Cost of living

Council tax bills will increase for millions of people in England from 1 April, with the majority of local authorities set to hike rates by 5% – though in some cases bills will rise by up to 15%. Council tax bills are also expected to rise in Scotland and Wales where nationwide caps are not in place.

Struggling students have been “dealt a blow” as loans to help with living costs will fall far short of rising inflation, based on Government plans. From September, English students will see a real term cut to maintenance loans of 8p in the £1 - a shortfall students or parents will have to make up for themselves.

Nearly 12 million pensioners should have received their £150 or £300 cost of living payment by today, the Government has said. The non-repayable grants were paid as part of the existing Winter Fuel Payments scheme starting in November last year. Here's what to do if you think you're due the payment but haven't yet got it.

Wholesale energy rates have dropped rapidly in recent months and there are many myths about what it means and what it doesn't flying around social media. In the latest episode of ITV's The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, MSE's founder Martin Lewis explains what's really going to happen to bills – below is the crucial six-minute explainer.

Millions of struggling households will receive additional 'cost of living' payments in 2023 and 2024, with the rough payment dates now confirmed by the Government. Here's everything we know about these cost of living payments - and what to do if you've still not received your 2022 support.