Key money dates for February 2026

At long last, the slow grind of January is behind us. With a new month comes another set of important money dates that could affect your finances, so are worth keeping an eye on.

Here’s what coming up.

1 February – Alcohol duty increase

From the start of the month, alcohol duty will increase in line with inflation, based on the Retail Price Index (RPI). This year’s rise is 3.66%.

That could mean paying a little more for beer, wine and spirits, whether you’re picking something up at the supermarket or heading out for a drink.

5 February – Interest rate decision

The Bank of England (BoE) will announce whether interest rates are going up, down, or staying the same.

This matters because interest rates affect:

• how much you pay on mortgages, loans and credit cards
• how much you earn on savings

In December, rates were cut to 3.75%, the lowest level in nearly three years. Some experts think they could fall further in 2026, so this is an important date to watch, especially if you borrow money or are thinking about remortgaging.

18 February – Inflation data released

This includes the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), the UK’s main measure of inflation,  which shows how the cost of everyday items is changing. These figures help shape decisions on interest rates, wages and benefits, so they’re closely watched.

25 February – Energy price cap announcement

The energy regulator Ofgem will announce the next energy price cap by 25 February.

Between 1 January and 31 March 2026, the price cap is set at £1,758 per year for a typical household who use electricity and gas and pay by direct debit. This is an increase of 0.2% compared to the cap set between 1 October to 31 December 2025.

Whether the next announcement brings an increase or a decrease, it will affect energy bills from 1 April. But it will give you the chance to decide whether to remain on the price cap or switch to a fixed tariff.

To help you plan ahead and avoid any nasty surprises, check out the key money dates for the whole of 2026.