Liberal Democrats call for council tax exemption for the terminally ill
Liberal Democrats have called for Southwark Council to offer council tax exemption for households where someone is facing end-of-life treatment, with 31% of working adults dying in poverty in Southwark – the 7th highest rate in London.
The Liberal Democrats are backing a campaign from Marie Curie, a leading end of life charity, which has produced a report showing how poverty places even more strain on terminally ill people and their families. The report, co-produced with Loughborough University, shows that in Southwark, for people dying aged 20-64, the risk of being in poverty is 31% in the last year of life, compared to 25% for others of this age.
This comes after Manchester City Council implemented this policy earlier this year, with the council offering to use its discretionary council tax policy to ensure that people living with terminal illness are exempt from council tax. The policy also maintains the exemption for the rest of the financial year when the member of the household does pass away, in order to offer continued support for the family.
Commenting, Southwark Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Cllr Rachel Bentley said:
“When someone is diagnosed with a terminal illness, money should be the last thing on their mind. They deserve to spend their time and energy on what truly matters.
Too many people in Southwark are already struggling, with the cost of rent and energy pushing families to the brink. No one should have to spend their final months in poverty or worrying about how to pay the bills.
Exempting people with a terminal illness from council tax is a simple, compassionate step that will make a real difference.”