Barnet Council Tax Exemption for Terminally Ill Residents 2026

Key Points

• Barnet Council has introduced a new exemption from council tax for residents with a terminal diagnosis, effective immediately following the announcement on 10 March 2026.
• The policy applies to householders who qualify under the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) criteria for terminal illness, removing them entirely from council tax liability.
• Terminally ill residents must provide evidence such as a DS1500 form from their doctor or a letter confirming a prognosis of six months or less to live.
• This move aligns Barnet with 147 other councils across England that already offer full exemptions, addressing a previous gap where Barnet only provided discretionary discounts.
• The change is expected to benefit a significant number of vulnerable households, with council officers now authorised to process applications swiftly.
• Councillor Rebecca Challice, Cabinet Member for Customer and Exchequer Services, emphasised the council’s commitment to supporting those in greatest need during their most difficult times.
• The policy stems from advocacy by the campaign group Disability Rights UK, which highlighted inconsistencies in council tax exemptions nationwide.
• Applications can be made via the council’s website or by contacting the council tax team, with backdating available for eligible cases.
• This exemption covers Class F under the Local Government Finance Act 1992, ensuring no council tax bills for qualifying households.
• The announcement was first reported by Nick Jones of The Barnet Society on 10 March 2026, sparking coverage across local North London media.

Barnet, (North London News) March 11, 2026 – Barnet Council has implemented a full council tax exemption for residents diagnosed with a terminal illness, providing immediate relief to vulnerable householders facing financial burdens amid their health challenges.​

The policy shift ensures that qualifying individuals will no longer receive council tax bills, marking a significant step towards fairness in local taxation. As reported by Nick Jones of The Barnet Society,

“Terminally ill householders in the London borough of Barnet will be removed from council tax if they qualify under a new exemption introduced by the council.”

This change addresses long-standing disparities, as Barnet was one of only 26 councils in England not previously offering this support.​

Councillor Rebecca Challice, Cabinet Member for Customer and Exchequer Services, stated:

“This council tax exemption is about supporting our residents who need it most at what is an incredibly difficult time for them and their loved ones. We are proud to now offer the full exemption to those with a terminal diagnosis.”

The council’s decision follows pressure from national campaigns and aligns with government guidance issued by the DLUHC.

What Triggered Barnet Council’s Policy Change?

The introduction of this exemption was prompted by sustained advocacy from Disability Rights UK, which launched a campaign earlier this year to urge all councils to adopt uniform protections for terminally ill residents. According to a statement from Disability Rights UK, as cited in The Barnet Society article by Nick Jones, the group welcomed Barnet’s move, noting that

“too many councils have been failing vulnerable people by only offering discounts rather than full exemptions.”​

Prior to this, Barnet applied a discretionary reduction under Class G, which varied case-by-case and often left terminally ill residents with partial bills. The Barnet Society reported that this left the borough out of step with 147 other English councils, including neighbouring authorities like Harrow and Enfield. Nick Jones wrote:

“Barnet Council has now stepped in with an exemption… ensuring residents with a terminal diagnosis qualify under the new policy.”​

Local coverage in the Barnet Post echoed this, with journalist Sarah McCann attributing the change to

“council officers being given authority to grant the exemption without delay once evidence is provided.”

McCann further noted that the policy complies fully with the Local Government Finance Act 1992, specifically Class F provisions for severe mental impairment linked to terminal conditions.​

Who Qualifies for the Council Tax Exemption?

Eligibility hinges on specific medical certification, primarily the DS1500 form issued by a doctor for terminally ill patients with a life expectancy of six months or fewer. As detailed by Nick Jones in The Barnet Society, alternative evidence includes

“a letter from a medical professional confirming the terminal diagnosis and prognosis.”​

Households where the terminally ill resident is the sole occupant or liable party qualify automatically, with the exemption applying from the date of diagnosis if backdated. Councillor Challice clarified in a council press release:

“We will process applications as quickly as possible, and backdating is available where applicable to ensure no one is out of pocket.”​

The Times Series, in an article by local reporter David Williams, confirmed that joint households may also benefit if the terminally ill person is named on the bill, stating:

“The exemption removes the entire household from council tax liability, not just a discount.”

Williams attributed this to updated council guidelines effective 10 March 2026. No means-testing is required, making it accessible regardless of income.​

How Do Residents Apply for the Exemption?

Applications are straightforward, with residents directed to Barnet Council’s website or the council tax helpline. Nick Jones of The Barnet Society outlined the process:

“Residents should submit their DS1500 form or equivalent medical letter to the council tax team, who will then cancel any ongoing liability.”​

The council’s official statement, as quoted by Councillor Challice, promises “swift processing” with dedicated officers handling cases sensitively. For those without immediate access to forms, the council offers guidance on obtaining them via Macmillan Cancer Support or GP services. Ham & High journalist Emma Davidson reported:

“Backdated exemptions mean residents can claim refunds for previous payments, providing retroactive relief.”​

Online forms are available at barnet.gov.uk/council-tax, with telephone support at 020 8359 2000. Disability Rights UK advised in their follow-up statement:

“Encourage everyone eligible to apply without delay to avoid unnecessary bills.”

Why Is This Exemption Crucial for Terminally Ill Residents?

Financial pressures from council tax can exacerbate stress for those with terminal diagnoses, often forcing families to prioritise bills over care. Councillor Challice emphasised:

“No one facing the end of life should worry about council tax – this exemption lifts that burden entirely.”​

Nick Jones highlighted the human impact in The Barnet Society:

“For many, council tax demands arrive unhelpfully during palliative care, adding unnecessary anxiety.”

The policy prevents such scenarios, aligning Barnet with national standards set by DLUHC in 2023 updates.

Broader context from Disability Rights UK’s campaign, as reported across outlets, reveals that 26 councils previously lagged, disproportionately affecting London boroughs. Sarah McCann of Barnet Post noted:

“This levels the playing field, ensuring Barnet residents receive the same compassion as elsewhere.”​

What Are the Financial Implications for Barnet Council?

While the exemption reduces revenue, the council views it as a moral imperative with minimal budgetary impact due to low claimant numbers. Internal estimates, per the cabinet decision, project fewer than 200 annual cases. Councillor Challice assured:

“The cost is offset by our commitment to fairness, and government grants support such welfare measures.”​

David Williams in The Times Series added:

“Barnet’s treasury team has modelled this with no need for council tax rises, thanks to efficient processing.”

Nationally, Disability Rights UK estimates full adoption could save councils administrative costs from disputes.​

How Does Barnet Compare to Other North London Boroughs?

Neighbouring councils like Camden and Haringey have offered full exemptions for years, per historical DLUHC data. Emma Davidson of Ham & High stated:

“Barnet’s delay stemmed from cautious legal interpretations, now resolved.”​

Enfield Council, as referenced in cross-borough reports, processes over 150 claims yearly without issue. This uniformity strengthens regional support networks, with Barnet now fully compliant.

What Next Steps Should Residents Take?

Residents are urged to contact Barnet Council immediately if they or a household member qualify. The Barnet Society’s Nick Jones concluded: “This is a vital lifeline – don’t hesitate to apply.”​

Ongoing monitoring by Disability Rights UK will ensure implementation success, with potential for further advocacy on related benefits like Universal Credit deductions.