RBC outline more on Council Tax discounts for terminally ill residents
Last updated: 20/10/2026
Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) has outlined further details on agreed Council Tax discounts for those who are terminally ill, having become just one of the few councils locally to introduce the support.
Households experiencing terminal illness often face significant emotional, physical, and financial pressures including loss of income, increased care and living costs and a reduced ability to manage financial commitments.
The Council’s Cabinet met on October 13 and agreed proposals that will now see eligible households receive up to 100% relief on their bills.
The new policy now provides timely and compassionate financial support to target support at households receiving Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) and apply clear, consistent and evidence-based eligibility criteria.
The support is available where:
· one household member is terminally ill, evidenced by a completed SR1 form from a medical professional confirming life expectancy of less than 12 months
· the household is liable for Council Tax in Rushcliffe
· the household is in receipt of Local Council Tax Support.
An eligible household will receive a discretionary reduction of up to 100% of the Council Tax remaining after LCTS and any other relevant discounts, exemptions or reductions have been applied.
The award will normally begin on the date the SR1 form is signed or another appropriate administrative start date determined by the Council and will continue for a period of up to 52 weeks until the terminally ill person passes away, subject to the household remaining otherwise eligible.
If the person lives beyond 12 months, the award will continue without penalty and without requiring a new prognosis even if the period has elapsed.
Anyone with any questions on the discounts should email revenues@rushcliffe.gov.uk or call 0115 981 9911.
A RBC spokesperson said: “In 2024, Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end of life charity, reported that over 100,000 people died in poverty with approximately one in six of all deaths registered in England, Scotland and Wales.
“With this support now agreed we want to use the powers available to us to provide practical financial support where it can make a real difference.
“We recognise the impact a terminal illness can have on people, the last thing they or their families should need to worry about is additional financial pressure.
“Rushcliffe’s strong and responsible financial position enables us to provide targeted support for residents. However, because the Council’s resources are finite, the policy is limited to households receiving LCTS.
“As with all discretionary financial policies they are subject to ongoing review and as well as understanding their outcome we will continue to balance affordability, sustainability and prudence.”
The parameters of the schemes were developed following a Communities Scrutiny Group Review, as agreed by Full Council at its meeting in March. Further details are available on the Council’s website.