One less bill to worry about: 12 months council tax removed for families facing terminal illness

Working-age residents in North Lincolnshire facing terminal illness will no longer have to worry about a council tax bill, under a new scheme agreed by councillors.

A new support scheme in North Lincolnshire responds to growing evidence that people at the end of life often face a sharp drop in income alongside rising costs.

National charity Marie Curie has highlighted this issue and called for councils to act – North Lincolnshire Council has.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Facing losing a loved one is one of the hardest things any family can go through and the last thing anyone should be worrying about in those circumstances is a bill landing on the doormat.

“This is about doing the right thing. We’re stepping in with practical support when it matters most, so families can focus on each other without any added financial pressure.”

From April 2026, the scheme will provide targeted support for working families, easing immediate financial pressure at the most difficult time and removing one of the key worries identified by end-of-life charities.

Under the scheme, where a resident has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and meets the eligibility criteria, the council will use its discretionary powers to fully remove council tax liability for the household for a year.

The approach means families can focus on spending time together and arranging care and support – not worrying about bills landing on the doormat.

Cllr Richard Hannigan, cabinet member for independent families (adults), said: “This will make a real difference to people at the most difficult point in their lives. We know that when someone is facing terminal illness, everything changes – emotionally, practically and financially.

“By removing council tax at that moment, we’re giving people space to focus on their care, their family and the time that matters most, without that added pressure.”

The scheme will operate under powers available to councils to reduce council tax liability in exceptional circumstances and will sit alongside existing council tax support and discounts.

The scheme will initially run for two years while the council monitors take-up and impact.

Cllr Tim Mitchell, cabinet member for transformation and sustainability, added: “We are determined to make sure support works for people when they need it most.

“This is a targeted, responsible use of the council’s powers to support residents in exceptional circumstances that is compassionate, respectful and provides practical help.”

Further information on eligibility and how to apply will be published on the council’s website.

Matthew Whittley, Senior Local Public Affairs Manager at Marie Curie, said: “North Lincolnshire Council deserves real credit for taking this important step to support working age residents facing the end of life. By removing council tax for people who are terminally ill, the council is showing real leadership and proving that compassionate, practical policy change is entirely achievable.

“Marie Curie has long highlighted the financial pressures people face at the end of life, and this scheme directly responds to that evidence. We urge other councils across England to urgently follow the example of North Lincolnshire and the nearly 20 other councils so far to have made this move – people who are dying and struggling with their bills simply cannot afford to wait.”

The post One less bill to worry about: 12 months council tax removed for families facing terminal illness appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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