Marie Curie calls for council tax exemption for terminally ill
Charity urges local councils in England to adopt compassionate policy
Marie Curie is urging local authorities across England to exempt terminally ill individuals from paying council tax, advocating for this move as 'one less worry' during their critical final months.
The initiative, initially supported by Prime Minister Andy Burnham when Manchester City Council first responded to the campaign last summer, has led to 27 councils, including Liverpool, Hull, and Bristol, adopting similar policies.
Marie Curie aims to expand this exemption to the remaining councils, potentially benefiting around 74,000 people living with terminal illnesses across England.
The charity's Dying in Poverty report highlights the stark financial challenges faced by terminally ill individuals, revealing increased poverty risks during the last year of life.
Becca Stacey, Marie Curie's Senior Policy Manager for Financial Security, emphasised that a terminal diagnosis should not bring financial hardships.
Stacey said, “Local authorities can play their part and exempt terminally ill people from paying council tax ... No one should spend their final months worrying about bills.”
The exemption process involves identifying eligible individuals through an SR1 document issued by clinicians, which facilitates access to certain Department for Work and Pension benefits.
Councils like Barnsley have already implemented the exemption, proving its practical benefits for residents and their families.
The call for council tax exemption forms part of Marie Curie's broader campaign to tackle end-of-life poverty, also advocating for energy bill social tariffs and state pension equivalent income for working-age terminally ill individuals.
Marie Curie is encouraging people to engage with their campaign efforts to ensure widespread adoption of the exemption.