Huge household bills increase from today - with some rising on average by nearly 30%
Household bills are rising dramatically from today (April 1), with some increasing on average by nearly 30% in West Yorkshire
From today (April 1) household bills are rising sharply, with the month even being described as 'awful April.'
Yorkshire Water are on average are increasing bills by an average of £135 (29%) in 2025-26, or about £11 per month, to help fund an £8.3 billion investment program, including the company's largest environmental investment package.
Energy bills are also increasing by 6.4%, meaning the energy price cap will increase to £1,849 per year for those on a standard variable tariff and paying by Direct Debit.
Depending where you are in West Yorkshire, council tax is rising from between 4.99% in most places, and 9.99% if you live in Bradford.
It is causing concern for people across the region. One man in Morley, Leeds told us his Yorkshire Water bill is jumping from around £35 a month to £119 a month. Whilst Ian, who was at Bradford Central food bank fears he could become homeless when the impact of the bills rising hits him.
He said getting through one pay day to the next is already difficult: "It just doesn't last, it just goes and you can't save up it's impossible."
Support is going to be made available for households who really need it. For example, Bradford Council has established a £1.2 million hardship fund to help low-income, working-age households cope with a rising council tax, offering a one-off £30 award automatically credited to eligible council tax accounts, with no application needed.
Yorkshire Water have also said there will be help available, including:
Water Support - A bill cap scheme for low-income households. You might be eligible if you have household income below £20,000, or below £26,000 with dependents. Depending on your individual circumstances, you could see a bill reduction to £270.
Households with more than 1 dependent child, or larger occupancies, may be eligible for additional income allowance.
Water Sure - A bill cap scheme for customers who have a water meter, claim an income-based benefit, claim Universal Credit and need to use extra water because they have a medical condition or three or more children.
Citizens advice have released information of how to get help if someone is struggling with their energy bills. That can be found here.
Stamp duty, broadband, mobile phone, TV licence and car tax are some of the other bills going up from today.