Hosepipe bans in England: ten companies, 30 million people, six reservoirs exceptionally low
Temporary use bans are in force at ten water companies, from Thames Water to South West Water, and affect around 30 million people. England's reservoirs are 55% full against an expected 74.3%. What exactly is banned, the fine, who is covered, and why the company must cut your charges.
Your UK water bill: how it is calculated and how to pay less
You cannot switch water supplier, but you can change the amount on the bill. What each company charges in 2026/27, when a meter pays off, who qualifies for a social tariff worth up to 90% off, why water is never disconnected over arrears, and when the company owes you GBP 10 a day.
Should you fix your energy tariff in autumn 2026? Fixes undercut the price cap — and January's cap may jump another 20%
From 1 October the Ofgem cap is £1,723 a year for a typical home, and analysts expect another jump in January. The cheapest fixed tariffs are currently 3.5–4% below the cap. A no-hype guide: how a fix works, when it pays off, what to check before switching — exit fees, timings, meter readings — and when staying on the cap makes more sense.
TV Licence in 2026: who needs one, the £180 fee, who watches free — and the £1,000 fine
Netflix and YouTube need no licence — but live TV on any channel, even a foreign one over the internet, and BBC iPlayer do. From 1 April 2026 a TV Licence costs £180. The GOV.UK rules explained: house shares, students, the free licence for over-75s, instalment plans and how to cancel legally.