No council tax for the terminally ill in district

Residents living with a terminal illness in part of Surrey are now exempt from paying council tax, a council has announced.

The discount applies to all households in the Elmbridge borough where a terminally ill resident, of any age, lives, Elmbridge Borough Council has said.

The resident must be able to provide a Special Rules 1 (SR1) form confirming a terminal diagnosis.

Councillor Jez Langham, portfolio holder for resources, said that he hoped the decision could "ease some of the financial pressure so families can focus on what matters most."

The move follows a campaign by end-of-life-care charity Marie Curie, calling for councils across England to offer more financial support to those with terminal illnesses.

The charity's 2025 report found that more than 100,000 people died in poverty every year in the UK.

Elmbridge Borough Council's decision echoes similar policies in Manchester, Liverpool and Bristol.

The council tax reduction will last for a maximum period of two years, the council said.

It will end three months after the terminally ill resident's death, or three months after they move to a hospice, care home or hospital – whichever occurs first.

It took effect on 1 April this year, having been approved in December 2025.

Residents can visit the council website for more details on how to apply for the exemption.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.