March 2026 brings a series of important financial changes, including the Spring Statement, the end of several energy support schemes, and a deadline to claim Winter Fuel Payments worth up to £300. Here is a roundup of key dates and updates.
London tube fares will rise from March 1, with peak pay-as-you-go fares in Zone 1 increasing from £2.90 to £3.10. Piccadilly line fares from Zone 1 to Heathrow will go up from £5.80 to £5.90, while DLR and London Overground fares will also increase. However, bus and tram fares are frozen until July 5, 2026, and pay-as-you-go caps and Travelcard prices are frozen until 2027.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver the Spring Statement to Parliament on March 3. This is expected to be a low-key event with no major tax or policy changes, but will include updated forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility on growth and living costs.
The Bank of England will announce its next interest rate decision on March 19. The base rate is currently 3.75%, held steady at the last meeting in February. The latest inflation data from the Office for National Statistics will be released on March 25; inflation recently fell to 3%, down from a peak of 11.1% in October 2022.
Several energy support schemes end on March 31. The Household Support Fund will be replaced by the new Crisis and Resilience Fund in April 2026. The Warm Home Discount scheme, providing £150 off electricity bills, and the Cold Weather Payment scheme, offering £25 per cold spell, also close on that date. Additionally, the deadline to claim Winter Fuel Payments (worth up to £300) is March 31 for those who have not received them automatically.
