A month-by-month checklist for cutting UK household bills: energy, broadband and mobile, insurance, subscriptions, water, council tax and banking, with the rules that help you switch.
Small savings on regular bills add up because they repeat every month. This checklist works through the main household bills in order, with the UK rules that make switching or negotiating easier. Set aside an hour or two, gather your latest bills, and work down the list.
Before you start
- List every regular payment from your bank statements: direct debits, standing orders and card subscriptions.
- Note each provider, monthly cost and contract end date.
- Put renewal dates in your calendar a month ahead.
1. Energy
- Submit meter readings regularly, or check your smart meter is sending them, so bills aren't estimated.
- Compare fixed tariffs with the price cap. Ofgem sets the cap each quarter; a fix can offer certainty but isn't always cheaper.
- Check your direct debit. If you are well in credit, you can ask for a refund or a lower payment.
- Check for help: the Warm Home Discount, and grants for insulation, for eligible households.
2. Broadband, TV and mobile
- Out of contract? Providers must tell you when your contract is ending and show their best deals. Out-of-contract prices are often much higher.
- Social tariffs: if you receive Universal Credit or certain other benefits, cheaper broadband and mobile social tariffs may be available. Ofcom lists them.
- SIM-only: once your phone is paid off, a SIM-only deal is usually far cheaper than staying on the same contract.
- Switching: for most broadband switches you only need to contact the new provider ("One Touch Switch"). For mobile, text "PAC" to 65075 to get a code.
- Mid-contract price rises: since January 2025, Ofcom rules require price rises to be set out in pounds and pence at the point of sale.
3. Insurance
- Compare quotes before renewing car and home insurance. Since 2022, insurers can't charge renewing customers more than new customers through the same channel, but comparing can still save money.
- Check the cover matches your needs: excesses, add-ons you don't need, and duplicate cover (such as gadget cover you already have through a bank account).
- Paying annually is usually cheaper than monthly, which often includes interest.
4. Subscriptions
- Cancel streaming, apps and memberships you haven't used in the last month.
- Rotate streaming services rather than paying for several at once.
- Check for annual renewals you've forgotten.
5. Water
- A water meter may save money if your household uses less than average, typically smaller households in larger homes. In England and Wales you can usually switch back within a set period if it doesn't suit you.
- Ask your water company about social tariffs if money is tight.
6. Council Tax
- Living alone (as the only adult)? You can claim a 25% single person discount.
- Check for Council Tax Reduction if you're on a low income, and for exemptions such as for full-time students.
- If you believe your band is wrong, you can ask the Valuation Office Agency to check it, but bands can go up as well as down.
7. Banking and borrowing
- Move savings to a better-paying account.
- Avoid overdraft charges by setting alerts and moving direct debits after payday.
- Check whether a 0% balance transfer could reduce credit card interest, if you can pay it off within the period.
Keep it going
Review bills once a year, or when contracts end. Keep notes of what you pay and what you were offered, which makes negotiating easier next time.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth haggling?
Often, especially for broadband and TV at the end of a contract. Have a competitor's price ready.
What if I'm struggling to pay bills?
Contact your providers early: most must offer help. Free debt advice is available from charities such as StepChange and Citizens Advice.
Sources and further reading
Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.