Reform UK likely to raise council tax in Kent despite promise to cut costs

"We've got more demand than ever before and it's growing. We just want more money."

"Reform's leader in Kent said that Reform councils were the biggest advert' for what a Nigel Farage government would look like. Well, she's right. Now we know what putting Reform in charge means: huge promises about savings, then failing to find any because they don't kno"

"Whether we can deliver that based on inflation we'll just have to wait and see."

Reform-controlled Kent county council faces a likely maximum 5% council tax increase as demand for services grows and existing services are reduced to essentials. Budget shortfalls and limited accessible savings undermine proposed cost-cutting initiatives, including a planned 'Doge' government efficiency unit that encountered difficulties accessing sensitive council data. Other Reform-run councils such as West Northamptonshire, Durham and Staffordshire are signalling similar pressures, with leaders considering council tax rises or stark service cuts without additional central government funding. Political opponents portray the outcomes as failed promises and warnings about the party's governance approach.

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