter – for most people this will have be in November or December – the Winter Fuel Payment will be paid into your chosen bank account.
The payment reference on your bank statement will be ‘DWP Winter Fuel’.
Find out more about Winter Fuel PaymentOpens in a new window on GOV.UK .
If you need to claim, call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160 .
Household Support Fund
If you’re on a low income and need help with the cost of essentials, the Household Support Fund might be able to help.
You need to apply through your local council.
Support is awarded on a case-by-case basis and could include:
- essentials linked to keeping warm and clean, such as period products, warm clothing, blankets or soap
- providing appliances, such as fridges, freezers, ovens or slow cookers
- help to install energy efficiency measures or insulation
- help with broadband or phone bills
- essential transport costs, such as car repair or paying for petrol
- food vouchers for families during the school holidays.
There are separate schemes available if you’re living in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland:
If you live in Scotland, find out more about the Scottish Welfare FundOpens in a new window on the Scottish Government website.
If you live in Wales, find out more about the Discretionary Assistance FundOpens in a new window on the Welsh Government website.
If you live in Northern Ireland, find out more about the Social Fund Budgeting LoanOpens in a new window on nidirect.
Are you paying too much Council Tax?
According to MoneySavingExpert, hundreds of thousands of homes are in the wrong Council Tax band. So it’s worth making sure you’re not being overcharged.
It shouldn’t take more than ten minutes to find out. And you might end up saving hundreds of pounds and getting a rebate.
If you’re getting certain benefits, you might be entitled to a Council Tax Reduction.
Also check whether you qualify for a discount of up to 50% off your Council Tax bill, if you:
- live alone
- live only with children under 18, or
- are in other special circumstances.
Find out more in our full Council Tax guide.
Cut the cost of driving and public transport
Whether you drive or use public transport, travel costs probably make up a lot of your monthly spend.
But there are plenty of ways to cut travel costs. These include:
- finding cheaper car insurance
- buying cheaper fuel
- booking train tickets in advance.
Find out more in our guide Costs of buying and running a car.
Pay your bills on time
Late payment fees can wipe out savings, so it’s important to pay your bills on time.
Here are some tips to help stay on top of your bills:
- pay for regular bills monthly by Direct Debit
- talk to the people you owe money to if you’re struggling.
If you’re facing higher living costs, find out about extra sources of income and support in our section Help with the cost of living.
Find out more in our guides:
Help with food costs
Food bills are the biggest expense for many people after covering their rent or mortgage.
There are lots of websites that can help you reduce food shopping bills. Here are some of the most popular ones:
If you can’t afford to buy food, take a look at our blog about where to get free food.
