New laws, changes and bill increases coming in April that will impact everyone

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Scotland is facing a number of legal and financial changes as the UK enters a new tax year.Since April 1, areas impacted include voting, the country's minimum wage and increases to benefits like Universal Credit.Households will also see increases to certain bills, ranging from broadband, mobile phone and council tax.

A number of implemented measures that sought out to financially assist Scots navigate the crippling cost of living crisis are also coming to an end.Scots should also be aware of the new bank holiday next month and how stamps are going to change.

Here's what you should know for the coming year, as reported by Manchester Evening News.An emergency rent freeze that was brought in last December to help Scottish renters during the cost of living crisis has ended, but some aspects will remain.Instead, private rent increases will be capped at three per cent and restrictions will remain on enforcement of evictions.The changes to the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Act will mean that from April 1 2023:These measures will be extended to September 30, provided they remain necessary, with the option to extend for another six-month period if required.First-time buyers are now unable to avail of the Help to Buy Scheme, which served to help new homeowners get their foot in the door.The government loan scheme was introduced as a way to tackle soaring house prices and interest rates ended on Friday, March 31.

It offered extra financial help to those who may have been unable to by property due to rising costs. Currently, there are no plans announced to extend or replace Help to Buy.The generous energy bill support scheme will officially come to an end as the winter period closes.