Next month, residents across the UK are set to face many changes, from bins to bills.
The changes occur across a range of sectors, with the minimum wage increasing and TV licence fees rising as a new national recycling system is also to be introduced.
Here is a full list of the changes you can expect from April 1.
Many councils are raising council tax by around 5 per cent on average for households across England in 2026-27.
Council tax will rise by 4.9% on average for households across England in 2026-27, outpacing inflation and adding to cost of living pressures, new figures show.
The increase comes into play from April 1 and means that the average council tax for a Band D property in England will increase by £111 compared to last year.
The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils, claims authorities are under financial pressure to raise bills to protect services.
As council tax rises, energy bills are set to fall slightly, but this could only be short-term.
Between the period April 1 and June 30, 2026, the energy price cap for a typical dual-fuel household paying by direct debit will fall by 7 per cent, according to Ofgem.
However, due to conflict in the Middle East, it is likely that these prices may increase again.
Another change to bills is the rise of the TV licence fee. From April 1, the fee will be £180 a year, increasing by £5.50.
Wages & benefits
From April, the UK statutory National Living wage for workers is increasing to support low-income households.
The minimum wage for workers over 21 will increase to £12.71 an hour, with younger workers aged between 18 and 20 seeing their pay rise to £10.85.
Those who receive Universal Credit are also expected to see an increase from April 6. The standard allowances will rise by approximately 6.2 per cent, linked to inflation.
Single claimants over 25 will see payments increase to £424.90 monthly, while the two-child limit will be removed
Read more: State pension, PIP, Universal Credit and Attendance Allowance to rise in days
Read more: New statutory maternity, paternity and sick pay rates after April law change
The state pension is also increasing in April, with the new full state pension rising to £241.30 per week, totalling to around a £574 boost yearly.
From April 6, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in the UK will be significantly strengthened. The main change will be the removal of the three-day waiting period, meaning that SSP will be payable from the first day of sickness.
The UK government is abolishing tax relief for employee working-from-home expenses. The ability to claim tax deductions on the £6 per week flat rate or actual costs will be removed.
Bin rules are changing across the UK as the government has unveiled its "Simpler Recycling" initiative.
Under these new arrangements, households in England will receive four distinct containers, each designated for particular categories of waste and recycling.
The scheme will also see wider acceptance of plastic pots, tubs, trays, and cartons.
Driving & transport
In line with inflation, UK Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates will increase. The standard annual rate for cars registered after April 2017 will rise to approximately £200.
As part of the new rules, electric vehicles are no longer exempt.
