<\/p>\n
\n From lower energy bills and frozen rail fares to higher wages and a State Pension boost, ministers say the steps are designed to reduce everyday costs and raise living standards.\n<\/p>\n
\n Here\u2019s what\u2019s changing and how it could affect you.\n<\/p>\n
\n Households will see an average of \u00a3150 taken off energy bills from April, following confirmation from energy regulator Ofgem that the energy price cap will fall by 7%.\n<\/p>\n
\n The cap limits the amount customers on standard variable tariffs pay per unit of gas and electricity.\n<\/p>\n
\n The discount will be automatically applied from 1 April, including for customers on fixed tariffs. The exact saving will depend on usage and tariff type.\n<\/p>\n
\n This comes on top of the Warm Home Discount Scheme, which provides a one-off \u00a3150 discount on electricity bills \u2014 meaning some eligible households could benefit from support worth \u00a3300 in total.\n<\/p>\n
\n Around 2.7 million workers will receive a 4% pay rise from April as both the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage increase.\n<\/p>\n
\n Full-time workers on the National Living Wage will see an estimated \u00a3900 boost per year.\n<\/p>\n
\n Full-time workers aged 18\u201320 on the lower rate will see a rise of around \u00a31,500 annually.\n<\/p>\n
\n The increase is part of wider efforts to lift incomes for low-paid workers.\n<\/p>\n
\n For the first time in 30 years, regulated rail fare increases across England and parts of Wales have been capped for 2026.\n<\/p>\n
\n The freeze covers season tickets, peak and off-peak regulated fares, benefitting more than a billion passenger journeys.\n<\/p>\n
\n A commuter travelling three days a week using flexi-season tickets between Milton Keynes and London, for example, could save around \u00a3315 per year.\n<\/p>\n
\n Recommended reading:\n<\/p>\n
\n From April 2026, the New State Pension will increase by 4.8%.\n<\/p>\n
\n The full New State Pension will rise to \u00a3241.30 per week, or \u00a312,547.60 per year, delivering above-inflation support for millions of pensioners.\n<\/p>\n
\n\n The third reading of the Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill moves us closer to tackling child poverty<\/p>\n
It’s an investment in our country\u2019s future \u2013 giving more children the best start in life<\/p>\n
We are delivering the biggest cut to child poverty in a generation pic.twitter.com\/9bgt69f0Aa<\/a>\n <\/p>\n
\n \u2014 Department for Work and Pensions (@DWPgovuk) February 24, 2026<\/a>\n <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\n 5. Universal Credit two-child limit removed
\n<\/h2>\n\n From April 2026, the two-child limit on Universal Credit will be scrapped, allowing families to receive support for all children regardless of family size.\n<\/p>\n
\n The change is expected to lift around 450,000 children out of poverty.\n<\/p>\n
\n Universal Credit is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n