Important Alerts

Blackburn with Darwen Council introduced a Council Tax discount from 1 April 2026 for eligible households affected by terminal illness. If you qualify, your Council Tax bill could be reduced to £0 for the qualifying period.

You may qualify if you, or a child living with you, has been diagnosed with a terminal illness with a life expectancy of less than 12 months; you are responsible for paying the Council Tax, or you are the parent or guardian of the terminally ill child; you receive Council Tax Support; and medical evidence is provided, such as confirmation from a clinician or an SR1 form.

If you think you or someone you know might qualify, contact Blackburn with Darwen Council and ask about the Terminally Ill Council Tax Discount. Please share this with relatives, neighbours and community members who might benefit.

From 30 June 2026 India introduced the e-OCI system. Existing physical OCI cards remain valid, so there is no need to replace a card that is already in your possession.

If you renew your British passport, you must update your new passport details on the OCI system within 90 days. Updating within that window is free; after 90 days a fee applies, plus VFS charges.

Old PIO cards are no longer accepted for travel to India. Please check your documents before booking and share this with family and friends.

All travellers to India must now complete the e-Arrival Card online within 72 hours before arrival. It is free to complete on the official portal, indianvisaonline.gov.in.

This affects British passport holders, OCI card holders and any other traveller visiting India. The e-Arrival Card is not a visa — if you need a visa, you must apply for it separately.

You will receive a confirmation after submission. Keep it safe and show it to immigration on arrival. Complete it on time, travel smoothly and stay informed.