Lib Dems slam Reform UK over Kent council tax rise despite funding boost

Reform UK leaders in Kent are under fire after confirming plans to raise council tax by up to 5 per cent, despite the county being one of the biggest beneficiaries of the government’s upcoming funding settlement.

Independent analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies as reported in The Times suggests Kent will see one of the largest funding increases in England under the new settlement — at least double the national average of 8 per cent in real terms. The boost, experts said, should reduce the need for large council tax rises.

Liberal Democrat opposition leader Antony Hook said the decision exposed deep flaws in Reform’s promises to voters.

“Reform don’t know what they are doing,” Hook said. “They campaigned across the country, and in Kent, on a promise to cut council tax. Now they are in power and realising that their plans don’t add up. It’s time for them to come clean about their plans for councils they control.”

Labour’s East Thanet MP, Polly Billington, said Reform’s move showed “what happens when the politics of easy answers hits the reality of difficult decisions”.

Diane Morton, Reform’s cabinet member for adult social care, defended the proposed rise, warning that services were already “down to the bare bones” and that rising demand meant the council needed “more money”. She said every 1 per cent increase in council tax would bring in an extra £10 million.

As reported in The Times (Friday October 10 2025, 1.40pm)