The July 2026 energy price cap starts today, with Ofgem confirming a 13% rise for a typical Direct Debit dual-fuel household. Before your next bill lands, check your meter reading, tariff type, Direct Debit, unit rates and support options…
Heat network bills can be confusing if your home gets heating or hot water from a communal system. Ofgem’s latest domestic consumer research highlights concerns around billing transparency, outages, affordability and complaints. Here are five practical checks for residents.
Air conditioning planning permission – Home air conditioning is not banned, but fixed external units can still create planning problems. If they affect the outside of your property, sit in a conservation area, or only provide cooling – then check whether planning permission, landlord consent or council approval is needed before paying for installation.
The July 2026 energy price cap starts on 1 July, with Ofgem confirming a 13% rise for a typical direct-debit dual-fuel household. Before the new rates begin, take meter readings, check your tariff, review your Direct Debit and reduce avoidable summer energy waste.
Broadband social tariffs can cut monthly internet and phone costs for eligible households receiving benefits such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit. Ofcom says many people still do not know these cheaper packages exist, so it is worth checking your provider before paying full price.
Several confirmed cost of living support routes are now available or due this summer, including council crisis help, free August bus travel for children in England, temporary VAT cuts on eligible family activities and help if you are struggling with energy bills. Here is what to check before you pay more than you need to.
FCA Car Insurance Renewal Rules Update: FCA pricing rules banning insurers from charging renewing customers more than equivalent new customers remain active across the UK car insurance market in 2026. Find out more.
Ofcom telecom price rise rules: If you sign a new broadband, mobile, landline or pay TV contract, providers can no longer use inflation-linked mid-contract price rise formulas. Find out more.
RTS meter switch off updates: If you still have an older Radio Teleswitch Service electricity meter, your heating and hot water could stop working properly unless your meter is replaced. And if your meter stops switching correctly, you may lose the benefit of off-peak electricity periods…
FCA Insurance Claims Handling Rules update: If you struggle to make a home or car insurance claim, the FCA says insurers face increased scrutiny over claims handling, fair value and customer outcomes…
Could you be owed energy bill credit refunds? If you have built up credit with your gas or electricity supplier, Ofgem says you may be entitled to ask for that money back. This matters because many people built up large Direct Debit balances during the energy crisis, when suppliers increased monthly payments to protect against rising costs and debt…
Mobile coverage rules update: Mobile network providers must now meet stricter legal coverage targets under Ofcom and Shared Rural Network commitments, affecting how reliable your signal should become in rural and partial not-spot areas.
Millions of households on standard variable energy tariffs are now paying new gas and electricity rates after Ofgem confirmed the latest energy price cap changes, so the typical annual bill for a household paying by Direct Debit fell. However, your actual cost still depends on how much energy you use, where you live, your payment method and the type of meter you have.
You may now see new energy tariffs with lower standing charges after Ofgem confirmed a one-year pilot scheme which started in April 2026. Under Ofgem’s confirmed pilot, some suppliers are now offering tariffs with lower standing charges and adjusted unit rates instead. That means you may benefit if you use relatively little energy, but it does not guarantee lower bills for everyone.
Try The Smart Householder’s 3-Minute Bill Reset Checklist and quickly spot where your energy, broadband, mobile, insurance and home bills may need a closer look.
You may be entitled to automatic compensation if your broadband or landline service is not repaired quickly enough, your engineer appointment is missed, or your new service does not start on time.