Key money dates for June 2026

Somehow, we’re almost halfway through the year already.  After the bank holidays, half-term spending and surprise heatwaves of May, June looks set to be a slightly calmer month.

Even so, there are still a few important money dates worth keeping on your radar.

Here’s what’s coming up in June 2026.

Benefit payments

For most people, benefit payments from the DWP and HMRC will arrive as normal throughout June, as there are no UK-wide bank holidays during the month.

That means payments such as universal credit, state pension and child benefit should all be paid on their usual scheduled dates.

But there is one exception for people living in Scotland. The World Cup bank holiday falls on Monday, 15 June 2026. If your payment is due on that date, you should receive it early instead, on Friday, 12 June 2026.

Here are a few key reminders:

• universal credit – paid on the same date every month
• child benefit – usually paid every four weeks, typically on a Monday or Tuesday
• housing benefit – if you receive it every four weeks, one payment is due on Monday, 8 June 2026

1 June - new HMRC fuel rates for company cars

New HMRC advisory fuel rates for company cars come into effect from 1 June.

The quarterly update is important for employers, fleet operators and company car drivers because it determines how much can be reimbursed tax-free for business mileage in company vehicles.

If you use a company car for work, it’s worth checking whether the changes affect you.

17 June - inflation figures released

On 17 June, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) will publish the latest Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation data, covering the month of May.

Inflation affects the price of everyday essentials, from food shopping to energy bills, and it also plays a major role in decisions around interest rates. The figures are closely watched by economists, businesses and households alike.

18 June - Bank of England interest rate decision

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will meet again on 18 June for its fourth rates decision of the year.

This is the announcement that determines whether interest rates go up, down or stay the same, which can affect mortgages, loans, savings rates and credit card borrowing.

Anyone on a variable mortgage or looking to remortgage will likely be paying particularly close attention.

June 25 - cheaper family days out

From 25 June to 1 September 2026, VAT will be cut from 20% to 5% on eligible family activities.

These include:

• children’s meals in restaurants
• cinema and theatre tickets
• entry to attractions such as theme parks, zoos, museums, soft play centres and aquariums

The aim is to make it easier for families to afford small treats during the school holidays, at a time when many household budgets are under pressure from the rising cost of living.

30 June - last day before the new energy price cap begins

The end of June marks the final day before the new energy price cap takes effect for the third quarter of the year.

From July through to the end of September, the average annual gas and electricity bill under the cap will rise to around £1,862 a year, up from £1,641.

The increase reflects higher global energy market prices following disruption linked to the war on Iran.

Try our household bills calculator

When you’re worrying about the impact of rising costs, it can help to see the bigger picture.

Our free and interactive household bills calculator gives you a personalised forecast of how your monthly costs could change.

It only takes a couple of minutes to use and shows how bills may change based on where you live.

Once you’ve done this, you can take the next step by using our handy budget planner to map out your monthly finances. 

It’s free and easy to use.

And if you’re struggling to keep up with household bills, remember that you might be entitled to some support.

We can check you’re getting all the benefits you’re eligible to claim with our benefits calculator.