Labour councillors in Milton Keynes are backing a national campaign from Marie Curie to secure a council tax exemption for residents with a terminal illness.
Research by the UK's leading end of life charity has shown that people at the end of life face higher living costs alongside reduced income, leaving many to spend their final weeks and months struggling to make ends meet.
MK Labour has proposed a MK City Council debate following in Manchester City Council’s footsteps, and introducing a Council Tax exemption in the new city for people with a terminal illness, or a partner or family member in the same household, who has less than 12 months to live.
“When someone is living with a terminal illness, their last weeks and months should be about time with loved ones and not having to worry about bills,” said Cllr Lauren Townsend, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance at Milton Keynes City Council, “By supporting this campaign, we want to ease the financial pressure on families at the hardest of times.
“This is a small but important step that can make a huge difference to people’s quality of life.”
“MK City Council would be only the second council after Manchester to implement this scheme, highlighting how across the country well-run Labour councils are ensuring people get support when they need it,” she added.
The MK Labour motion will be debated at the MK City Council meeting on September 17.
