Council tax relief for terminally-ill Nottinghamshire residents ‘the right thing to do’

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💷 Residents in Gedling who have been given 12 months or less to live could receive council tax relief from April

Gedling Borough Council’s cabinet took the decision in a Thursday (March 26) meeting to widen its council tax support offer for those already in receipt of council tax relief.

There is currently no statutory council tax exemption or relief provided to those living with a terminal illness, but the council already uses its ‘discretionary’ powers to reduce or remove council tax for residents aged between 18 and 25 who have left care “while they’re finding their feet”.

Gedling’s council will now join the likes of Broxtowe Borough Council, Newark and Sherwood District Council and Rushcliffe Borough Council in introducing this further “discretionary” scheme.

Councils across England have been making the move on the back of a Marie Curie report published in 2024 that found 111,000 people died in poverty in 2023 across Britain.

From April 1, 2026, Gedling residents who have been given 12 months or less to live by a medical professional – and who are already in receipt of the council tax reduction scheme – could benefit from further reductions to their council tax.

Gedling’s council tax relief can reach 100 per cent in some cases. Currently, 57 of council tax relief claimants receive a 100 per cent discount, so the new move would apply to those not already getting the full discount.

Speaking in the meeting, Andrew Solley, assistant director of revenues and welfare services at the council, said: “This report attempts to recognise that financial difficulties faced by people at the end of life are not just faced by individuals with a terminal diagnosis – there are also financial difficulties faced by families supporting those people.

“My estimate of the cost of this option is that it’ll cost between £17,000 and £25,000 per year.”

Any loss in council tax would be solely funded by the Borough Council, where councillors also approved a £25,000 budget to cover this.

Speaking in Thursday’s meeting, Councillor Viv McCrossen (Lab), said: “It’s very sad to hear there are 520 people in the borough living with terminal illness and we know the poverty that brings, particularly if you’re the main wage earner. It’s going to cost us money, but it’s the right thing to do.

The authority’s leader, John Clarke (Lab), said: “No family should face a financial crisis at the same time as dealing with a terminal illness.

“This new support is a compassionate and practical step to help ease the burden on those who are already coping with unimaginable pressures.

“We’re committed to ensuring our most vulnerable residents receive the help they need when they need it most.

“I can see the future, at the moment, with all the things that are going off in the world and when the economy big bang hits at some point, which it’s bound to do, there will be more pressures – this will ease a little bit at a very sad time.”

Information supplied by the Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust showed that, as at November 12, 2025, there were 520 people in the borough living with an end-of-life diagnosis.

However, it is not possible to confirm where they are receiving care, what tax banding they are in and their eligibility for other council tax exemptions or discounts.

From April 1, decisions on eligible households will be taken on a case-by-case basis by the finance officer and will require confirmation from medical providers.

By Lauren Monaghan,
Local Democracy Reporter

🚗 Police investigating the theft of a car in Netherfield arrest suspect

A man has been arrested after a car stolen from Netherfield was involved in a collision.

The car was stolen from outside an address in Knight Street while the owner was away.

It was then involved in a collision in Derbyshire on December 20, 2025 in which the driver fled the scene.

Further investigations have now led to the arrest of a 19-year-old man on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and failing to stop after a road accident.

Inspector Steven King, police area commander for Gedling borough, said: “We know people rely on vehicles to get to work and go about their daily lives.

“That is why vehicle crime is taken extremely seriously across the force and I’m pleased this suspected car thief has been arrested with investigations continuing.

“It’s also a timely opportunity to urge motorists to take every possible precaution to avoid becoming a victim themselves.

“By following a few simple steps, members of the public can make their own vehicles as safe as possible.”

You can view the tips HERE

🏗️ Opening of new bridge over River Trent edges closer

The opening of a new bridge over the River Trent in Nottingham has edged closer following the installation of a smaller crossing.

In November last year the 175-tonne pedestrian and cycle bridge was lifted into place – just over four years to the day that the plans were first revealed.

Its smaller sibling, which crosses the basin and links nearby residents to the main bridge, has now also been installed as of Thursday (March 26).

While the smaller crossing – which weighs 23.5 tonnes and spans 20 metres – was intended to have been installed in February, it is the latest step in getting the main bridge open by June 2026.

It will link the Trent Basin estate, off Daleside Road in the city, to the south bank of the river close to the Hook nature reserve in Lady Bay, in the Rushcliffe borough.

The Waterside Bridge was first unveiled in November 2021, but has faced delays and rising costs.

The cost of the project has doubled from £9 million to £18 million, with the money coming from the Government’s Transforming Cities fund.

Nottingham City Council approved the plans itself in April 2024, before Rushcliffe Borough Council gave them the go-ahead in June of the same year.

The plans required approval from both authorities because the bridge sits in both administrative areas.

Cllr Linda Woodings (Lab), executive member for regional development, growth and transport for the city, previously said: “The budget did go up slightly because on the public consultation people said make [the bridge] four metres wide, not 3.5m, and obviously supplies have gone up in price since then.

“But the £18m budget is confirmed, it is coming in on budget.”

By Joe Locker,
Local Democracy Reporter

🫸 Suspected drug dealer charged by police after car stop leads to search of property in Mapperley

A suspect has been put before the courts after police seized cocaine, cannabis and cash following a car stop.

Radford response officers were out on patrol in the early hours of Wednesday (25) when a car travelling without its headlights on caught their attention.

This prompted them to follow the vehicle until it came to a stop on Nuthall Road.

Following a search of the car, cans of laughing gas, bags of cannabis and a bag of cocaine were discovered. 

Two mobile phones were also seized.

Officers then searched addresses in Alfreton Road, Radford, and Mansfield Road, Mapperley, which led them to further bags of cannabis, laughing gas cans and suspected cocaine.

They also recovered large amounts of cash and numerous unmarked boxes of pills.

Azeez Belewu, of Alfreton Road, Radford, has been charged with possession with intent to supply the Class A drugs cocaine and MDMA, and the Class B drug cannabis.

The 21-year-old was also charged with criminal damage, possession of criminal property and using a vehicle without headlights lit.

PC Jak Walker, of the Radford Road response team, said: “Whilst out on proactive patrols, we are there to deter crime, provide visible reassurance and gather intelligence – and also look-out for any potential criminal activity.

“We are pleased to have charged a suspect in connection with this incident, and taking drugs off the streets is one of the many ways we’re acting to keep the community safe.”

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There will be a rather cloudy start to Tuesday, with some patchy light rain or drizzle. However, becoming mostly dry into the afternoon with bright intervals developing. Feeling noticeably milder with just a gentle breeze.