Reform UK's flagship local authority has been accused of a "total betrayal" of its election promises after proposing a council tax increase of almost 4%.
Election Pledge Versus Budget Reality
Kent County Council (KCC), which was won by Nigel Farage's party in the May 2025 local elections, had positioned itself as a "shop window" for what a future Reform government might achieve. However, draft budget plans published this week reveal a proposal for a 3.99% hike in council tax for the 2026-2027 financial year.
This move directly contradicts election material circulated by Reform candidates, which included clear statements of intent such as "Reduce waste and cut your taxes." The proposed increase is just below the 5% maximum threshold that would trigger a local referendum or require special permission from central government.
Opposition Fury and Financial Defence
The Liberal Democrat opposition at KCC has launched a fierce attack, accusing Reform of financial mismanagement. Group leader Antony Hook stated: "Reform stood for election promising to make savings and lower the burden on taxpayers. Today, that promise has been utterly broken."
He criticised the administration for "boasting about a nearly 4% increase instead of 5%," highlighting that the difference amounts to roughly just 33p per week for an average Kent family. He called it a "poor outcome given the hype and promises made at the election."
In defence, Reform's council leader, Linden Kemkaran, issued a statement pointing to a dire inherited financial situation. She explained that when the administration took office, the council was saddled with over £700 million in debt, with around £84,000 spent daily on interest payments alone, alongside growing pressures on vital services.
"Through sound financial management and efficiencies, the council has been able to keep the proposed increase below the level previously expected," Kemkaran argued.
A Pattern Emerges and Past Controversies
This is not an isolated case for Reform-led councils. It was reported just days ago that Reform-led Staffordshire Council has also proposed an identical 3.99% council tax increase for the coming financial year.
The Kent group has also been embroiled in internal controversy. Last year, four Reform UK councillors were suspended after a leaked Zoom video exposed a chaotic meeting. In the recording, Council Leader Kemkaran could be heard telling members, "I am not a dictator or an autocrat," but later adding regarding major decisions, "I am afraid you are just going to have to f****** suck it up." The incident drew comparisons to the infamous Handforth Parish Council meeting that went viral during the pandemic.
Kent County Council will make its final decision on the budget and council tax charge on February 12. The outcome will be closely watched as a key test of Reform UK's ability to govern at a local level, with significant implications for its national political ambitions.
