Microsoft has started emailing current Xbox Live Gold subscribers in the United Kingdom to notify them that the recurring subscription price will be increasing soon.

Those who pay for the service month-to-month will have to pony up £7 instead of £6. Quarterly subscriptions will cost £18 instead of £15. And annual subscribers will have to dish out £50 instead of £40 once a year. For those who are not currently subscribed to Xbox Live Gold (and if you have an Xbox One why aren't you?) will see these prices take effect on May 8. Meanwhile those who are already subscribed will see these changes take place on August 7. Speaking to VG247, Microsoft had the following to say:

To ensure gamers have consistent pricing for Xbox Live Gold across Europe we are making changes to UK pricing from May 8th. Prices will rise by £1 a month for our monthly subscriptions, £3 for our quarterly subscriptions and by £10 a year for an annual membership. This new pricing is aligned to the changes we made in the region in 2016 as we strive to offer our members premium gaming and entertainment services at a fair price. We have notified members whose accounts are on recurring billing in the UK so they are aware well in advance.

These prices are in line with the current PlayStation Plus subscription prices after they increased in 2017. Those who want to purchase multiple subscriptions now to extend their current renewal date have a few months to do so. The message sent to current subscribers is as follows:

As of May 08, the 12-month subscription fee for Xbox Live Gold is increasing from £39.99 to £49.99 to address changing market conditions. All current subscribers will keep their current subscription fee for 90 days. You will be charged the new price effective August 7, 2019 unless you choose to cancel your subscription before the next scheduled payment.

Those who will be playing the Halo: The Master Chief Collection on PC won't be required to have an Xbox Live Gold subscription. Perks for being part of Xbox Live Gold include free games every month, additional discounts during sales, and the random free weekend for a game like Halo 5: Guardians or The Elder Scrolls Online.