Oldham Lib-Dems call for end of life council tax exemption

Cllr Howard Sykes said: "No one should spend their final moments worrying who is going to pick up the bill.”

Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader and Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, has written to Oldham Council’s Chief Executive Shelley Kipling and top finance boss councillor Abdul Jabbar MBE calling for a new council tax exemption for those living with terminal health conditions. 

In his letter, Councillor Sykes said the move would “go some way to acknowledging the enormous financial strain placed upon individuals and their families going through at the end of their lives. 

"No one should spend their final moments worrying who is going to pick up the bill.”

Sykes’ efforts come after Manchester City Council announced a similar policy last week. 

The new exemption was supported by end-of-life charity Marie Curie, who have urged other councils to deliver their own policies. 

Councillor Sykes added: “I think it’s the right thing to do to offer people some financial peace of mind at the end of their lives. 

"The last thing any of us want is to worry that we’re passing costs onto our children and grandchildren. 

"I am pleased to report this is now under active consideration.”

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