The Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, faces accusations of betraying its election promises after multiple councils under its control announced plans to increase council tax, some to the legal maximum.
Councils Propose Maximum Increases
Four out of five county councils controlled by Reform UK have now proposed raising council tax by 5%, the highest amount permitted without a local referendum. These authorities are Derbyshire, North Northamptonshire, West Northamptonshire, and Leicestershire.
The party's flagship local authority, Kent County Council, which Reform views as its political "shop window," has proposed a slightly lower increase of 3.99%. In Lincolnshire, councillors were told a 4.99% rise is being considered, with a public consultation to follow.
Broken Promises and Financial Pressure
Opposition councillors have slammed the moves as a "total betrayal" of voters. During last year's local elections, Reform distributed leaflets in Kent pledging to "freeze" or "cut" council tax. Anthony Hook, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Kent council, stated the proposed budget would see the average Band D household pay roughly £67.47 more per year.
Councils cite severe financial pressures. Derbyshire County Council confirmed its 5% rise after predicting a £38 million budget gap, driven by overspends in children's and adult social care. In Kent, council leader Linden Kemkaran defended the draft budget, stating the administration inherited a council saddled with over £700 million of debt, spending £84,000 daily on interest alone.
Internal Chaos and Political Fallout
The controversy comes amid visible internal strife within Reform's council groups. Footage leaked to the Guardian in October revealed a chaotic Kent council meeting where members were told to "fucking suck it up" if they disagreed with decisions. The draft budget details were published late on a Thursday night after earlier expectations.
Professor Tony Travers of the London School of Economics said Reform was enduring a "sharp learning experience" about the realities of managing budgets squeezed for 15 years. He expressed surprise that none of the councils had managed a figure significantly below 5%, which would have provided potent political ammunition for the party ahead of next year's local elections.
Labour councillor Alister Brady in Kent said: "Reform will try to deflect and mislead but the facts are clear. During the election they said they would cut council tax but in their first budget they have put council tax up." The draft budgets are set to be voted on at full council meetings next month.
