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flag Seven UK councils get tax hike approvals up to 9% due to financial strain, part of a £78B funding package.

flag Seven English councils—Shropshire, Worcestershire, North Somerset, Trafford, Warrington, Windsor and Maidenhead, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole—have been granted special permission to raise council taxes by more than the standard 5% cap, with increases up to 9%, 7.5%, and 6.75% respectively, due to financial pressures. flag The government cited difficult fiscal circumstances, particularly in rural and deprived areas, as justification. flag The decision is part of a £78 billion three-year funding settlement, including £440 million for recovery grants and increased support for homelessness and domestic abuse services. flag Final tax decisions rest with local councils, and some councils, like Shropshire, remain concerned about ongoing budget shortfalls despite the flexibility.

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