Tory MP Gavin Williamson has called on the government to cap service charge increases – and told the Big Issue Michael Gove can do it before the next election without legislation.
Pensions are going up
The fabled triple lock means the state pension is set to increase by 8.5%, with the full weekly rate for the new state pension increasing from £203.85 to £221.20.
As a recap, the triple lock means pensions increase by whichever is highest out of wage growth, inflation or 2.5%.
DWP benefits including PIP, universal credit will be increasing
The DWP will increase a range of benefits by 6.7% – matching the rate of inflation in September 2023.
For single people aged 25 and over who receive universal credit, the standard monthly allowance will increase from £368.74 to £393.45.
The disability allowance known as personal independence payments, or PIP, is also increasing. The standard daily living component will increase from £101.75 to £108.55 per week.
The full range of benefit increases can be found on the government website – with rates depending on individual circumstances.
Maternity and paternity pay will increase by just under £12 a week
Statutory maternity and paternity pay will increase from £172.48 to £184.03 per week.
Statutory sick pay
For those off work sick, statutory sick pay will increase from £109.40 a week to £116.75.
Local housing allowance
In the first increase since 2020, local housing allowance will be raised to the 30th percentile of local rents. It’s estimated to give households an extra £785 a year.
The rates were increased by Jeremy Hunt in the autumn statement following massive pressure, including a campaign from The Big Issue.
Council tax
Councils across the country are going bust. Alongside cutting services and selling off assets, they’re increasing council tax to find some extra cash.
For many, a 4.99% increase means extra bills of around £100 a year. But for some councils in dire straits the increases are more stark.
We explored how we got in this mess here.
National Insurance
National Insurance will go from 10% to 8% on 6 April, thanks to one of the most high-profile measures in Jeremy Hunt’s spring budget. The Treasury says this will save £450 a year for the average worker, but for those earning £20,000 it will save around £150 a year.
Awaab’s Law
The tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died from exposure to mould in his home, has resulted in lasting change.
Awaab’s Law comes into force on 1 April, and means social housing landlords must act swiftly on poor conditions.
They must investigate hazards within 14 calendar days – which does not mean 14 working days. If the hazard is a significant risk to health, repairs must begin within a further seven days, and completed within a “reasonable timeframe”. Emergency repairs must be completed within 24 hours.
If repairs can’t be completed, social housing landlords must find alternative accommodation.
Minimum wage increase
Those aged 21 or 22 will be entitled to the national living wage from 1 April, which stands at £11.44. It’s an increase of £1.36 an hour.
Workers previously had to be 23 or over to be entitled to the national living wage, and hourly minimum rates for apprentices, 18-20-year-olds and those under 18 with jobs will also rise.
Flexible working arrangements
From 6 April, you’ll be able to make a request for flexible working from the first day of your employment. Previously, workers only had the legal right to do this after 26 weeks.
You also have the legal right to make a request twice in a year, up from the previous once.
Carers leave
If you care for a relative or loved one, you will have new rights to apply for leave from 6 April. Carers will be able to apply for one week of unpaid leave per year.
