Reform-led council set for England’s largest council tax rise – despite Farage pledge to cut rates

Reform-led Worcestershire County Council will issue the biggest council tax increase in England in April after the government gave special permission for an increase of up to 9 per cent, despite the party’s promise to cut rates.

The local authority had applied for extraordinary financial support after its newly appointed head of strategic delivery, operations, governance and efficiency (Doge) said it was facing a “fiscal emergency”.

The council is one of seven across the country to receive permission to raise council tax above the 5 per cent limit.

Local government minister Alison McGovern said in a written statement on Monday night that Worcestershire, Shropshire and North Somerset Council could increase their share by a maximum of 9 per cent.

He said as part of a three-year deal for local authorities, Trafford, Warrington, Windsor and Maidenhead could increase their taxes by up to 7.5 per cent, while Bournemouth, Christchurch and Pool Council could increase their share of tax by up to 6.75 per cent.

Worcestershire is a Reform-led authority, but operates a minority administration as it holds only 25 of 57 county council seats; This means it depends on support from other parties to approve its budget.

But the council hosted a visit from Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf and his national Doge team – the Elon Musk-inspired cost-cutting team that has pledged to work with councils to reduce the waste of taxpayers’ money.

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And in January the council formed its own Doge cabinet to improve efficiency. Councilor Nik Price was appointed to the position. the official said “was facing a financial emergency, a situation we inherited and were dealing with”.

Following Labour’s decision, the Worcestershire Conservatives wrote on their Facebook page: “In May Reform promised to cut your taxes. Today Labor has given them the power to raise your taxes by up to 9 per cent.” The group launched a petition calling for a U-turn.

Also over the weekend a Reform councilor announced he was resigning over plans to increase council tax. Daniel Taylor, who represents Redditch East, will now serve as an independent councillor.

Worcestershire County Council blamed Significant financial pressures caused by increased demand and costs for social care for children and adults. Councilor Rob Wharton, cabinet member for finance, said every 1 per cent increase in council tax would provide an extra £3.6 million for local government, which was “vital to maintain statutory services”.

He also said county residents pay one of the lowest municipal taxes in the country.

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The council’s current draft three-year budget, due to come into force from April, foresees a 5 per cent increase in council tax; However, following the government’s decision to allow flexibility, an extraordinary cabinet meeting will be held to review the budget.

In her written announcement, Ms McGovern said: “Our local government funding reforms deliver money where it is needed, but we recognize that some councils remain in a difficult financial position as they continue to grapple with the legacy of the previous system.”

He later added: “These additional flexibilities are a limit, not a target. Decisions on council tax levels are for local authorities.”

Worcestershire is one of several Reform-led councils planning to increase council tax.

While Kent County Council announced its draft budget for a 3.99 per cent council tax increase, the other four local authorities where Reform is the majority or the largest party (Derbyshire, North Northamptonshire, West Northamptonshire and Leicestershire) said they would increase council tax by 5 per cent.

Independent Worcestershire County Council and Reform UK have been approached for comment.