Elmbridge Borough Council exempts terminally ill residents from paying council tax

Residents living with a terminal illness in Elmbridge will no longer have to pay council tax. It follows decisions from several other councils across England, including Manchester, Liverpool and Bristol, who have introduced a full council tax exemption policy to protect terminally ill residents, off the back of calls from end-of-life care charity, Marie Curie. 

Around 280 people die in poverty every day in the UK, according to Marie Curie's ‘Dying in Poverty’ report. Through the ‘Cost of Dying’ campaign, Marie Curie is calling for councils across England to review the financial support they offer people with a terminal illness and their loved ones. 

Toby North, Head of Public Affairs at Marie Curie, has said that the end of life should be a time to focus on what really matters – but for too many people, it’s dominated by financial difficulty as their income drops and costs associated with a terminal illness rise:

 “We’re delighted that Elmbridge Borough Council is among some of the first in the country to provide specific support with council tax to people facing a terminal illness. 

“We now urgently need more councils to adopt a similar approach, to help more people live out their last months, weeks, and days without needing to worry about their bills. 

“We hope to expand our campaign further, with more councils across England following suit to ease the financial burden on people at the end of life.”

The decision was unanimous at Elmbridge Borough Council, with Councillors John O’Reilly and Jez Langham leading the proposal.

Cllr Jez Langham, Portfolio Holder for Resources at Elmbridge Borough Council:

“This is about doing the right thing for residents at a very difficult time. No one should have to worry about council tax when they or a loved one is terminally ill. We hope this support helps ease some of the financial pressure so families can focus on what matters most.”

Information on council tax support when you or a resident member of your household (including a child) is terminally ill can be found on the council’s website.

Marie Curie says the cost of powering at-home medical devices, having the heating on longer and higher to help with symptom management, along with a number of other expenses associated with terminal illness, can all add up to unsurmountable pressures for affected households. However, as budgets have tightened, many councils in England have reduced the amount of support they can offer regarding council tax bills for low-income residents. Since December 2022, Marie Curie has supported over 4,000 people with support and information around energy bills and the cost of living. The charity has a free online benefits calculator and dedicated Energy Support Officers who can talk through benefits and support available from energy suppliers, grants, and give energy efficiency updates.

For support visit mariecurie.org.uk or call the free Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309.