RBC set to discount Council Tax for terminally ill residents
Last updated: 11/2/2026
Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) is set to assess a Council Tax discount for those who are terminally ill, becoming just one of the few councils locally to introduce the support.
The Council’s Cabinet met on Tuesday(February 10) to discuss its forthcoming budget outlining the new proposal that will seek to support households given a terminal diagnosis, although the parameters of the scheme need to be developed over the coming months.
RBC Leader Cllr Neil Clarke said: “We very much wish to help individuals and families wherever we can in their time of need. It is important we take proactive action to support some of the most vulnerable in our community.
“In 2023 111,000 people died in poverty, more than one in six deaths registered in England, Scotland and Wales.
“A number of Councils are starting to introduce a Council Tax discount scheme for those who are terminally ill and we wish to follow suit to be among the first locally to introduce this.
“A scrutiny review may determine a different scheme once the full assessment has been completed but the scheme can be applied retrospectively to commence from April 1, 2026 once a policy has been agreed by Cabinet, following any scrutiny.”
An annual budget of £40,000 which is a commitment of £200,000 over the next five years, is to be proposed to Full Council.
The Cabinet also proposed Council Tax to be frozen for 2026/27 at the meeting to remain the lowest in Nottinghamshire for its element of the bill, that could see it remain in the lowest 25% in the country and again the lowest in Nottinghamshire.
Despite a poor financial settlement from central government, with a further £1.2m of reduced funding announced by Government in its final settlement announced on Monday(February 9) the Council continues to significantly invest in services and assets. Over £24m is planned over the next five years.
Remaining one of the few Councils nationally to be debt free, this means money goes rightfully towards improving services and not debt repayment.
This will include investment in developing and enhancing equipment and facilities in leisure centres, sports facilities and local parks and open spaces. There will also be match funding for 3G pitches and changing room enhancements for local sports clubs across the Borough.
A Full Council meeting on March 5 will discuss the Cabinet’s proposals.