Key money dates for July 2026

With July being peak holiday season, your attention may be on flights, sunscreen and days at the beach. There are however several important money dates worth keeping on your radar.

1 July: energy bills rise again

If your finances are already feeling stretched, there's some unwelcome news at the start of the month.

From 1 July, Ofgem's latest energy price cap comes into force, increasing by 13% and adding around £18 a month to the bill of a typical household.

While the price cap limits what suppliers can charge per unit of energy, it doesn't cap your total bill. The more energy you use, the more you'll pay.

Worried about paying?

If you're struggling with your energy bills, contact your supplier as soon as possible. The earlier you get in touch, the more support options are likely to be available.

Depending on your circumstances, suppliers may be able to:

• set up a manageable repayment plan
• offer temporary payment support
• pause debt collection activity
• help you access additional financial assistance

15 July: buy now, pay later gets a major shake-up

From 15 July, the rules around buy now, pay later, are changing.

New Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations will require providers to give customers clearer information about the risks of borrowing and greater protection if things go wrong.

What does that mean for shoppers?

It means there will be more checks, more transparency and more support.

Providers will now have to:

• check borrowers can afford repayments
• clearly explain the consequences of missed payments
• offer support to customers facing financial difficulties
• provide stronger consumer protections

If you use buy now, pay later services to spread the cost of purchases, you'll have a better understanding of what you're signing up for, and stronger rights if problems arise.

22 July: inflation figures land

Want to know whether the cost-of-living squeeze is easing or tightening?

The latest Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation figures will be released by the Office for National Statistics on 22 July.

These numbers will reveal how prices changed during June and provide a snapshot of how quickly the cost of everyday goods and services is rising.

This matters because inflation influences everything from interest rates and mortgage costs to savings returns and wage negotiations.

In other words, this isn't just a number for economists, it's one that can affect almost everyone's finances.

30 July: Bank of England interest rate decision

The Bank of England will announce its latest interest rate decision on 30 July, with borrowers and savers across the country paying close attention.

Any change could affect:

• mortgage repayments
• savings rates
• credit card costs
• personal loan repayments
• business borrowing

If you have a variable-rate mortgage or are planning to borrow money in the near future, this is one announcement you should keep an eye on.

31 July: if you’re self-employed don’t miss this tax deadline

The month ends with an important reminder for anyone who completes a self-assessment tax return.

Your second payment on account is due on 31 July.

Payments on account are advance payments towards your annual tax bill and are based on your previous year's tax liability.

You may be able to reduce your payment on account if you expect your income to fall.

Just be careful, as reducing it too much could leave you with an unexpected tax bill and interest charges further down the line.

A few minutes spent checking these dates now could help you stay one step ahead, and keep your finances on track throughout the summer and beyond.