Kent County Council, which was won by Reform UK in the May 2025 local elections, is facing criticism for proposing a nearly 4% increase in council tax, despite prior promises to reduce taxes. The draft budget plans unveiled by KCC this week indicate a 3.99% tax hike, falling just below the maximum 5% limit allowed without a local referendum or central government approval.

Opposition from the Liberal Democrats at KCC has accused Reform of financial mismanagement and a significant breach of their election commitments. Antony Hook, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, expressed disappointment, stating that Reform had failed to deliver on their pledge to cut taxes and save money for taxpayers. The opposition highlighted the discrepancy between Reform’s promises during the election campaign and the proposed tax increase.

In a similar move, the Reform-led Staffordshire council recently proposed a 3.99% increase in residents’ bills for the upcoming financial year 2026-2027.

Responding to the criticisms, Linden Kemkaran, the leader of Kent County Council from Reform, defended the proposed tax increase, citing the council’s previous financial challenges and the need for sound financial management. Kemkaran emphasized that efforts to enhance efficiency had enabled the council to keep the tax hike below initial projections.

Kent County Council’s final decision on the budget and council tax charge for the year will be made on February 12.