as bills increase by the largest amount in living memory. ajump in the price cap set by the industry regulator, means 22 million customers across england, scotland and wales will see their gas and electricity bills rise by around £700 a year. higher energy prices are not the only way households and businesses will feel a squeeze on their finances, as the cost of living increases. council tax bills are also on the rise across england, scotland and wales, with the majority of households seeing total hikes of around three percent — an average of £67 a year. to offset energy price rises, the government is offering a £150 rebate for around 20 million households in england, in bands a to d. water bills are also rising by an average of about £7 a year in england 0n the 6th of april, national insurance contributions will go up by 1.25 percent, which the government says will help clear the nhs backlog and contribute