North Lincolnshire Council has introduced a new initiative to support households where a member is dealing with a terminal illness by waiving their council tax bills. Families in such situations will be relieved from the burden of council tax payments for a year under this program. The scheme, set to run for two years initially, aims to alleviate financial stress for affected households. More details on qualification criteria and application procedures can be found on the council’s official website.
This move follows the advocacy of the national charity Marie Curie, which has urged councils to address this issue. In contrast, the majority of councils in England are planning to raise council tax bills by 5%, with some being granted permission for higher increases.
Cllr Rob Waltham, the leader of North Lincolnshire Council, emphasized the importance of providing practical assistance during challenging times, ensuring families can focus on supporting each other without additional financial worries. Similarly, Cllr Richard Hannigan highlighted the significant impact this initiative will have on individuals facing terminal illness, acknowledging the emotional, practical, and financial changes that occur in such circumstances.
Cllr Tim Mitchell emphasized the council’s commitment to offering support when it is most needed, describing the program as a compassionate and practical solution for residents facing exceptional circumstances. Residents are encouraged to explore potential council tax discounts they may be eligible for, such as reductions for living alone or being classified as “severely mentally impaired.” Additionally, individuals on benefits or low incomes are advised to investigate Council Tax Support or Council Tax Reduction schemes as they could qualify for substantial bill discounts. Eligibility criteria vary depending on the resident’s location.