Paying More And Paying Less As Prices Change, Pensions, Benefits Uplift, School Dinners, Rents and More

1st April 2024

Lots of prices are changing apart from groceries. But the minimum wages goes up from today.

Minimum Wage
The minimum wage set by the government, known as the National Living Wage, is increasing by more than £1 for the first time, providing a boost for 2.7 million low-paid workers.

The main wage rate is rising from £10.42 to £11.44 an hour and will apply to workers over 21 rather than over 23.

Phone and broadband costs
Most broadband and mobile phone providers are currently introducing mid-contract price rises of up to 8.8%.

Water bills in Scotland
water and waste charges will go up by 8.8%, a rise of £36.

Council Tax Frozen in Scotland.

TV License
TV licence feel goes up by 6.6% to £169.50, after being frozen for two years.

Car Tax
Vehicle tax is also rising, with the annual flat rate for a car registered on or after 1 April 2017 going up by £10. The amount due depends on the type of vehicle, when it was registered and when type of fuel is used. Some vehicles may go up to £695.

Energy Price Cap
Regulator Ofgem's new price cap takes effect on 1 April and means a drop of £238 a year, or around £20 a month, on that typical bill.

National Insurance
NI drops from 10% to 8 percent from today. This is the second drop in a few months from 12%.

Benefits increases
Many benefits go up from today.

Pensions
The triple lock means most pensioners will get rise this month

Train Fares
Train passengers will see rail fares rise by 8.7% in April for those in Scotland.

Council House Rents in Highland
The average Council house rent in Highland will increase from £83.17 per week to £89.85 per week (an average increase of £6.68 per week).

Garage Rents in Highland
Weekly Garage Rent for Council Tenants will increase by 92 pence from £9.93 to £10.85. Meanwhile, Garage Rent for non-tenants will go up by £1.16 from £11.41 to £12.57.

School Dinners in Highland
Highland Council is increasing the cost of school meals from Monday 15th April. From then, meals will be priced at: Primary School Meals: Increase from £2:30 to £2:40 per 2 course meal. This will apply to pupils in P6 & P7 until the full roll out of universal free school meals is agreed by the Scottish Government