As we move through January, many of us are looking for ways to improve our finances and want access to all the important financial dates for the year. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a handy list so that you can plan your income and expenditure to suit your needs. Brace yourself!
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The UK Budget
On 15th March, the Chancellor of the Exchequer will lay out the budget for the year ahead. This will detail any changes to the current tax system in the UK, as well as share the financial forecasts for the year ahead. It’s an important date for your diary, as it sets the financial expectations for the country and gives insight into what you can expect as an individual.
National Rail fare increase
The 5th of March will see nationwide rail fare increases for the year ahead. In 2022, the UK Government stalled the increase until March and it’s done the same for 2023, with a price freeze for the start of the year. The new fare prices are due to be capped at 5.9% to support train users with the cost of living.
The Energy Price Guarantee raise
April 1st means the end of the current Energy Price Guarantee, which was set at £2500 a year for typical household energy usage. The new Energy Price Guarantee will be increased to around £3000 for a typical household and will be in place for twelve months.
The new tax year
Also, April marks the end of the 2022-2023 tax year and the start of the 2023-2024 tax year. The 5th of April is the date the tax year ends, and it is important as your ISA allowance will start anew on the 6th April, as well as pension pots, investments and other savings products. If you are self-employed, you will also need to start your new accounts for the year from the 6th of April too.
Getting financial support – cost of living payments
The UK Government has announced a further set of payments to support those on the lowest income during the 2023 – 2024 tax year. Each payment will come with its own set of requirements, and details of how to access them will be published by the Government in plenty of time before the payments are made. So far, the information that has been announced includes the following:
| Payment Type | Amount | When to Expect it |
| Cost of Living – First | £301 | Spring ‘23 |
| Disability Payment | £150 | Summer ‘23 |
| Cost of Living – Second | £300 | Autumn ‘23 |
| Pensioner Payment | £300 | Winter ‘23/34 |
| Cost of Living – Third | £299 | Spring ‘24 |
Find the right loan to support your finances
When it comes to managing your finances and finding ways to cope with temporary shortfalls, a Logbook Loan may be the right answer. You will need to find a responsible lender who is FCA registered. Only ever borrow the amount you can afford to repay.
The great thing about a logbook loan is that you will be able to continue using your car as you make your repayments.
Warning: Late repayment can cause you serious money problems. For help go to moneyhelper.org.uk.
