Cheshire East Council Requests 9.99% Tax Hike

Cheshire East Council has applied to the government for permission to raise council tax by up to 9.99% for the upcoming year, a move that would bypass the usual referendum requirement due to exceptional financial support from the government. This request is aimed at addressing an £18.3 million funding gap, and if approved, the increase would still need to be ratified by the full council during its budget-setting meeting in February. Conservative councillor Chris O'Leary has expressed strong opposition to the proposed hike, labeling it an 'excessive increase' and questioning its impact on low-income households. In response, Labour councillor Carol Bulman stated that those in higher Band D properties who can afford to pay more should do so, while acknowledging that the increase equates to the cost of a child's school dinner. Additionally, she pointed out that the council has a generous means-tested relief scheme for those struggling financially. The final decision rests with the government and the council's forthcoming meeting.