Bills and council tax in the UK

On entering the property record the gas and electricity meter readings with photos and send them to the supplier so that you are charged for your own use only, and ask the landlord who the current supplier is. Choose a supplier by comparing through sites such as Uswitch, MoneySavingExpert or Which?, and note the difference between a fixed contract and a variable tariff.

• There are standard meters, prepayment meters and smart meters.
• You have the right to request a smart meter free from the supplier.
• And you are charged by kWh units.
• Good use of heating, insulation and drying reduces the bill, and there are Warm Home Discount schemes for low-income households with a discount on the bill.
• And if the power cuts out call 105.
• And if you smell gas open the windows, do not switch on lights and call 0800 111 999.

In England and Wales the water and sewerage bill is paid to a specific regional company determined by your address (Thames Water, Severn Trent, United Utilities and others), and you cannot choose it. Water is charged by meter (metered) or according to the property's value (unmetered), and you can request a free meter that may lower your bill if you live alone or in small numbers.

• In Scotland the council collects the water bill with council tax.
• And companies offer reductions for low income and medical cases (WaterSure and WaterSupport).
• If you are in a house share ask whether water is included in the rent.
• And if water leaks tell the landlord at once.
• And do not pour fats down drains.
• And if water is cut off contact your company.

Council tax is a local tax paid by the occupiers of the property (usually the tenant) to the local council to fund services: waste, libraries, local schools and roads.

• Its amount is set by a band from A to H in England (according to the property's value) and by the area, and ranges between about 1200 and 3000 pounds a year for the ordinary property.
• It is paid in ten or twelve instalments by direct debit.
• You must register with the council on moving.
• You get a 25 percent discount if you are the only occupier (single person discount), and full-time students are fully exempt, and some categories are exempt (severe mental impairment and minors).
• And some low-income people receive Council Tax Reduction.
• If you think the band is wrong you can appeal.
• And non-payment exposes you to recovery action and a court.

Home internet is offered by suppliers such as BT, Virgin Media, Sky, TalkTalk, Vodafone and others, and among the cheapest are the new fibre companies (Hyperoptic and CommunityFibre) where available.

• Contracts are usually 12 to 24 months and the early termination charge is high, so check the terms.
• Compare offers and record the contract end date to change supplier after it ends without penalty.
• As for mobile phone lines they include monthly contracts, cheaper SIM-only, or pay as you go. And the TV Licence requires about 170 pounds a year to watch live broadcasts or BBC iPlayer, and some elderly people are exempt.
• And you may be fined if you watch without a licence, so check whether each occupant needs it.

Set a monthly budget including rent, energy, water, council tax, internet, phone, transport and food.

• Paying by direct debit is often cheaper and easier, but watch your balance.
• If you are late in paying a bill contact the supplier at once and ask for a payment plan, since it has an obligation to help you and may not disconnect you without process.
• The government and councils offer support: the Household Support Fund (from the council), the Warm Home Discount, Cold Weather Payment and Winter Fuel Payment for some categories.
• Citizens Advice, StepChange and MoneyHelper help for free with debt and budgeting, and the free advice line is 0800 138 1222 (StepChange).
• Avoid short-term high-interest loans and unlicensed loan sharks.
• And when buying appliances use energy-efficient ones.

What is council tax?