Reform UK’s primary local government body is under scrutiny for allegedly going back on its election commitments by suggesting a nearly 4% increase in council tax.
Kent County Council, which was won by Nigel Farage’s party in the local elections of May 2025, aimed to showcase what a Reform government could achieve in national leadership. However, the draft budget plans released by KCC recently propose a 3.99% rise in council tax, despite the prior promise to reduce taxes made before the last election.
Although the proposed increase is slightly below the maximum 5% allowed without a local referendum or central government approval, election material from Reform candidates prior to the election emphasized intentions to “Reduce waste and cut your taxes.”
The opposition Liberal Democrats at KCC have accused Reform of financial mismanagement and labeled the move a “complete betrayal” of their election vows. Leader Antony Hook criticized the party for failing to deliver on its promise to make savings and ease the financial burden on taxpayers. He highlighted the discrepancy between the promised tax cuts and the nearly 4% tax increase, which amounts to just 33p extra per week for the average Kent family.
Notably, the Reform-led Staffordshire council also recently proposed a 3.99% increase in bills for residents in the upcoming 2026-2027 financial year.
In response to the criticisms, Linden Kemkaran, the leader of Kent County Council under Reform, explained the council’s financial challenges upon taking office, citing a significant debt burden and escalating pressures on essential services. She defended the proposed council tax increase as a result of prudent financial management and efficiencies that allowed the increase to be kept below previous expectations.
The incident involving the suspension of four Reform UK councillors last year due to a leaked Zoom video showing disorder during a council meeting was also highlighted. In the video, Ms. Kemkaran asserted her leadership style, stating that while she values feedback and discussion, she ultimately makes crucial decisions, which may not please everyone. The final decision on KCC’s budget and council tax charge is scheduled for February 12.