New Council Tax Scheme to support those facing terminal illness

The new scheme, which will be introduced on 1 April 2026 will enable families, entitled to Local Council Tax Support, with a member of their household with a terminal illness with a life expectancy of under twelve months to access additional support of up to 100% of their Council Tax Charge.

Portfolio Holder for Resources and Personnel Councillor Greg Marshall said, “None of us want to find ourselves facing a terminal illness but it is sadly a reality for many people. Terminal illness has a devasting impact on families and as a Council, we feel it is our duty to do whatever we can to try and relieve the stress of what they are facing.

This new scheme will help alleviate the financial burden of families living with terminal illness and will enhance our existing discretionary council tax relief schemes to support residents through different difficult circumstances they may find themselves in including care leavers and those on low incomes.”

During 2024, Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end of life charity, published a report that explored poverty and fuel poverty at the end of life in the UK. The report identified that in 2023, 111,000 people died in poverty, more than one in six deaths registered in England, Scotland and Wales. Within the report the charity recommended that local authorities should review council tax and discretionary support schemes to provide support to households on a low income that include someone living with a terminal illness.

The Council will start accepting new applications for the scheme from 1 April 2026.