Council Tax support for the borough’s terminally ill
Published Thursday, 22nd January 2026
Pendle councillors are being asked to approve additional Council Tax support for the borough’s terminally ill at the Executive meeting tonight.
In September 2025, the Council resolved that the Executive develop proposals to implement a council tax exemption under the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for individuals diagnosed with a terminal illness and given a prognosis of 12 months or less to live.
The Council reviews its Council Tax Reduction Scheme each year and it is approved at Budget Council.
If Executive approve this proposal, the scheme will be amended and presented to Full Council for approval next month and be implemented from April this year.
Councillor David Whipp, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “Residents who are terminally ill often face exceptional financial pressures arising from reduced income, increased care costs, and the wider impacts of end-of-life care.
“While existing statutory exemptions and discounts may apply in some cases, they do not provide a consistent or comprehensive means of support for this group.
“Including a specific provision within the Council’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme will ensure that support for terminally ill residents is delivered transparently, consistently and compassionately – and I personally, will be delighted if this is approved.”
A question asking residents if they agree to this amendment to the Council Tax Support Scheme is included in the budget consultation survey which is now underway.
The survey gives people who live and work in Pendle a chance to have their say on how the Council spends its money as it prepares to set its budget for 2026/27.
The survey is available on Pendle Borough Council’s website – www.pendle.gov.uk/BudgetConsultation
It closes at 5pm on Sunday 8 February.