Salford launches council tax support for terminally ill residents

The council has approved a locally defined discretionary council tax support class for end of life, to ease financial hardship for the terminally ill which is now live.

This new initiative is in response to Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end of life charity, calling for councils to review the financial support they offer people with a terminal illness. 

Salford’s approach focuses on assisting households already receiving council tax reduction (CTR), to ensure this support reaches those with the most financial need. CTR is the way local councils help people on low incomes pay their council tax bill and Salford’s scheme was recently reviewed, making it fairer and easier for residents to apply and understand.

Salford City Council has introduced a 100% discount from council tax payment for terminally ill residents who are in receipt of CTR. As well as not needing to pay council tax, these residents will benefit from easier access to wider wraparound welfare support. This starts when a healthcare provider provides the council with a SR1 form, medical evidence that a patient is likely to have less than 12 months to live. An SR1 form is primarily used to facilitate fast-tracked claims for benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Similarly, the form will drop into the council’s workstream and be prioritised for action.

Councillor Jack Youd, Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Finance, Support Services and Regeneration said: “We’re proud to be one of the first councils in the country to deliver discretionary council tax support to people with a palliative diagnosis who are in financial need. When you’re dying, the last thing you or your household want to worry about is paying council tax. Our new scheme provides full council tax relief for these residents, removing one more burden from families during an incredibly difficult time.

“We’re passionate about poverty prevention and this positive response to Marie Curie’s Dying in Poverty report is another step towards that goal. We’re working with healthcare professionals to develop a compassionate, responsive system that supports patients and their families.”

Jamie Thunder, Senior Policy Manager at Marie Curie, said: "We’re delighted that Salford City Council has become the latest council to make sure no resident on a low income dealing with a terminal illness will need to worry about a council tax bill. 

“With drops in temperatures fast approaching, we urge all local authorities to take steps to put support in place and take some of the financial pressure off. Dying people should be able to focus on spending time with their families -- not worrying about if they can afford to pay their council tax bill this month.”

Salford City Council is reaching out to healthcare professionals, advising them to submit the SR1 form via www.salford.gov.uk/sr1 at the same time they notify DWP. Sharing that information with the council can open the door to wider support even if the household isn’t receiving council tax reduction.

If the patient is in arrears, any council tax recovery action can be paused and other exemptions or discounts explored.  Discretionary financial help may also be available such as free school meals, shopping vouchers, white goods, and help with fuel costs. Other practical help could include assisted bin collection and wraparound support for families.