Oxfordshire foodbank expecting huge increase in demand
It follows a number of bills and taxes going up from yesterday
An Oxfordshire foodbank is expecting a huge increase in demand as more people to turn to them for help due to a number of bills and taxes rising this month.
Council tax, water, energy, phone, broadband, and TV license are some of bills which have gone from yesterday.
Alison Drake is manager of the Bicester Foodbank, she said: “We're already seeing high numbers of people being referred to us that are already experiencing cost of living increases and energy bills increasing, which is occurring debt from the past couple of years. So, it's only going to impact it more.”
She added: “Almost 50% of our foodbank users are already in a negative budget so if they're having to spend more, there's no way they're going to get out of their current financial situation.”
Ms Drake is also encouraging donations to help with increased demand from anyone who is able to.
She said: “We're always looking for non-perishable items. So, tinned foods, packets of pasta, cereals, anything that we can keep on the shelves for long term.
“They're the things that keep people fed in that emergency crisis point.”
What taxes and bills have gone up?
1) Council Tax
In February- Norfolk Council County announced that they'd be increasing Council Tax by 4.99% for 2025-26.
This means that an average property in the County, (Band D), will now pay £1,755.63 annually.
2) Energy
The industry regulator, Ofgem, have confirmed that the energy price cap will rise by 6.4%, from tomorrow.
This means the typical annual household bill will rise to £1,849. (That's an rise of £111 compared to the previous cap).
3) Water
Customers of Anglian Water will see their bills increase by 19%, on average.
In real terms- this translates to an increase of around £1.72 per day.
4) Car Tax
The flat rate cost of car tax from April 2025 is £195. That's an increase of £5 on the current rate.
5) Stamp Duty
Home buyers will now star paying this tax on properties worth over £125,000, as opposed to those valued at £250,000.
First-time buyers will not pay stamp duty on houses valued up to £300,000, from tomorrow.
At the moment, the threshold for this stands at £425,000.
6) Others to be aware of:
The following bills and charges could rise with inflation
-Broadband
-TV License
-Mobile Phone
-Childcare