Kent County Council, now under Reform-led governance following the local elections, is considering a 5% increase in council tax due to existing service constraints. Earlier, Reform UK pledged to review council expenditures and introduced a Government Efficiency Department inspired by Elon Musk’s cost-cutting strategies.
Despite efforts to minimize costs, Councilor Diane Morton highlighted the strain on services, noting a surge in demand. With budget decisions looming in early 2026, forecasts indicate a likely 5% tax rise. Previously, many councils raised taxes by 4.99% to address financial challenges, with some exceeding this limit.
Reform representatives acknowledged the difficulty in identifying substantial savings, prompting concerns about their management capabilities. Kent’s Reform Council leader, Linden Kemkaran, positioned the council as a model for a potential national Reform government led by Nigel Farage.
In response, Labour MP Polly Billington criticized Reform’s leadership, questioning their ability to deliver on promises. She emphasized Labour’s commitment to strengthening the country’s economy and border security.