Reform UK's Broken Promise: Council Tax Hikes Betray Voters
Nigel Farage's Reform UK has been accused of "betraying" its election promises to cut council tax after several councils it controls announced plans to increase rates close to the maximum allowed. The party, which has touted itself as a champion of taxpayer relief, is instead facing criticism for its handling of local finances.
The flagship local authority in Kent, where Reform holds a significant majority, has proposed a 3.99% council tax hike, despite campaigning on a platform of freezing or cutting rates last year. This increase would disproportionately affect low-income households, with the average Band D household set to pay an additional £67.47 per year.
Other councils controlled by Reform, including Derbyshire, North Northamptonshire, West Northamptonshire, and Leicestershire, have also proposed 5% council tax rises, the maximum permitted by law. This decision has left opposition councillors accusing Reform of financial mismanagement and a "total betrayal" of election promises.
The party's internal divisions were laid bare in a leaked video from October, which showed chaotic meetings where members were told to "suck it up" if they didn't agree with decisions. These tensions have been further exacerbated by the recent publication of draft budget details, which reveal that Reform is struggling to balance its books.
Despite this, Reform leader Linden Kemkaran has claimed that the party's budget reflects significant progress since taking office. However, opposition councillors argue that the proposed increase represents a broken promise and a lack of transparency from the party.
As one Labour councillor noted, "Reform will try to deflect and mislead but the facts are clear: they promised to cut council tax and instead put it up." The decision has sparked debate about Reform's true intentions and its ability to deliver on its election promises.
Nigel Farage's Reform UK has been accused of "betraying" its election promises to cut council tax after several councils it controls announced plans to increase rates close to the maximum allowed. The party, which has touted itself as a champion of taxpayer relief, is instead facing criticism for its handling of local finances.
The flagship local authority in Kent, where Reform holds a significant majority, has proposed a 3.99% council tax hike, despite campaigning on a platform of freezing or cutting rates last year. This increase would disproportionately affect low-income households, with the average Band D household set to pay an additional £67.47 per year.
Other councils controlled by Reform, including Derbyshire, North Northamptonshire, West Northamptonshire, and Leicestershire, have also proposed 5% council tax rises, the maximum permitted by law. This decision has left opposition councillors accusing Reform of financial mismanagement and a "total betrayal" of election promises.
The party's internal divisions were laid bare in a leaked video from October, which showed chaotic meetings where members were told to "suck it up" if they didn't agree with decisions. These tensions have been further exacerbated by the recent publication of draft budget details, which reveal that Reform is struggling to balance its books.
Despite this, Reform leader Linden Kemkaran has claimed that the party's budget reflects significant progress since taking office. However, opposition councillors argue that the proposed increase represents a broken promise and a lack of transparency from the party.
As one Labour councillor noted, "Reform will try to deflect and mislead but the facts are clear: they promised to cut council tax and instead put it up." The decision has sparked debate about Reform's true intentions and its ability to deliver on its election promises.
They said they were gonna save taxpayers money but now they're raising council tax even more 
It's like they have no idea how their policies affect ordinary people. The fact that they're being dishonest about it is even worse 
I mean, who tries to sneak in a 5% increase when they said they'd freeze rates last year? 
They need to get their act together and be more transparent about their finances 
I mean come on, Reform UK is supposed to be the party that's all about helping ordinary people with their bills and taxes, but instead they go and announce a massive council tax hike?! 
It's just so underhanded! They were like "Hey, we're gonna cut your council tax" and then BAM! "Nope, forget that, let's just increase it by 5% instead". 
And what really gets my goat is that they're trying to deflect blame and say that their budget reflects progress when really it's just a cover-up. Give me a break! 
I'm literally fuming here! How could Reform UK just abandon their promise of cutting council tax and turn around say they're making progress with the budget? It's like pulling a fast one on the voters, you know? 
Those low-income households are gonna get hit hard by that 3.99% hike. What even is the point of having a party called "Reform" if they just go to do the opposite of what they said they'd do? 
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Council Tax Hikes Hit Hard 
. council tax hikes are not the answer!
. And it affects low-income households the most, which is just not fair