- Councillor Yusuf Yusuf of Wealdstone South Ward, along with his colleagues,
proposed a motion at the recent Full Council meeting seeking a formal review into
support for Harrow’s most vulnerable residents. - The formal Council review will consider whether terminal illness should be expressly
recognised within relevant discretionary hardship and Crisis and Resilience Fund
arrangements of financial support.
Councillor Yusuf Yusuf of Wealdstone South Ward proposed a motion at Full Council calling for a formal review of the hardship experienced by terminally ill residents and what measures are within the Council’s control to alleviate financial stress at the end of life.
Harrow Councillors voted unanimously to recognise the significant financial pressures that can arise following a terminal diagnosis, including loss of household income and increased costs associated with energy, care, transport and adaptations.
Councillors supported Marie Curie’s research concerning poverty at the end of life and its recommendations
that local authorities consider how Council Tax and discretionary financial assistance can better support households affected by terminal illness.
The Council will conduct this review over the coming months, leading up to the 2027/28 budget-setting process.
Cllr. Yusuf Yusuf (Wealdstone South Ward) said of the motion being passed:
“I am extremely pleased my efforts and those of my colleagues has brought forward such an important issue facing residents suffering with terminally ill diagnosis.
The cost of living and facing hardship can add extreme stress to what is already an impossible situation for individual residents going through illness and the impact this has on local families. I am pleased as a newly elected Councillor, I can bring forward issues like this facing our communities, and for the council to improve the support available to vulnerable residents.
I hope this review will lead to positive change”.