Preston City Council introduces new council tax discount for terminally ill residents
Preston City Council has officially announced a new scheme offering a 100% council tax discount for residents diagnosed with a terminal illness.
The council’s new scheme has been introduced to ease financial pressures for individuals and families during an especially difficult time.
Who can apply?
Under the proposed new policy, households in the Preston City Council area will be eligible for a full reduction in their council tax if a resident, their partner or a dependent under the age of 18 who resides in the property is confirmed as terminally ill and the person liable to pay council tax is receiving Council Tax Support.
The application process is not yet open; however, further details will be released soon.
Applicants will need their registered medical practitioner to provide an SR1 form.
What has been said about the scheme?
Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council said: “We understand how someone learning they have a terminal illness is hugely traumatic for anyone who faces it and we want to show our compassion to those going through such a difficult situation.
“No one dealing with a terminal diagnosis should have to worry about how they will pay their council tax.
“This scheme allows us to use our discretionary powers to provide meaningful support at a time when residents and their families need it most.”
The background to this scheme
This scheme is part of the cost of living measures introduced by Preston City Council in 2025 to support Preston residents with initiatives such as free swimming, grants for community groups and financial help for pensioners.
It was first mentioned back in October when councillors were asked to approve spending £805,000 on the additional assistance.
That funding was only due to support the measures up until the end of March 2024 but the actual delivery of the schemes could go beyond the date.