Reform-led Kent council accused of breaking pledges with council tax rise of almost 4% – UK politics live

Leader of Lib Dem opposition says promises of tax cuts made before local elections had been ‘utterly broken’

Reform UK’s “flagship” local authority has raised council tax by almost 4% despite pledges to cut taxes before last year’s local elections, PA Media reports. PA says:

Kent county council (KCC) produced its draft budget for 2026-27 on Thursday evening, revealing a 3.99% council tax hike.

Reform UK took control of KCC after the local elections in May where it overturned a 30-year Tory majority, winning 57 out of 81 seats.

In the run-up to the election, election material from Reform candidates often included statements of intent like: “Reduce waste and cut your taxes.”