Reform UK’s primary council is facing criticism for not keeping its election promises after suggesting a nearly 4% increase in council tax. Kent County Council, which was won by Nigel Farage’s party in the May 2025 local elections, aimed to showcase what a Reform government could achieve. However, recent budget drafts unveiled a plan for a 3.99% council tax hike, contradicting their previous commitment to lowering taxes.
Although below the 5% maximum allowed without a local referendum or central government approval, Reform’s pre-election materials included vows to reduce waste and lower taxes. The Liberal Democrats at KCC condemned Reform for financial mismanagement and reneging on promises, calling it a “complete betrayal” of voters’ trust.
Reform’s leader at Kent County Council, Linden Kemkaran, defended the proposed tax increase, citing the serious financial challenges the council faced upon taking office. She emphasized that the draft budget’s key feature is the 2026 council tax charge, which was kept lower than anticipated through financial prudence and efficiencies.
In a separate development, the Staffordshire council under Reform leadership also proposed a 3.99% increase in residents’ bills for the upcoming financial year. Notably, last year, four Reform UK councillors were suspended following a leaked Zoom video showing a tumultuous council meeting, where Kemkaran asserted her leadership style amidst dissent.
The final decision on KCC’s budget and council tax charge will be made on February 12.
