FIGURES have revealed that so far more than 1,400 households in Wirral have had their Council Tax bills cut due to dementia, Parkinson's and other conditions.

The figure, revealed by Conservative Councillors, states that 1,475 hourseholds have so far applied for Council Tax discount but many more could be eligible and may not know about the help available.

Conservative councillor for Clatterbridge Tracey Pilgrim told the Globe: “So far this year, 145 people in Wirral have been helped in this way yet there will be many thousands of people who could be eligible but don’t know about it.

“Under national rules, someone who has been diagnosed with a ‘severe mental impairment’ such as dementia (including Alzheimer's), Parkinson's or a stroke, is 'disregarded for council tax purposes'.

“Anyone diagnosed with one of these conditions by the GP or consultant, and who’s living alone and eligible for help, shouldn't be paying any council tax at all.

There are an estimated 4,798 dementia sufferers and 7,309 stroke survivors in Wirral who could qualify for a 25% cut in Council Tax bills, money that could be used towards the extra costs of care.

Martina Kane, senior policy officer at the Alzheimer's Society said: "Awareness is generally very low – it's really important it improves and those with dementia who can benefit from this vital financial support, do."

Residents who live with someone affected, who has since died, will also be eligible to apply for a backdated refund of Council Tax.

Head of policy and influencing at the Stroke Association Esmée Russell said: "Very few stroke survivors, or their families, will be aware that they may be exempt from paying council tax by virtue of their disability.

"Stroke happens in an instant – over half of stroke survivors have a disability and this can quickly impact on people's income and expenses."