Reform UK's flagship Kent council has passed its first budget, prompting opposition warnings of 'extreme risk' and financial instability. The budget, approved on Thursday night, includes a 3.99% council tax increase, just below the threshold requiring a referendum, despite pre-election promises to cut taxes.
Council leader Linden Kemkaran described the plan as a 'sensible, low-tax budget', but opposition parties highlighted that the council's reserves are 'dangerously low' and that the authority's risk register totals more than £410m. Liberal Democrat leader Antony Hook called it a 'casino budget', noting that Reform's election leaflets had pledged to reduce council tax.
The financial risks include an estimated £68m annual threat from adult social care and health, the highest exposure ever for Kent County Council. Hook singled out cuts of £1.2m from fostering services and £700,000 from fostering for children with disabilities, accusing Reform of an 'attack on the vulnerable'. He also noted that infrastructure funding is static in cash terms, effectively cutting the highways budget in real terms.
Green councillor Stuart Heaver said the budget prioritised 'cosmetics' over residents' interests, given that it is a showcase council for Nigel Farage. Deputy leader Brian Collins defended the plan as 'carefully thought through' and 'bold', while Kemkaran blamed the rise on a 'dire legacy' and rising demand for services like social care.
The vote passed with 48 in favour, 26 against, and one abstention, with all supporting councillors still part of Reform after a period of defections.
