Kent County Council, under the leadership of a Reform party, is considering raising council tax by 5% next year due to existing services being at their minimal level. This decision follows the party’s pledge to review inefficient council spending and implement measures to enhance efficiency, inspired by Elon Musk’s cost-cutting approach.
Diane Morton, a council member overseeing adult social care and public health, highlighted the strain on services, citing increasing demands and the need for additional funding. The council anticipates finalizing its budget and tax decisions early next year, with expectations pointing towards a 5% increase.
In the previous year, a significant number of councils across the country raised council tax by 4.99% to manage financial challenges. Although some Reform councillors aimed to avoid the maximum increase, practical constraints have made it difficult to identify substantial cost reductions.
Reform’s Kent County Council leader, Linden Kemkaran, has positioned the council as a showcase of the party’s governance style, emphasizing accountability and effectiveness. Meanwhile, Labour MP Polly Billington criticized the Reform party’s approach, accusing them of overpromising on savings without viable strategies, contrasting Labour’s commitment to national renewal and economic prosperity.
This deliberation on council tax hikes reflects the ongoing financial pressures faced by local authorities and the differing approaches of political parties towards fiscal management.