Britons hit by £1,254 rise in bills this year as council tax, energy and water bills push up cost of living

British households endured a punishing 2025 as essential bills rose by an average of £1,254 over the year, according to GB News analysis published December 28, 2025. The surge was driven by increases in council tax, energy, and water bills, placing significant pressure on family finances amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The report cited data from the Office for National Statistics and industry sources to quantify the cumulative impact of utility and local authority charges on household budgets across England, Wales, and Scotland. Rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, and government policy changes were identified as key contributors to the steep bill increases, which outpaced wage growth for many families.