Families in Devon face £1,191 in extra annual costs as April price hikes hit

Households across Devon are bracing for a significant rise in living costs as a wave of price and tax increases took effect from April 6, with average families expected to shoulder an additional £1,191 in annual expenses.

The warning comes from Mel Stride, MP for Central Devon and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, who has criticised what he calls the Labour government’s “damaging choices”, blaming them for the financial squeeze on working families.

“A whole litany of household bills is set to soar, with some increases running into the hundreds of pounds,” said Mr Stride. “Whether it’s council tax, energy, water, broadband or car tax, almost every corner of family life is about to get more expensive.”

According to analysis and industry sources, the increases hitting households from April include:

• Energy bills: Up £111 per year, with the average household now paying £1,849 annually (Sky News)

• Council Tax: Up £109, as most local authorities implement the maximum 4.99% rise (Sky News)

• Water bills: Up £123 on average, with some areas seeing up to 47% increases (BBC News)

• Car Tax (Vehicle Excise Duty): Up £5, with electric vehicles no longer exempt (BBC News)

• TV Licence: Up £5, rising to £174.50 per year (BBC)

• Phone bills: Up £50, following above-inflation increases by major providers (Uswitch)

• Broadband: Up £36, as providers raise rates for fixed plans (Uswitch)

• Nursery fees: Up £756, as costs rise due to changes in National Insurance contributions (Nursery World)

Mr Stride also highlighted the £25 billion cost to UK businesses from changes to employer National Insurance contributions. The 1.2% increase, along with a lowered threshold for contributions, is predicted to raise the average cost of employing someone by £900, putting further strain on businesses and potentially pushing prices even higher for consumers.

“Yes, these bill hikes may come into force on April Fools’ Day, but there’s nothing funny about what Labour is doing to the country,” Mr Stride added.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has confirmed that, beyond household costs, businesses will also face an average increase of £26,000 in tax liability. The newly introduced Employment Rights Bill, estimated to cost £5 billion annually, may also contribute to reduced wages and higher consumer prices.

The combined effect of rising household and business costs is fuelling fresh concern over the cost-of-living crisis in Devon and beyond.

“Families are already struggling, and this latest wave of price rises will be a hammer blow to their finances,” said a local resident in Exeter. “We’re cutting back where we can, but it’s getting harder to make ends meet.”

While the government defends its broader economic strategy, opposition figures are warning that unless action is taken to ease the pressure, many families could be pushed further into financial hardship.