Reform UK Faces Council Tax Rise Backlash After Kent Election Promises

Kent County Council’s first Reform-led budget includes 3.99% tax increase despite pre-election pledges to freeze or cut rates.

Budget vs Campaign Pledges

Council tax bills across Kent are going up by 3.99% this year. The increase follows Reform UK’s election campaign in which the party pledged to freeze or cut council tax.

Reform swept to power at Kent County Council in May 2025, winning 48 out of 81 seats on a platform of cutting waste and freezing – or even lowering – council tax. Their first full budget, passed on 12 February 2026, includes a 3.99% rise that sits just shy of the 5% threshold that would trigger a referendum.

Reform County Councillor Chris Hespe from Elham Valley defended the decision, pointing out the increase remains lower than 86% of other councils across the country.

The Financial Picture

The council faces significant financial pressures behind the budget decision.

Service costs are projected to rise by £124 million over the next year, whilst government funding growth maxes out at around £74 million – even with the council tax increase. That leaves a £50 million gap that needs bridging. The council’s risk register has hit a record £410 million in immediate exposure, up 60% year-on-year. Adult social care alone accounts for £68 million of that risk, with overspend forecasts ranging between £36-46 million.

Efficiency Savings Fall Short

Reform’s Department of Local Government Efficiency – inspired by Elon Musk’s approach – found little significant waste to cut.

According to the council’s own budget papers, officers have described some underlying assumptions as “optimistic,” with the authority drawing down reserves to balance the books. The budget passed with all 48 Reform councillors voting in favour, 26 against, and one abstention. Opposition members labelled the approach “extreme risk” and “potentially reckless.”

Political Context

Reform UK lost a seat in April’s Cliftonville by-election, where the Green Party took the ward.

The by-election took place amid wider debate about the council’s first budget under Reform leadership. Reform leaders including Deputy Leader Brian Collins have described the budget as “carefully thought through” and “bold.” They have also discussed the possibility of freezing council tax in 2027/28 – though that will depend on whether the current budget assumptions hold.

Key Takeaways

• Kent residents face 3.99% council tax rise despite Reform’s pre-election pledges to freeze or cut rates
• Council faces £50 million funding gap with record £410 million risk exposure
• Green Party gained Cliftonville seat from Reform in April by-election

What This Means for Kent Residents

The council tax increase means the average Band D property will pay around £40 more per year. With the council’s finances under pressure and reserves being drawn down, the outlook for services and future tax levels remains uncertain. The 2028 council reorganisation into unitary authorities adds another layer of complexity for residents and planners alike.

Sources: ITV News Meridian | KCC Budget Consultation

This story was submitted to our editorial team.

Published: 14 April 2026

This article has been independently researched and verified using multiple authoritative sources by Kent Local News.