Energy bills UK: Brits 'tired of being ripped off' as energy, water bills and council tax all set to rise

• Brits are facing rising household costs, with energy bills set to climb again in April
• Council tax increases are expected across 93% of UK councils, adding further strain
• Major retailers, including Tesco and M&S, have also warned of price hikes
• Experts say limited competition and rising monopolies in essential services are contributing
• Many residents feel powerless and ‘ripped off,’ with wages failing to keep pace with inflation

Brits are feeling the squeeze as rising household bills spark frustration, with many believing they are being "ripped off."

Energy bills are set to climb again in April, with forecasts from Cornwall Insight predicting an annual increase to £1,785 for the typical consumer.

Meanwhile, water bills in England and Wales are expected to rise by 26% this year, adding an average of £123 to household costs.

Council tax is also set to go up, with the County Councils Network estimating that 93% of councils will introduce the maximum permitted increase.

Major retailers, including Tesco and M&S, have also warned of price hikes in April, compounding the financial strain on consumers.

Political expert Steve McCabe says many people feel powerless in the face of these increases. "Are we being ripped off? It's the sort of question we ask ourselves every time the bill comes in," he says.

With wages growing only marginally, the rising cost of utilities takes an ever-larger portion of household income. McCabe notes that businesses, too, are struggling with higher costs, leading to more vacant high-street shops as retailers fail to keep up.

The current economic climate is characterised by a small number of dominant players controlling key markets, limiting consumer choice.

"Once that happens, competition takes a hit," McCabe says, pointing to the effects of monopolies in essential services.

With consumers cutting back on spending to cope with price hikes, the economy as a whole could suffer. Since GDP is measured by overall spending, reduced consumer activity could contribute to broader economic downturns.

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For many households, the rising cost of living is not just a temporary inconvenience but an ongoing challenge. As wages struggle to keep pace with inflation, the question remains: are Brits being forced to pay more than they should?

Residents are expressing their frustration. One woman said, "I am being well and truly ripped off, matey, yes. I am tired of it. It's too much. I don't think anything gets monitored.

“I'm only in a one-bedroom at the moment and even like the ground rent on top of the utility bill [is too much].”

Another highlighted the soaring cost of essentials like “food and gas and lecky”, saying they are “literally topping up the gas every five minutes.”

“I went to Iceland the other day, topped up the freezer, the fridge, and it cost us nearly £200. And there's just two of us,” they said.

One man shared his view on government responsibility, saying, "I think we're getting ripped off by the government when the government should be paying for half of the bills that we're paying for."

As the cost of living continues to rise, we want to hear from you. Are you feeling the squeeze, and how are you coping with these price hikes? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section.