Barnet Council is one of the first in London to offer a new relief to many citizens whose life expectancy is 12 months or less

Hendon Town Hall and (inset) cabinet member for finance Simon Radford

Many terminally ill residents in Barnet will no longer have to pay council tax after Barnet Council decided to give them a new tax relief.

The new rules mean that residents who receive council tax support and have a life expectancy of 12 months or less are likely to qualify for a reduction as part of the Council Tax Discretionary Relief scheme.

The council says it will become one of the first in London to offer this form of relief following similar decisions by Manchester City Council and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.

They say the decision follows increasing attention on the financial pressures faced by people who are terminally ill, particularly around housing costs and council tax bills.

Simon Radford, Barnet Council’s cabinet member for finance, said: “This policy change is about dignity, fairness and supporting people at the most difficult point in their lives.

“Charities say that removing or reducing Council Tax helps families who may be dealing with loss of income, increased care costs, and the emotional strain of end‑of‑life care. We want residents who are terminally ill to receive help quickly, without facing complicated processes or unnecessary stress.”

Toby North, head of public affairs at Marie Curie, a charity which has been campaigning for more support for terminally ill people, said: “We applaud Barnet Council for removing this burden from those with a terminal illness, and the councils who have already committed to providing council tax relief for dying people.

“These councils continue to set a powerful precedent for compassionate local governance, showing that practical policy change is possible. ” 

He added: “We urge all councils across the country to follow suit and encourage those who have passed supportive motions to act swiftly on their commitments to make real change. No one should spend their final months worrying about bills.”

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