Kent County Council, under the leadership of Reform UK, is facing criticism for proposing a nearly 4% increase in council tax, despite prior commitments to reduce taxes. The proposed hike, outlined in the council’s draft budget plans, falls just below the maximum 5% limit set for council tax increases without requiring a local referendum or approval from the central government.
Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage’s party, had campaigned on promises of cutting waste and lowering taxes before the May 2025 local elections. However, the current proposal for a council tax increase has drawn sharp rebuke from the Liberal Democrat opposition at KCC. They accuse Reform of financial mismanagement and breaking their election promises to taxpayers.
Antony Hook, the leader of the Liberal Democrats at KCC, expressed disappointment in Reform’s decision, highlighting the contradiction between their campaign promises and the proposed tax increase. He criticized the move as a “total betrayal” of the electorate’s trust, emphasizing that the marginal difference in the tax hike does not align with the expectations set during the election campaign.
Additionally, reports have surfaced regarding another Reform-led council in Staffordshire proposing a similar 3.99% increase in residents’ bills for the upcoming financial year. In response to the criticism, Kent County Council leader Linden Kemkaran defended the decision, citing the challenging financial situation inherited by the administration, including significant debt and growing pressures on essential services.
Kemkaran emphasized the importance of sound financial management and efficiencies in keeping the proposed tax increase below initial expectations. Notably, last year saw the suspension of four Reform UK councillors from the council following a leaked video of a tumultuous council meeting. The final decision on the budget and council tax charge for KCC is scheduled for February 12.