Kent County Council, under the leadership of the Reform party, is considering raising council tax by the maximum allowable percentage next year due to existing services being at a critical level. The council, which saw a change in leadership during the recent local elections, is planning a 5% increase in the levy.
Earlier this year, the Reform UK party vowed to review inefficient council spending and introduced a Department of Government Efficiency inspired by Elon Musk’s cost-cutting strategies. Despite these efforts, Diane Morton, a council member responsible for adult social care and public health, highlighted the strain on services, stating they are operating at a minimal capacity with increasing demands and the urgent need for additional funding.
As councils prepare to finalize their budgets in early 2026, it is anticipated that many will follow suit with a 5% council tax increase, reflecting the challenges faced by local authorities nationwide. While some Reform party members expressed intentions to avoid the maximum hike, the reality of limited cost-cutting opportunities has become apparent.
Reform’s leader in Kent, Linden Kemkaran, has described the council as a representation of a potential future government under Nigel Farage. This move is seen as a litmus test for public trust and confidence in a Reform-led administration. However, criticism from Labour MP Polly Billington suggests a skepticism towards Reform’s ability to deliver on their promises of financial efficiencies, emphasizing the importance of a robust government to address national issues effectively.
