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 3% — 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 council tax bands a to d. water bills are also rising by an average of about £7 a year in england and wales. 0n the 6th of april, national insurance contributions will go up by1.25%, which the government says will help clear the nhs backlog and contribute towards social care costs. for 2.5 million workers on the minimum wage,