Proposal to scrap council tax for terminally ill

Terminally ill people could be exempt from paying council tax, if a council's budget proposals are approved.

Gateshead Council said it was considering the move amid concerns over the high number of working age people who died in poverty in the region.

Last year Manchester City Council became the first authority to scrap the tax for people with less than 12 months to live. Charities Marie Curie and Hospice UK have been calling for the policy to be rolled out nationwide.

Councillor Gary Haley, deputy leader of the Labour-led Gateshead Council, said: "Too many people live and die in poverty, which is unacceptable."

The council said the exemption would help reduce the financial burden at the end of someone's life.

"Facing the news of a terminal illness, whether for yourself or a family member, is devastating," Haley said.

"We want to do all we can to ease any worries someone may have at this incredibly difficult time."

A decision is expected to be made as part of the council's budget meeting on 26 February.

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