Nigel Farage's Reform UK has been accused of betraying election promises after five of its nine county councils proposed council tax increases close to the legal maximum. Kent, Derbyshire, North Northamptonshire, West Northamptonshire and Leicestershire have all tabled rises of up to 5%, while Lincolnshire is considering a 4.99% hike.
Kent County Council, described by the party as a 'shop window' for a Reform-led government, has proposed a 3.99% increase. Leader Linden Kemkaran said the draft budget reflected progress, including £100m in savings and a £67m debt reduction, but opposition councillors called it a 'total betrayal' of election pledges to freeze or cut council tax.
Derbyshire County Council confirmed its 5% rise after predicting a £38m budget gap due to overspends in children's and adult social care. In Lincolnshire, a 4.99% increase is under consultation, with a 3.99% option rejected as it would create a £4.1m deficit.
Liberal Democrat leader Anthony Hook said the average Band D household in Kent would pay £67.47 more per year, calling the difference between 3.99% and 5% 'just 33p per week'. Labour's Alister Brady accused Reform of misleading voters, warning that further rises would be needed over the three-year budget.
Internal divisions were highlighted by leaked footage in October showing chaotic meetings. Independent councillor Bill Barrett warned that lower-than-expected tax income would force £10m in cuts, while reserves were being drawn down again.
Tony Travers of the London School of Economics noted that Reform has faced a 'long and sharp' learning curve in local government, with financial realities clashing with campaign rhetoric.
