Edward Timpson: 'Tax discounts for people who have dementia'

Dementia can be devastating, and that’s why it’s vitally important to the growing number of Cheshire residents living with dementia – and their families and carers – that the Government does everything it reasonably can to support them in what can be all-consuming circumstances.

I know from being a Dementia Friend, chatting to local residents at the fantastic Dementia Café in Winsford, and listening to many others across Eddisbury on the doorstep, that often it’s things like help with access to community travel and the cost of personalised support that make the difference.

The Council Tax system provides exemptions and discounts in various circumstances where people may struggle to pay. For example, if a property is occupied solely by people who suffer from a severe mental impairment – which can include dementia patients – it can be exempted from Council Tax.

To qualify for an exemption, you must receive a medical certificate from a doctor, and be able to demonstrate that you are entitled to receive one of several specific benefits. I stress, though, that you do not necessarily need to receive any of these benefits to qualify.

While discounts and exemptions typically apply from the date an application is received, I know that a local council like Cheshire West & Chester can backdate a discount or exemption, if appropriate.

In such cases, you would need proof of eligibility for the whole period in question. You or a carer can contact the council for further information by visiting bit.ly/counciltaxcwac online, emailing counciltax@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk, or calling 0300 123 7022.

As well as this particular exemption, someone who lives solely with people who qualify as severely mentally impaired can receive a discount on their Council Tax bill too – of 25 per cent. Councils also have broader schemes in place to support people who might have difficulty paying their Council Tax bill.

Finally, let me assure you that there is a firm commitment across this Government to invest in research to help better our understanding of dementia. In May 2022, the Government announced a 10-Year Plan for Dementia, focusing on how we can use new technology to improve the quality of life for dementia patients across the country.

With around one million people in the UK expected to be living with dementia by 2025 – touching the lives of almost every family – this has to be a priority for us here in Eddisbury and right across our nation.

To get in touch with Edward Timpson CBE KC MP about this or other national or local issues, please visit edwardtimpson.com/contact, where you can also sign up for Edward’s ‘Eddisbury Report’ e-newsletter.