Reform UK's Kent Council Budget Labelled 'Extreme Risk' by Opposition
The inaugural budget proposed by Reform UK's leadership at Kent County Council has been met with severe criticism from opposition parties, who have branded it as 'extreme risk' and 'potentially reckless'. This financial plan marks a historic moment as the first under Reform control since their victory in the local elections of May last year, yet it has sparked intense debate over its sustainability and fiscal prudence.
Financial Concerns and Risk Exposure
Opposition leaders have raised alarms over what they describe as 'dangerously low' reserves and the council's 'highest ever exposure to financial risk', which totals more than £410 million on the official risk register. This substantial figure has led to accusations that the budget gambles with the authority's solvency, relying on hopes that likely risks will not materialise. The Liberal Democrat opposition leader, Antony Hook, starkly characterised it as a 'casino budget', warning that Reform has already 'lost control' this year with a forecast overspend of £36.5 million.
Council Tax Increase and Broken Promises
In a move that has drawn particular ire, Reform leaders have proposed a 3.99% council tax increase, which is 1% below the threshold that would trigger a mandatory referendum. This decision breaks a key election promise made by Reform UK ahead of their victory, where they pledged not to raise taxes. Deputy leader Brian Collins, introducing the budget at Thursday's meeting, expressed pride in presenting what he called a historic change of direction, but opposition figures have lambasted it as 'built on broken promises to the taxpayer'.
Council leader Linden Kemkaran defended the increase, citing the 'dire legacy we inherited' and unprecedented rises in service demands and costs, such as social care. However, critics argue that not raising the tax to the maximum possible level will leave the council with £10 million less for the next financial year, funds that could have been used to protect essential services and bolster reserves.
Official Warnings and Sustainability Issues
The council's head of finance, David Shipton, issued a legally required Section 25 assurance statement, highlighting significant concerns. He noted that the decision to set council tax below the referendum limit poses a 'long-term financial risk' due to forgone income. Additionally, the statement warned that the forecast overspend for this financial year threatens the council's reserves and financial sustainability, with a risk that general reserves in 2026/27 could fall below the recommended target range of 5% to 10%.
Budget papers reveal that the proposals are balanced by £25 million in 'one-off measures', which will need to be replaced by sustainable solutions in future years. This has further fueled criticism, with Independent group leader Paul Thomas describing the budget as 'blind ambition' and 'potentially reckless', cautioning that if things go wrong, the council might need to dig deeper into already depleted reserves.
Political Reactions and Defence
Opposition leaders from across the political spectrum have united in their condemnation. Conservative leader Harry Rayner labelled it a 'real gambler's budget', while Labour's chief Alister Brady warned that Kent County Council is 'heading for financial danger' under Reform's stewardship. Despite this, Ms. Kemkaran insisted that the budget is 'responsible', arguing that it protects key services, begins to repair council finances, reduces debt, and avoids placing unnecessary burdens on Kent residents.
She acknowledged that tough decisions lie ahead but asserted that, for the first time in years, the council is moving in the right direction. As the debate continues, the budget's fate hangs in the balance, with its approval likely to hinge on whether Reform can convince sceptics of its viability amidst mounting financial pressures and political scrutiny.
