Manchester Leads England with Council Tax Exemption for Terminally Ill Residents

In a significant move, Manchester City Council has implemented a groundbreaking policy exempting terminally ill residents who have less than a year to live from council tax payments. This change, designed to alleviate the pressures associated with health care, financial strain, and stress, marks Manchester as the first council in England to establish such a comprehensive exemption.

The policy was developed in partnership with the end-of-life charity Marie Curie, which highlighted the pressing need for additional financial support for those grappling with terminal illnesses. Jamie Thunder, a senior policy manager at Marie Curie, expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of easing financial burdens during a difficult time. He urged other councils across the country to consider similar measures to ensure that terminally ill patients can focus on spending quality time with their loved ones without the anxiety of managing bills.

Under the new policy, households will be able to receive total council tax exemption from the time a clinician confirms their terminal condition through an SR1 document, extending until the individual's passing. Statistics compiled by Marie Curie reveal that over 300 individuals succumb to poverty each day in the UK, highlighting the urgent need for such supportive measures.

Personal accounts, such as that of a terminally ill woman named Margaret from Bolton, emphasize the financial distress many face due to their illnesses. Margaret shared her struggles with diminished income and the growing need for financial assistance. Another resident, Audrey, recounted her experience declaring bankruptcy while caring for her terminally ill husband, reflecting on how council tax exemption could have alleviated some of their financial worries.

Marie Curie outlined various other challenges faced by these households, such as increased costs related to medical equipment and home heating for symptom management. Despite financial pressures, many councils have reduced the support they offer for council tax, prompting Marie Curie to call on other local authorities to leverage existing resources to provide better assistance for terminally ill individuals. This includes utilizing Council Tax Support, which could designate these patients as a protected group, and giving them access to additional financial assistance through the Household Support Fund.

Councillor Bev Craig, the leader of Manchester City Council, acknowledged the emotional turmoil linked to receiving a terminal diagnosis. She stressed that alleviating financial worries is crucial in those challenging times. The council is committed to addressing these issues and has worked with organizations like Marie Curie to provide various forms of support. Since December 2022, the charity has extended assistance to over 4,000 individuals regarding energy costs and financial support, furthering their mission to help those facing life-limiting illnesses.