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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Lottie Gibbons

Martin Lewis' warning over the four price hikes coming next month

Martin Lewis sent a warning to viewers at home over the four price hikes coming next month.

The MoneySavingExpert founder warned viewers at home 'not to let the April 1 hikes make you a fool'.

Speaking on his ITV show, Martin shared some heads up and pointers on how to beat the price hikes.

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Energy bills

Martin explained how the price cap for energy bills is increasing from £1042 per year to £1138 per year (based on typical use).

He urged viewers at home to compare and switch now, saying: "Do a comparison service and switch to somewhere cheaper."

Council tax

Over 50% of councils in England will be increasing their council tax by up to 5%.

This could mean your council tax bill goes up by around £90 more per year.

However, Martin told viewers at home to do the 'check and challenge' such as checking your neighbour's band using the Valuation Office Agency.

Martin Lewis reveals how people can save money on their council tax bill

It's also worth checking to see if you're eligible for discounts.

Martin explained how a 'single person's discount' is worth up to 25% off, while h ouseholds, where someone has a 'severe mental impairment', can get up to 100% discount.

Prescriptions

Martin said how a recent Freedom of Information request carried out by his team found hundreds of thousands of people are overpaying for their prescriptions by not getting a season ticket.

If you buy three month's worth of prescriptions it will work out at around £29.65 instead of £30.25.

And for those who buy 12 months worth, their bill will be £105.90 instead of £108.10.

TV li cense

The Government has announced that the cost of an annual standard colour TV licence will rise to £159 from Thursday, April 1 – an increase of £1.50 on the current price of £157.50 a year.

But Martin explained that you needn't pay if your over 75 on pension credit or if you don't watch live TV or BBC iPlayer.

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