How to Cut Your Household Bills in the UK

Start by listing every bill

You cannot cut what you cannot see. Go through three months of bank statements and list every regular payment: energy, water, broadband, mobile, TV and streaming, insurance, council tax, subscriptions and memberships. Note the amount, how often it is paid, and when any fixed contract ends. Put the end dates in your calendar, because contracts that roll onto a standard rate are a common source of overpaying.

Then rank the bills by size. A saving of £10 a month on a £120 bill is worth the same as £10 saved on a £20 bill, but it usually takes far less effort to find.

Energy

Energy is often the largest bill after housing. In Great Britain, Ofgem sets a price cap on the standard variable ratesFixed vs Tracker Mortgages: Which Is Right for You?Fixed, tracker, discount and variable mortgages compared: how each works, the risks and rewards, early repayment charges and how to choose a deal in the UK.Read more → charged per unit of gas and electricity, and the cap is reviewed every three months. It limits the unit price, not your total bill, so using less energy still matters.

• Check your tariff. Compare fixed and variable tariffs using an Ofgem-accredited comparison service. Do not assume a fixed deal is cheaper than the cap, because that depends on the market at the time.
• Submit meter readings. Regular readings stop you paying on estimates. If you have a smart meter, check it is sending readings.
• Check your direct debit. It should roughly match what you use. If you are building up a large credit, you can ask your supplier to lower it.
• Use less. Turning your thermostat down by one degree, taking shorter showers, drying clothes on a rack where possible and washing at 30 degrees all reduce usage.

Broadband, mobile and TV

These are among the easiest bills to reduce, because providers compete hard for new customers.

• Check when your contract ends. Ofcom rules mean providers must send you an end-of-contract notification showing your best deals. Use it.
• Haggle or switch. Ring your provider and ask what they can offer to keep you. If they will not move, switching often works out cheaper.
• Consider SIM-only. If you bought your phone outright or have paid off the handset, a SIM-only deal is usually far cheaper than a contract that includes a phone.
• Look at social tariffs. Many broadband providers offer low-cost tariffs for people on certain benefits. Ask your provider or check Ofcom's guidance.
• Cut TV duplication. Review which streaming services you actually watch and cancel those you do not. Rotating subscriptions month by month can cost much less than keeping all of them.

Insurance

Home, car, travel and pet insurance renewals often come in higher than the first year's price. Before you renew:

• Get quotes from several insurers and use comparison sites, but also check directly with providers that do not appear on them
• Compare like with like, including the excess, cover limits and exclusions, rather than only the price
• Do not cut cover so much that a claim would not be paid
• Pay annually if you can, since monthly payments usually include interest

Water, council tax and other fixed costs

You normally cannot switch water supplier, but you can reduce the bill. A water meter can lower the bill for people who use less than average, especially single occupants. Ask your water company about meter installation, and about social tariffs and assistance schemes if you are on a low income.

For council tax, check your property is in the correct band, that you are claiming any single-person discount, and whether you qualify for Council Tax Reduction, which is run by local councils. If you are behind, see our guide to council tax arrears.

Food and shopping

Food is a bill you can control week to week.

• Plan meals around what you already have, and write a list before you shop
• Compare unit prices, not just shelf prices
• Try own-brand products, which are often made to similar standards at lower prices
• Use freezer space and reduce food waste, because bin food is wasted money
• Check yellow-sticker reductions at the end of the day

Check you are getting all the help available

Before looking for small savings, make sure you are claiming everything you are entitled to. Use the free benefits calculators on GOV.UK, Turn2us and Citizens Advice to see whether you qualify for Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Council Tax Reduction or other support. The Warm Home Discount and Winter Fuel Payment rules change, so check the current eligibility on GOV.UK.

If you are behind on bills

If you are already struggling to pay a bill, contact the company early. Energy suppliers and water companies must offer support to customers who are struggling, such as affordable payment plans. Do not ignore letters or let the debt grow. ArrearsArrearsArrears are payments that were due but have not been made, such as missed rent, mortgage, council tax or loan instalments.Read more → on energy, water and council tax are priority debtsPriority and Non-Priority Debts ExplainedLearn which UK debts are priority debts, such as rent, council tax and energy bills, which are non-priority, and why the difference matters.Read more →, so you should deal with them before credit cardsHow Credit Cards Work in the UKHow UK credit cards work: interest, APR, minimum payments, interest-free periods, fees, Section 75 protection and how to use a card without getting into debt.Read more → and loans. Free, confidential help is available from StepChangeStepChange Explained: What It Does and How It WorksWhat the debt charity StepChange offers, how its free debt advice and debt management plans work, who it suits and what to expect when you contact them.Read more →, Citizens Advice and National DebtlineNational Debtline: How It Works, When to CallWhat National Debtline is, who runs it, what it can help with, how to get free advice by phone, webchat or online tools, and what to expect.Read more →. See our guide to priority and non-priority debts.

A simple review routine

1. Pick one bill a week, so it does not feel overwhelming.
2. Find the contract end date and the current price.
3. Get at least two comparison quotes, or ask your current provider for a better deal.
4. Switch or renegotiate only if the saving is real after any exit fees.
5. Record the new price and end date in your calendar.