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Gas leak at home: Key signs and what to do
Are you worried about a potential gas leak in your home? Natural gas poses a risk of fire or even an explosion. Here's how to detect a gas leak and what to do if you suspect there's gas in the air...
What does council tax pay for?
What does Council Tax pay for? Most households in the UK pay Council Tax to their local authority. The amount of tax paid is based on the value of their home, the rates set by the local council and...
What’s the average Council Tax bill in the UK?
In the 2024-2025 tax year, the average council tax charge for a Band D property is £2,171 a year in England, £2,024 a year in Wales and £1,421 in Scotland. Council Tax bands range from A (the lowest...
How to switch water suppliers
You currently can't switch water suppliers in the UK. The company that handles your clean water supply and wastewater disposal is decided by the area you live in When you move home, you're...
Renter’s Rights Bill looks to cap advance rent at one month
Landlords will only be able to request a maximum of one month's rent in advance if the new Renter's Rights Bill becomes law. The cap on advance rent is a new addition to the bill, which has...
What channels do you get with Sky TV? (Updated 2025)
Welcome to Please Connect Me's complete Sky TV channel guide. Here you'll find answers to all of your questions about Sky TV channels, hardware, streaming services and more. Use the table of...
Will there be a UK gas shortage this winter?
Will the UK face a gas shortage this winter? British Gas owner Centrica inspired concern about ongoing gas supply when it revealed that the UK 'has less than a week of gas demand in store'....
The complete Sky Essential TV channel guide (updated 2025)
What is Sky Essential TV? Sky's Essential TV package is a competitively priced digital TV package focusing on the most popular channels and streaming services that Sky offers. What's included...
Energy
102 ways to save energy at home (Updated November 2024)
With energy costs and household bills climbing rapidly, you've asked us to collect a list of easy ways to save energy at home. Below, you'll find our top tips for reducing your gas and electricity...
The October 2024 price cap and what it means for your bills
The October 2024 energy price cap is in place from the 1st of October, controlling the energy prices and standing charges of customers on standard variable tariffs. The new price cap raises energy...
How your bills will change this October under the new Energy Price Cap
Households across the UK will face a 10% increase in their energy bills as Ofgem raises its price cap. What is the energy price cap? The energy price cap is a maximum limit on the amount...
Switch to direct debit and save money on energy bills
Do you pay for energy by direct debit? These automatic monthly payments are not only the easiest way to pay your bill on time each month, they can also save you money. Energy suppliers save their...
Broadband & TV
Mid-contract price rises: What they are and how to saveÂ
When setting up a new broadband, TV or mobile contract you might notice a clause outlining mid-contract price rises. Your contract will let you know that you should expect your bills to go up before...
How to cancel your Virgin Media services (without exit fees!)
Are you looking for a way to cancel Virgin Media services without paying an exit fee? Usually, Virgin Media charges around 60% of the remaining value of your contract if you leave early. This can be...
How to request a TV licence change of address
Requesting a TV licence change of address is a simple task to cross off your moving to-do list. You can also consider whether you need your TV licence. If not, you can cancel or transfer it to...
What is Virgin Media Stream?
Virgin Media Stream is the TV streaming service from Virgin Media that comes completely contract-free. Stream aims to be one place to collect all of your streaming subscriptions, catch-up...
Water
How much will you spend on household bills in 2024?
Be prepared, household bills in 2024 are set to change from April 1st. Across the UK, Council Tax, broadband services and utilities will see price increases for millions of customers. We've broken...
Protect your pipes from freezing – Home Maintenance 101
Your pipes freezing won't just leave you without running water - they can also flood and damage your home. Here's everything you need to know about how to stop your pipes from freezing - as well as...
Could you get help paying water bills?
A study by water regulator Ofwat published earlier this year revealed that 70% of UK customers don't know that they could receive help paying water bills from their supplier. The research also...
Water companies promise £96bn upgrade – and water bill increase
Water companies across England and Wales have pledged to invest £96bn in improving Britain's water infrastructure, but the upgrades will come at the cost of a water bill increase for consumers. The...
Council tax
How will Council Tax increase in 2024?
Council Tax - the bill paid to local authorities for essential services - is adjusted at the beginning of the Tax Year on April 1st. The new rates are based on inflation, as well as rising...
How does garden waste collection work in the UK?
We've already published a guide on which bin is which in the UK, but how does garden waste collection work? For homes with a garden green waste disposal can be a regular inconvenience. Plant matter...
How much will you spend on household bills in 2024?
Be prepared, household bills in 2024 are set to change from April 1st. Across the UK, Council Tax, broadband services and utilities will see price increases for millions of customers. We've broken...
What should you do if your council goes bankrupt?
What does it mean when a council goes bankrupt? Earlier this week, Birmingham City Council did effectively that, issuing a Section 114 notice. Birmingham's Council serve Europe's largest local...
Moving Guides
The 7 biggest problems you’ll face when moving to London
Moving to London is a huge undertaking, especially if you're new to the UK. In a city of 8.8 million people, 32 boroughs and 237 Pret a Mangers, it's easy to get overwhelmed. If you're planning your own London move, here's what to prepare for in 2025 to help things go...
The pros and cons of moving at Christmas time
Moving at Christmas time can save you money and mean you have time off work to settle in, but it also presents some unique challenges. We looked at the pros and cons of a festive move to help you make the right choice. Is Christmas a good time of year to move...
What to do in a home power cut
A power cut at home is stressful, but there are a few simple things to do when the electricity goes out. Check your fuse box to make sure it's not just your home Check your DNO's website Call 105, the UK power cut support line Use your prepared power cut supplies to...
Do I need a TV licence in the UK? (Updated 2024)
Do I need a TV licence? It's a question we hear from those moving home in the UK on a daily basis. TV licensing sends regular reminders to homes without a licence to remind them to register for one. However, many homes in the UK don't actually need a licence, even...
PCM News
2023 Market Expectations Report: Insights from property and global mobility professionals
Please Connect Me strives to always stay one step ahead of trends in housing and relocation. Knowing what to expect means we can provide our partners and clients with the best possible service. To help us achieve this, Please Connect Me carries out a survey of...
Council Tax – what is it, and how to register
If you live in the UK, the chances are that you pay Council Tax to your local authority. The amount of tax paid will vary based on the value of your property, as well as if you’re eligible for a Council Tax discount. Most people aged 18 and over pay Council Tax in the...
5G vs Starlink: Which is faster?
From SpaceX's Starlink to 5G mobile internet, in 2023 the options for internet connections that don't rely on traditional infrastructure are better than ever. If you don't have access to one of the UK's major broadband networks, or if you're looking for higher speeds,...
1% deposit scheme launched to help first time buyers
Property developer Fairview has announced a new 1% deposit scheme, designed to make taking the first step on the property ladder a little easier. The scheme, called 'Save to Buy' is available to first-time buyers who meet certain criteria. The goal of the reduced...
