Cash-strapped Cheshire East Council is applying to the government for permission to increase council tax by up to 9.99% this year, writes Belinda Ryan. In December, officers wrote to the government requesting exceptional financial support (EFS) to help balance the books, including being allowed to hike up council tax by up to 9.99%. “Council tax flexibility at 9.99% will add more than £15 million to the base income, whereby every 1% on council tax equates to more than £3 million of additional income. Last year, the government refused Cheshire East’s request for permission to increase council by up to 9.99%. The report from the council officers states no decision has yet been taken on the council tax increase – the recommendation for the whopping rise is “professional advice”.