Story perspectives

Reform UK hikes Worcestershire tax 9%, faces coalition ouster.

5/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Reform UK raised Worcestershire council tax by 8.98% in February after special government permission, citing inadequate early-year savings planning.
A coalition of Conservative, Green, Liberal Democrat and independent councillors removed Reform UK from council control, prompting the national Conservative party to suspend council leader Adam Kent, who then announced a defamation lawsuit.
Worcestershire will shift to a unitary authority by 2028, raising concerns that current instability may hinder the transition.

1 of 1

Story summary

Reform UK raised Worcestershire council tax by 8.98% in February after special government permission, citing inadequate early-year savings planning.
A coalition of Conservative, Green, Liberal Democrat and independent councillors removed Reform UK from council control, prompting the national Conservative party to suspend council leader Adam Kent, who then announced a defamation lawsuit.
Worcestershire will shift to a unitary authority by 2028, raising concerns that current instability may hinder the transition.