People living with a terminal illness in Chester will no longer have to pay council tax, following a new local exemption designed to ease financial pressures on residents and their families.

Launching on 1 April, the move supports the Marie Curie 'Dying in Poverty' campaign, which calls for councils across England to provide additional financial support for people approaching the end of life.

Households in Cheshire West and Chester may receive a council tax exemption for up to 12 months if a resident has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and provided with an SR1 form confirming they have less than 12 months to live.

The exemption begins when the SR1 form is submitted and continues for two months after the resident's death

The council approved the exemption after backing the Marie Curie campaign and asked Cabinet to implement it locally.

"No one should have to worry about council tax bills while facing the reality of a terminal illness," said Cllr Carol Gahan.

"By introducing this exemption, we are helping to ease some of the financial pressure on residents and their families at an incredibly difficult time. This decision reflects our commitment to supporting vulnerable residents and ensuring people can focus on what matters most – spending time with loved ones and accessing the care and support they need."

The council will also provide support through welfare officers and ensure residents are aware of other financial assistance, including national benefits and local schemes.

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According to Marie Curie's 'Dying in Poverty' report, around 280 people die in poverty every day in the UK. Through its Cost of Dying campaign, the charity urges councils to review the support available for people living with a terminal illness and their families

"We're delighted that Cheshire West and Chester Council is among some of the first in the country to provide specific support with council tax to people facing a terminal illness," said Toby North, head of public affairs at Marie Curie.

"We now urgently need more councils to adopt a similar approach, to help more people live out their last months, weeks, and days without needing to worry about their bills."

Residents who may be eligible can apply for the exemption once an SR1 form confirming their diagnosis has been issued by a clinician.