Reform-Led Authority Implements England's Largest Council Tax Increase
Worcestershire County Council, under Reform UK leadership, is set to implement the most substantial council tax rise in England this April, following government approval for a maximum 9 per cent increase. This decision starkly contrasts with the party's explicit pledge to slash local tax rates, sparking significant political controversy and internal dissent.
Government Grants Exceptional Financial Support
The local authority successfully applied for exceptional financial support after declaring a "financial emergency," a situation highlighted by its newly-appointed head of strategic delivery, operations, governance, and efficiency. In a written statement issued on Monday night, Local Government Minister Alison McGovern authorised Worcestershire, alongside Shropshire and North Somerset Council, to raise their council tax share by up to 9 per cent, exceeding the standard 5 per cent limit.
As part of a comprehensive three-year settlement for local authorities, Minister McGovern also permitted Trafford, Warrington, and Windsor and Maidenhead councils to increase taxes by up to 7.5 per cent, while Bournemouth, Christchurch and Pool Council received approval for a 6.75 per cent rise. These measures reflect ongoing financial pressures within local government funding structures.
Political Dynamics and Internal Conflict
Worcestershire County Council operates as a minority administration, with Reform UK holding 25 of the 57 county council seats, necessitating cross-party support to approve its budget. Despite this, the council has actively engaged with Reform UK's national leadership, including a visit from party chair Zia Yusuf and his cost-cutting Doge team, which was established to collaborate with councils on reducing wasteful expenditure of taxpayer funds.
In January, the council created its own Doge cabinet role to drive efficiency, with Councillor Nik Price acknowledging upon appointment that the authority was "facing a financial emergency, a situation we inherited and which we are dealing with." This move has done little to mitigate the political fallout, as local Conservatives criticised the decision on social media, noting Reform's May election promise to cut taxes and launching a petition demanding a reversal.
The controversy has triggered internal party strife, with Reform councillor Daniel Taylor announcing his resignation over the council tax plans. Taylor, who represents Redditch East, will now sit as an independent, highlighting the divisive nature of the financial strategy.
Financial Pressures and Service Sustainability
Council officials have attributed the need for increased revenue to significant financial pressures, primarily driven by rising demand and escalating costs in children's and adult social care services. Cabinet Member for Finance Councillor Rob Wharton emphasised that every 1 per cent increase in council tax would generate an additional £3.6 million for the local authority, funds he described as "vital for sustaining statutory services."
Wharton also pointed out that residents in Worcestershire currently pay one of the lowest council taxes nationally, suggesting the increase aligns with broader fiscal realities. The council's initial draft budget for the next three years, effective from April, proposed a 5 per cent council tax rise. However, following the government's decision to grant additional flexibility, an extraordinary cabinet meeting will be convened to review and potentially adjust the budget accordingly.
Ministerial Justification and Local Autonomy
In her written announcement, Minister McGovern defended the government's approach, stating: "Our local government finance reforms get money to where it is needed, but we recognise that some councils remain in a challenging financial position as they continue to deal with the legacy of the previous system." She further clarified that "these additional flexibilities are a limit, not a target," reiterating that decisions on council tax levels ultimately rest with local authorities.
Broader Trend Among Reform-Led Councils
Worcestershire is not alone among Reform-led councils in pursuing council tax increases. Kent County Council has unveiled a draft budget proposing a 3.99 per cent rise, while four other local authorities where Reform holds a majority or is the largest party—Derbyshire, North Northamptonshire, West Northamptonshire, and Leicestershire—have indicated intentions to implement 5 per cent council tax increases. This trend suggests a widespread acknowledgment of financial challenges across multiple jurisdictions, despite the party's overarching commitment to tax reduction.
The Independent has reached out to both Worcestershire County Council and Reform UK for further comment on these developments, as the council prepares to finalise its budget amid ongoing public and political scrutiny.
