Anglesey has become the first local authority in Wales to offer full council tax relief to those with a terminal illness.
Members of the Full Council approved a landmark policy which will provide 100% council tax relief for households where a terminally ill person lives – the first initiative of its kind in Wales.
Only a small number of councils across the UK have introduced similar measures, and Anglesey’s support demonstrates its commitment to supporting vulnerable residents with compassion, dignity, and fairness, it said.
The policy, effective from 1 April 2026, will ensure that individuals facing end-of-life care, along with their families, are spared the additional strain of council tax costs during an already difficult time.
Under the new policy, residents diagnosed as terminally ill – as confirmed by an SR1 medical certificate or by their doctor – will be eligible for a full council tax reduction for up to 12 months, or until two months after the date of death, whichever comes first.
Council Leader, Councillor Gary Pritchard, welcomed the decision. He said:
“This is a compassionate and progressive policy that places people at its heart. Families facing terminal illness should be able to focus on what matters most – supporting their loved ones.
“By becoming the first council in Wales to introduce this level of support, we are setting a strong example of how local authorities can act with empathy and fairness.”
The decision to adopt the new policy follows a notice of motion brought before Full Council by Tref Cybi Councillor, Jeff Evans, in December.
Cllr Evans said:
“I’m glad and I appreciate that Anglesey County Council and its members felt able to support this motion. Supporting people in the community at the end of life is both right and just, and it will help to ease financial pressures at such a difficult time.”
The initiative also aligns with national advocacy campaigns, most notably from Marie Curie, which has long called for better financial protections for people at the end of life. Research by the charity shows that around 90% of people who die each year require palliative or end-of-life care, highlighting just how vital measures like this can be.
Marie Curie Cymru Senior Policy Manager, Natasha Davies, added:
“We’re very pleased to see councillors in Ynys Môn vote to extend much needed financial support to people living with a terminal illness. Too many people at the end of life are left worrying about how to make ends meet.
“There is growing recognition in Wales of the need to better financially support people who are living with a terminal illness, to protect them from poverty and financial hardship. Given that council tax is the second biggest cost after housing for most people, reducing this bill is one of the most effective ways of getting money into people’s pockets quickly.
“To ensure that everyone in Wales can access this vital support, Marie Curie Cymru continue to call on the Welsh Government to include people living with a terminal illness in the Council Tax Reduction Scheme.”
This support will be available to those whose main residence is on Anglesey.
Applications can be submitted via email to revenue@ynysmon.llyw.cymru or through the Council’s Citizen Portal (My Anglesey Account), with staff available to guide applicants through the process.
The policy will be reviewed after 12 months to ensure it continues to meet residents’ needs effectively.
