Under the scheme, the council will remove council tax liability for the household for a year
Council tax bills rising by 5% on average today(Image: Miladin Pusicic via Getty Images)
Working-age households where someone is facing a terminal illness will get their council tax bills wiped under a new scheme.
North Lincolnshire Council says families “will no longer have to worry about a council tax bill” if they are faced with losing a loved one. Under the scheme, the council will remove council tax liability for the household for a year.
The scheme will initially run for two years with further information on eligibility and how to apply available on the council’s website.
Other councils that run similar schemes include Barnet, Cheshire West and Milton Keynes. It comes after national charity Marie Curie has highlighted this issue and called for councils to act.
It comes of majority of councils in England are set to increase council tax bills by 5%. Several councils have been granted special permission for higher increases.
The average yearly council tax bill for a band D property is now £2,392.
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.”
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.”
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.”
Cut your council tax bill
If you suspect you might be on too high of a council tax band, you may be able to challenge it. If successful, you could be owed money back from your council – and you will have lower bills going forward.
But make sure you do your research first. If it turns out you are on too low of a council tax, your bills can go up – and this can also impact your neighbours.
There are lots of different circumstances where you could qualify for a council tax discount. For example, if you live alone, you get 25% off your council tax bill.
The maximum 100% discount is applied if someone lives alone and is considered to be “severely mentally impaired”.
If you claim benefits or are on a low income, see if you can get help through a Council Tax Support or Council Tax Reduction scheme. In some cases, the discount can be worth up to 100% off your bill.
The eligibility criteria varies depending on where you live.
