Financial support for terminally ill
Terminally ill people in Gateshead, with less than a year to live, will be exempt from paying council tax after councillors agreed to bring in the compassionate measure.
A third of working age people who die in the north east of England do so in poverty, the highest rate of any region. People at the end of life are more likely to be in poverty due to reduced income and increasing bills. Exempting those residents who are in the last year of their life from council tax bills will help to reduce the financial burden at this tragic time.
Councillor Gary Haley, Deputy Leader of Gateshead Council, said: "Facing the news of a terminal illness, whether for yourself or a family member, is devastating and we want to do all we can to ease any worries someone may have at this incredibly difficult time."
"Too many people live and die in poverty, which is unacceptable. We want all of our residents to be treated with compassion, respect and dignity and give as much support as we can when it is needed. We already have a wider package of support for residents facing financial difficulties and introducing this exemption is another way to reduce the stress caused by money and bills."
We offer a package of financial support for those who need it including the Local Council Tax Support Scheme, Council Tax discounts for care leavers, the Household Support Fund, discretionary housing payments, a Holiday Activity and Food programme, debt advice, help with energy costs, free school meals and the future crisis and resilience fund.
The plans were endorsed during Gateshead's first, month-long Festival of Compassion, organised by Compassionate Gateshead, to help local residents feel more comfortable discussing dying, death and grief.
Terminally ill people in Gateshead, with less than a year to live, will be exempt from paying council tax after councillors agreed to bring in the compassionate measure.
A third of working age people who die in the north east of England do so in poverty, the highest rate of any region. People at the end of life are more likely to be in poverty due to reduced income and increasing bills. Exempting those residents who are in the last year of their life from council tax bills will help to reduce the financial burden at this tragic time.
Councillor Gary Haley, Deputy Leader of Gateshead Council, said: "Facing the news of a terminal illness, whether for yourself or a family member, is devastating and we want to do all we can to ease any worries someone may have at this incredibly difficult time."
"Too many people live and die in poverty, which is unacceptable. We want all of our residents to be treated with compassion, respect and dignity and give as much support as we can when it is needed. We already have a wider package of support for residents facing financial difficulties and introducing this exemption is another way to reduce the stress caused by money and bills."
We offer a package of financial support for those who need it including the Local Council Tax Support Scheme, Council Tax discounts for care leavers, the Household Support Fund, discretionary housing payments, a Holiday Activity and Food programme, debt advice, help with energy costs, free school meals and the future crisis and resilience fund.
The plans were endorsed during Gateshead's first, month-long Festival of Compassion, organised by Compassionate Gateshead, to help local residents feel more comfortable discussing dying, death and grief.
