"The plan was described as a casino budget by Antony Hook, the Liberal Democrat opposition leader, who brought along letters and leaflets delivered by Reform before last year's local council elections which pledged to cut council tax. It contains [Kent county council's] highest ever exposure to financial risk 411m of immediate risk in this year (up 60% from last year) and almost all is rated 4 out of 5' in likelihood, he said."
"Accusing Reform of mounting an attack on the vulnerable, Hook singled out cuts of 1.2m from fostering services and 700,000 from fostering for children with disabilities. Funding for infrastructure was static and did not keep pace with inflation, he added. So, in real terms, Reform are cutting the highways budget. More potholes, more road collapses and a crumbling network, said Hook."
Reform UK councillors approved a 3.99% council tax increase, one point below the referendum threshold, despite pre-election promises not to raise tax. The budget vote passed 48 to 26 with one abstention amid recent defections from the Reform bloc. The plan coincides with a sharp rise in immediate financial exposure to about £411m, much of it rated highly likely. The budget includes cuts such as £1.2m from fostering services and £700,000 for fostering children with disabilities. Infrastructure funding remains static and lags inflation, effectively reducing highways investment and increasing service risks.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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