Charity pushes for English councils to exempt terminally ill residents from council tax
Press release published
The UK's leading end of life charity Marie Curie has secured commitments from 16 English councils to exempt terminally ill residents from council tax, with more expected to follow.
Barnsley was the latest council to implement the change last month, following in the footsteps of Manchester City Council who introduced a full council tax relief policy to protect terminally ill residents this summer. Bristol, Salford and Preston have also made firm commitments, with similar support schemes expected to go live soon in those areas.
At least 11 more councils have passed supportive motions to explore introducing a dedicated relief policy; Newcastle, Wakefield, Wirral, Pendle, Newark and Sherwood, South Gloucestershire, Milton Keynes, Blackburn with Darwen, Liverpool, Burnley and Sheffield.
An estimated 111,000 people die in poverty every year in the UK.1 A terminal diagnosis, regardless of illness, can have a profound financial impact on households, with many families facing reduced income combined with increased energy and living costs. Marie Curie's landmark campaign offers a concrete solution to alleviating some of these financial pressures.
The charity is now urging all councils across England to go beyond symbolic motions and implement practical policy changes as soon as possible.
Jamie Thunder, Senior Policy Manager at Marie Curie, said: "With a significant proportion of terminally ill people relying on benefits as their main source of income, council tax relief can be a huge support for families facing financial hardship.
"We applaud Manchester City Council and Barnsley City Council for leading the way. These councils have set a powerful precedent for compassionate local governance, showing that practical policy change is possible.
"We urge all councils across the country to follow suit and encourage those who have passed supportive motions to act swiftly on their commitments to make real change. No one should spend their final months worrying about bills."
Councillor Robert Frost, Cabinet Spokesperson for Core Services at Barnsley Council, said: "At Barnsley Council, we're committed to supporting residents when they need it the most. We're proud of our council tax support schemes and the assistance we have in place for people that are experiencing financial hardship.
"We recognise the emotional and often financial pressure that is placed upon people and families when someone is nearing the end-of-life due to a terminal illness. We hope that awarding the 100% Council Tax reduction will help to remove some pressure from households during these extremely difficult times. As a council, we feel this is the right thing to do."
Many more councils are actively considering or have tabled motions, with widespread engagement from councillors and local campaigners.
Marie Curie offers a wide range of free support services via its website and support line including an online benefits calculator and dedicated Energy Support Officers.
The focus on council tax is part of Marie Curie's Cost of Dying campaign which aims to ensure no one faces poverty at the end of life. The charity is also calling on the UK Government to introduce further measures, including a social tariff on energy bills.
To find out more about Marie Curie's Cost of Dying campaign, visit: mariecurie.org.uk/poverty
Notes to editor
Schemes introduced by different councils might differ - for example, in some areas, households will need to already qualify for some level of Council Tax Support to qualify.
If you live in England and want to email your local councillor about the support available for terminally ill residents, follow this link: Marie Curie Campaigns
For further information please contact:
Nicola.Price1@mariecurie.org.uk or Marie Curie Press Office: media@mariecurie.org.uk / 0845 073 8699.
Please note, Marie Curie is not a cancer charity but the UK's leading 'end of life charity'. We care for people with any illness they are likely to die from including Alzheimer's (and other forms of dementia), heart, liver, kidney and lung disease, motor neurone disease, Parkinson's, and advanced cancer.
About Marie Curie
Marie Curie is the UK's leading end of life charity.
The charity provides expert end of life care for people with any illness they are likely to die from, and support for their family and friends, in our hospices and where they live. It is the largest charity funder of palliative and end of life care research in the UK, and campaigns to ensure everyone has a good end of life experience. Whatever the illness, we're with you to the end.
If you're living with a terminal illness or have been affected by dying, death and bereavement, Marie Curie can help. Visit mariecurie.org.uk or call the free Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309.
About Marie Curie's Dying in Poverty Campaign
Marie Curie's Dying in Poverty Campaign is also calling on the UK Government to give terminally ill people in working age access to their State Pension. People who die before they reach retirement age are even more likely to experience poverty because of recent real-term cuts and freezes to working-age benefits.
Whatever the illness, wherever you are, Marie Curie is with you to the end.