Last updated: 28 May 2026 | Compiled by MoneyWise UK Editorial Team | Figures sourced from Ofgem, Ofwat, Ofcom and GOV.UK
This page pulls together the average UK household bills and the headline figures in the 2026/27 financial year, with every number linked to its official regulator or government source. We update it as new data is published. Journalists, writers and researchers are welcome to cite these figures, with a link back to this page.
How much are average household bills in the UK?
For 2026/27, four core regulated household bills (energy, council tax, water and the TV licence) come to about £404 a month, or roughly £4,852 a year, for a typical household. Broadband, mobile, food, insurance and your rent or mortgage are on top of that. The breakdown below shows the monthly and annual cost of each, with every figure linked to its official source.
| Bill | Per month | Per year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy (typical dual-fuel, Direct Debit) | £137 | £1,641 | Ofgem |
| Council tax (avg Band D, England) | £199 | £2,392 | GOV.UK |
| Water and sewerage (avg E&W) | £53 | £639 | Ofwat |
| TV licence (colour) | £15 | £180 | GOV.UK |
| Core regulated bills total | £404 | £4,852 |
Note: council tax is often spread over 10 monthly instalments rather than 12, which makes each instalment higher (around £239). Figures are England and Wales averages and vary by region, property and usage.
UK household bills 2026/27 at a glance
| Bill | 2026/27 figure | Change on 2025/26 | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy price cap (typical dual-fuel, Direct Debit, Apr to Jun 2026) | £1,641 a year | Down 7% (£117) | Ofgem |
| Council tax (average Band D, England) | £2,392 a year | Up 4.9% (£111) | GOV.UK |
| Water and sewerage (average, England and Wales) | £639 a year | Up about 5.4% (£33) | Ofwat / Water UK |
| TV licence (colour) | £180 a year | Up from £174.50 | GOV.UK |
| Broadband and mobile (new or renewed contracts) | Fixed pounds and pence rises | Varies by provider | Ofcom |
Energy: the price cap fell in April 2026
Ofgem set the energy price cap at £1,641 a year for a typical household using gas and electricity and paying by Direct Debit, for the period 1 April to 30 June 2026. Ofgem described this as a fall of 7%, or £117, on the previous quarter. The cap is reviewed every three months, so the figure changes through the year. Source: Ofgem. See our full energy price cap April 2026 guide.
Council tax: average Band D bill passed £2,390
The average Band D council tax set by local authorities in England for 2026/27 is £2,392, an increase of £111, or 4.9%, on 2025/26. This includes adult social care and parish precepts. Most upper-tier authorities used the maximum increase available without a referendum, which is 4.99% (a 2.99% core rise plus a 2% adult social care precept). Source: GOV.UK. See our council tax April 2026 guide.
Water: bills rose again under the PR24 settlement
The average combined water and sewerage bill in England and Wales for 2026/27 is around £639 a year, with Water UK reporting a typical rise of about £33, or 5.4%, from April 2026. Bills vary widely by region, water company, meter status and usage. The increases sit within Ofwat’s PR24 price review, which approved £104 billion of investment across 2025 to 2030. Source: Ofwat. See our water bill increase 2026 guide.
TV licence: standard fee now £180
The annual colour TV licence rose to £180 from 1 April 2026, up from £174.50, with the black and white licence at £60.50. Source: GOV.UK.
Broadband and mobile: pounds and pence, not percentages
Since 17 January 2025, Ofcom rules mean new and renewed broadband, mobile and pay-TV contracts can no longer use inflation-linked or percentage-based mid-contract price rises for the core subscription. Any planned increase must be shown upfront in pounds and pence before you sign. Actual rises vary by provider and package. Source: Ofcom. See our broadband and mobile price rises guide.
How to cite this data: If you reference these figures, please credit MoneyWise UK with a link to this page. Suggested wording: “according to MoneyWise UK’s UK household bills tracker”. Each figure above also links to its original regulator or government source.
Sources and methodology
Figures are taken from primary regulator and government publications: Ofgem (energy price cap), GOV.UK (council tax levels in England and the TV licence fee), Ofwat and Water UK (water and sewerage), and Ofcom (telecoms price-rise rules). Averages hide wide regional and individual variation, so your own bills may be higher or lower. For the wider picture see our April 2026 bill increases overview.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Figures are accurate as at the last updated date above and change over time, so always check the linked official source for the current position.
This content is based on publicly available UK financial guidance and trusted sources such as GOV.UK, HMRC, FCA, and MoneyHelper. It is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. Rules and rates may change, so check official sources before making decisions.
