RBC set to discount Council Tax for terminally ill residents and foster carers
Last updated: 8/10/2026
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet (RBC) is set to discuss Council Tax discounts for those who are terminally ill and foster carers, potentially becoming just one of the few councils locally to introduce the support.
The Council’s Cabinet will meet on Tuesday(October 13) to look at the proposals that could see eligible households receive up to 100% relief on their bills.
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.
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 also recognises the vital role foster carers play in providing stable and supportive homes for children and young people who cannot live with their birth families.
Carers can often incur additional financial pressures associated with supporting children in their care and while support is available through fostering arrangements, there is no consistent national approach to Council Tax relief.
Reducing their financial burden would recognise their contribution to society and support recruitment and retention, aligning with wider local and county priorities to increase placement capacity.
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance Cllr Davinder Virdi said: “These proposals are about using the powers available to us to provide practical financial support where it can make a real difference.
“For people facing a terminal illness, the last thing they or their families should need to worry about is additional financial pressure.
“Equally, our foster carers provide an invaluable service, giving children and young people stable and supportive homes, and it is right that we recognise that contribution.
“We have maintained a strong and responsible financial position at Rushcliffe, and that enables us to consider targeted support such as this for our residents. If approved, we would be among the first councils locally to introduce these measures.”
The parameters of the schemes were developed following a Communities Group Scrutiny Review as agreed by Full Council at its meeting in March.