Elisa Hilton

1:00pm - 4:00pm

Email the studio

Will Smith

Getting Jiggy With It

Listen Live

Harrogate MP warns terminally ill people face 'postcode lottery' over £100 energy payment

Thursday, 12 November 2026 at 14:26

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Tom Gordon MP has warned that terminally ill people could miss out on a £100 energy payment this winter depending on where they live.

The Government’s Household Energy Payment, announced in the Budget, will go to households in council tax bands A to D through the council tax system.

Some councils give terminally ill residents discretionary relief, reducing their council tax bill or clearing it altogether.

In a written answer to Mr Gordon, the MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, ministers confirmed that people receiving Local Council Tax Support would get the £100 payment.

They gave no such guarantee for those receiving discretionary relief.

Ministers also left unanswered his question about how councils would reach eligible households without a council tax direct debit.

This includes terminally ill people whose bills are covered in full.

During Business Questions on Thursday, the Liberal Democrat MP asked the Leader of the House, Alan Campbell, to guarantee the payment for terminally ill people. Mr Campbell said he would take the point away.

The Government is giving councils in England £100 million to support households most affected by rising energy bills.

Mr Gordon is calling for the guidance on that fund to make clear that terminally ill people should receive support wherever they live.

Mr Gordon said:

“Nobody facing a terminal illness should have to worry about whether they can afford to heat their home this winter, and whether they get help shouldn't depend on their postcode.

“Council tax bands are a crude tool. They're not even good at taxing people fairly, let alone getting support to the people who need it most.

“The Government can fix this with one line in its guidance to councils. I'll keep pressing until it does.”

More from Local News

Christmas toy appeal launches to help families across Harrogate

A Christmas appeal encouraging people to donate pre-loved toys to families in need has launched across North Yorkshire.
Sleeping Beauty inspires Christmas displays at Smiths of Harrogate

Christmas window displays inspired by Sleeping Beauty are now on show at Smiths of Harrogate.
Harrogate eye clinic marks two years by backing walking football

Newmedica Harrogate has marked its second anniversary by continuing its partnership with Harrogate Town's walking football club.
Prolific shoplifter given two-year ban from Harrogate stores

A 43-year-old woman has been banned from three shops in Harrogate town centre for two years.
Kex Gill A59 traffic restrictions expected to be lifted in early December

Traffic restrictions on a section of road with a history of landslips and instability are expected to be lifted at the beginning of December as work on the major road improvement scheme nears completion.
New independent bookshop opens in Harrogate

Children's author Christina Gabbitas is set to open her own bookshop in Harrogate today (Thursday).
Gail's Bakery to open in Harrogate next week

Gail’s will open its first Yorkshire bakery in Harrogate on Tuesday 17th November.
Ridley & Hall opens new Harrogate office

Ridley & Hall has opened a Harrogate office with six former members of the Berwins Solicitors team.
Opening date revealed for Harrogate's new Japanese-Brazilian restaurant

NIPO will open on Harrogate’s Parliament Street on Thursday 3rd December.
Harrogate High students turn recycled bottles into Remembrance poppies

Students at Harrogate High School have made poppies from recycled plastic bottles for a Remembrance display at the school entrance.
More than 600 pupils attend Festival of Remembrance at Ripon Cathedral

More than 600 pupils gathered at Ripon Cathedral on Monday to remember members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in service.
Harrogate clinic offers saliva test for suspected endometriosis

A Harrogate clinic is offering a private saliva test for women with suspected endometriosis.
Council accused of 'illusion of listening' over school transport consultation

North Yorkshire Council has been accused of creating an "illusion of listening" after claiming the public has backed changes to its controversial school transport policy.
North Yorkshire councillors to vote on next chief executive

North Yorkshire councillors will vote on whether to appoint Dale Owens as the council's next chief executive next week.
Harrogate nursery earns UNICEF UK award for children's rights

A nursery on Harrogate's Wetherby Road has earned a bronze award from UNICEF UK for its work on children’s rights.
Police find man asleep in car after £1,500 theft at Harrogate Sainsbury's

Police found a man asleep in a parked car after staff reported a suspected theft at Sainsbury's on Harrogate's Wetherby Road.
Harrogate named Britain's second happiest place to live

Harrogate has been named the second happiest place to live in Britain in Rightmove’s annual survey.
Inside the Christmas shop tucked away in a Harrogate church

In the porch of St Peter’s Church on Cambridge Street, Christmas shoppers can find paper stars from India, felt robins from Nepal and a brass decoration shaped like Harrogate’s Royal Pump Room.
Knaresborough gets ready to sparkle for Bright Friday Christmas celebrations

Knaresborough will kick off the festive season in style later this month as Bright Friday returns, bringing an evening of Christmas lights, lanterns and community celebrations to the town.
Harrogate firm raises £1,500 for Andy's Man Club

Staff at Harrogate's Clearpoint Recycling have raised £1,500 for Andy’s Man Club through a virtual 1,601-mile journey.