Warning council tax and energy bill rises hit single parents hardest

Household bills are on the rise in April, putting additional financial strain on families across the UK. Single parents, in particular, are feeling the impact as essential expenses like water bills, energy prices, and council tax are all increasing. The charity Citizens Advice has warned that those on the lowest incomes are already struggling to make ends meet, with a significant portion of their earnings going towards necessary expenses.

Laura Roan, a single mother from Cardiff, shared her challenges in making ends meet. Despite working part-time at Asda, she often finds herself relying on emergency credit for her energy meter and dipping into her overdraft to cover expenses. With the rising costs of essential bills, many like Laura are facing increased financial pressure.

The latest price hikes include water bills in England and Wales going up by an average of £10 per month, energy bills increasing by £111 per year for a typical household, and council tax rising by almost 5% in England and Wales. These changes are expected to hit low-income households the hardest, with many already spending a significant portion of their earnings on essential bills.

Single-adult households, especially those with children, are particularly vulnerable to these price shocks, with many spending over 20% of their post-housing income on essential expenses. John Paine, a single father of three autistic children, shared his struggles in making ends meet, highlighting the financial challenges faced by many families.

While the cost of living continues to rise, there are some silver linings for workers. Benefits and the state pension are set to increase, and the minimum wage has also gone up, providing some relief for those struggling to make ends meet. Additionally, experts recommend exploring ways to cut costs, such as switching providers for broadband and utilities, to keep household expenses as low as possible.

Despite these efforts, political debate surrounding economic policies and taxation continues. The government’s wage increases are seen as a positive step, but concerns remain about the impact of other policies on workers’ finances. As families navigate these financial challenges, finding ways to manage expenses and seek assistance where needed is crucial for weathering the storm.