The financial landscape for households across the UK is set for a significant shift in 2026, with a series of key changes affecting everything from benefits and taxes to household bills. The Mirror has compiled a comprehensive list of 26 crucial dates and updates that will impact your wallet, stemming from both recent Budget announcements and longer-term government plans.
Major Policy Shifts and Bill Increases
Several landmark policy changes are scheduled for the coming year. From April 2026, the controversial two-child benefit cap will be axed. This rule currently prevents low-income families from claiming further means-tested benefits for a third or subsequent child born after April 2017.
In the same month, a major inheritance tax change for farmers will be introduced, implementing a new £1 million cap on inherited agricultural assets. Any value above this threshold will be taxed at a rate of 20%.
Households will also feel the pinch from numerous bill rises in April. Council tax bills in England can increase by up to 5%, while water bills are expected to rise as part of a five-year plan. The TV licence fee typically increases in line with inflation, and car tax (VED) is also set to rise, with the 'expensive car supplement' threshold for zero-emission vehicles moving from £40,000 to £50,000.
Key Dates for Your Diary: Deadlines and Updates
The year kicks off with an increase in the Ofgem energy price cap in January, rising to £1,758 for a typical dual-fuel household paying by direct debit. This cap is updated quarterly.
January 31 marks the critical online self-assessment tax deadline for the 2024/25 tax year. Missing it incurs an automatic £100 penalty. The deadline to register for self-assessment if you're new to it is October 5.
On April 6, the new tax year begins, bringing several changes. The state pension will rise by 4.8% under the triple lock, while most benefits will increase by 3.8%. However, the dividend tax rate will be hiked, and the tax relief for working from home will be cut, removing the £6 per week allowance.
Other important deadlines include January 28, when you can chase a missing Winter Fuel Payment, and March 31, when the Household Support Fund for local crisis help is currently set to end.
Consumer Changes and Regulatory Updates
Several reforms aimed at consumers and regulation will come into force. From April 6, new rules will require shops to display prices more clearly, showing both the selling price and the unit price to aid comparison.
The Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) sector will become fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority from July 15, 2026. Providers will be required to conduct affordability checks and offer support to borrowers in difficulty.
In a move affecting parents, eligibility for free school meals in England will expand in September 2026 to include all children whose parents receive Universal Credit, removing the current income threshold.
Drivers will see the temporary 5p per litre fuel duty cut begin to be tapered away from September 2026, with rates gradually returning to March 2022 levels by March 2027. A new duty on vaping products of £2.20 per 10ml will also start in October, accompanied by a one-off tobacco duty rise.
Workers will get a pay boost as the National Minimum Wage rises in April. The rate for those aged 21 and over will increase from £12.21 to £12.71 per hour. Meanwhile, university tuition fees in England will rise to £9,535, and alcohol duty will increase by 3.66% in February.
With inflation updates, Bank of England interest rate decisions, and the final tapering of pandemic-era support, 2026 demands careful financial planning. Marking these key dates in your calendar is essential to avoid penalties and make the most of your money.
