September isn’t just about cooler weather and autumn leaves it’s also a month full of important money changes that could affect your budget. From free childcare hours to energy bill updates, there are a handful of key dates that households should keep in mind. If you’re a parent, a saver, or just someone trying to keep bills under control, here are the seven biggest updates in September you don’t want to miss.
Free Childcare Hours Start
From September 1, working parents of babies as young as nine months will now get 30 hours of free childcare every week. Until now, families could only access 15 hours. To qualify, each parent must earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours on minimum wage but less than £100,000 a year. Parents of three- and four-year-olds already benefit, but this expansion could save new families hundreds of pounds every month. You’ll need to apply through the UK Government childcare website, and remember to reconfirm your details every three months to keep receiving the support.
First Direct Goes Paperless
Also on September 1, First Direct will stop sending paper statements for savings accounts. Instead, all statements will move online through the app or website. If you’d rather keep getting paper copies, you’ll have to log in to your account and change your statement preferences manually. Otherwise, everything will automatically switch to digital.
More Bank Branches Closing
High street banking continues to shrink. Starting September 1, NatWest will close 26 branches, Halifax will shut 13, and Lloyds will close one. That means fewer options for in-person banking, especially in smaller towns. If your local branch is affected, it’s worth setting up online banking or checking the nearest branch still open. Each bank has a full list of closures on their official websites.
Winter Fuel Payment Applications Open
From September 15, you can apply by post for the Winter Fuel Payment, which is worth up to £300 to help with heating costs. Most pensioners will get this automatically, but if you don’t, you’ll need to apply. Phone applications open a month later, on October 15. Whether you qualify depends on your age during the “qualifying week” in September. Full eligibility details are listed on the UK Government Winter Fuel Payment page.
New Inflation Rate Published
On September 17, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) will release the latest inflation figures. Inflation shows how quickly prices are rising and plays a big role in setting pensions, wages, and benefits. The last figure was 3.8%, which is much lower than the 11.1% peak in 2022 but still higher than many families would like. You can find the official release on the ONS website.
Bank of England Interest Rate Decision
The very next day, September 18, the Bank of England will announce whether interest rates are going up, down, or staying the same. The current base rate is 4% after a recent cut. This matters for anyone with a mortgage, loan, or savings account. Even a small change can affect monthly payments or the interest earned on savings. Updates are published directly on the Bank of England website.
Take Your Energy Meter Reading
Finally, on September 30, households are advised to take an energy meter reading. This is because Ofgem’s new price cap takes effect on October 1. Submitting a reading before the new cap ensures you’re charged the current rate for energy already used, rather than a higher one applied afterwards. The current cap is £1,720 a year for an average household, with forecasts suggesting it may rise slightly to £1,744. Updates are available on the Ofgem website.
Why September Matters
From cheaper childcare to changes in energy bills, these seven dates could shape your finances this autumn. Marking them on your calendar now means you won’t miss out on savings or get caught off guard by extra costs. In a cost-of-living crisis, keeping track of updates like these can make a real difference to your budget and peace of mind.