Welcome to your weekly roundup of essential money-saving news and consumer updates! This week, we're diving into crucial information about rising energy costs, important scam alerts, banking changes, and some fantastic deals to celebrate Father's Day.
Energy Bills Set to Rise Again – What You Need to Know
Just weeks after a welcome drop, UK households are once again facing increased energy costs. Ofgem has confirmed that the Energy Price Cap will rise by 13% from July 2026. This means the average annual bill is projected to jump from £1,641 to £1,862, an increase of around £221 per year. You can read more about this development in MoneyMagpie's report on energy bills going up again and BillCutter's insight into why more households are looking at fixed tariffs.
MoneySavingExpert's Martin Lewis suggests that for most people, this July price cap rise is voluntary and can (and should) be avoided by considering fixed tariffs. It's crucial to compare deals now to potentially lock in a better rate before the increase hits. Find out more about Martin Lewis's advice on avoiding the July Energy Price Cap rise.
In related news, a vulnerable customer was recently sent a 'quite shocking' £8,400 energy bill by ScottishPower due to a charging error, highlighting the importance of scrutinising your statements. Read the full story on The Guardian about ScottishPower's £8,400 energy bill error.
Scam Alerts and Consumer Protection
Consumer protection remains a vital topic, with new warnings and actions against scams. Law firms are currently signing people up for mass action against Facebook and Instagram (Meta) over scams. If you've been affected by scams on these platforms, it's worth investigating this potential claim.
Additionally, be wary of 'McAfee antivirus scams' that prey on fear. These scams use urgent renewal emails and huge discount figures to pressure individuals into handing over their data. Learn how these virus software scams trade on fear in The Guardian's report.
Banking Updates: Chase Cashback & M&S Bank Transfer
Good news for Chase users: your cashback is set to double to 2%! However, there are new hoops to jump through to qualify for this enhanced rate. Make sure you understand the updated criteria by checking MoneySavingExpert's detailed breakdown of Chase's cashback changes.
Meanwhile, the official transfer of M&S Bank accounts to HSBC has been completed. This change affects both savers and borrowers, so if you were an M&S Bank customer, it's important to understand what this M&S Bank to HSBC transfer means for you.
Celebrate Father's Day 2026 with Freebies and Deals
Father's Day is just around the corner, falling on Sunday 21 June this year. If you're looking to celebrate without breaking the bank, MoneyMagpie has compiled an excellent list of freebies and deals across the UK. Discover where Dads can eat, drink, and visit for free with MoneyMagpie's Father’s Day 2026 Freebies and Deals in the UK.
That's it for this week's money-saving update. Stay informed, stay vigilant against scams, and keep an eye out for those valuable deals!
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