Netflix is raising some of its UK subscription costs.

Netflix

Netflix

The streaming service - which blames next month's price hike on an increase in money spent on content - has confirmed the standard package is going up from £8.99 to £9.99, with the premium deal rising from £11.99 to £13.99, although the basic plan will remain the same at £5.99.

The company said: "This year we're spending over $1bn [£736m] in the UK on new, locally-made films, series and documentaries, helping to create thousands of jobs and showcasing British storytelling at its best - with everything from 'The Crown', to 'Sex Education' and 'Top Boy', plus many, many more.

"Our price change reflects the significant investments we've made in new TV shows and films, as well as improvements to our product."

However, the move - which comes into effect next month - has been criticised by comparison site Uswitch due to the timing of the price rises with people across the UK back under new national lockdown restrictions.

Nick Baker - a streaming and TV expert at the site - added: "Netflix has been a lifeline for many people during lockdown, so this price rise is an unwanted extra expense for households feeling the financial pressure.

"It's unfortunate timing that this price hike coincides with another national lockdown, when all of us will be streaming more television and films than ever."