Full Breakdown
Reform UK Defends Council Tax Increases and Spending Cuts in Local Councils
9/2/2026, 1:11:06 AM
Core Event: Council-Tax Rise and Fiscal Decisions
Deputy leader Richard Tice defended Reform UK’s recent moves to raise council tax and cut spending in councils where the party holds power. He said councillors were acting prudently to curb wasteful expenditure, pointing to a 9 % council-tax increase in Worcestershire—where Reform UK was in minority control—as the “right and proper thing” because the council was effectively insolvent. Reform UK lost control of Worcestershire County Council on 14 May after internal turmoil led to a coalition of Greens, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and independents taking over.
Background & Context: Local-Government Strategy
Reform UK secured control of 24 councils after the May 2023 local elections and earlier contests. Before those elections, party leader Nigel Farage pledged that any councils won by Reform UK would keep council-tax rises lower than those run by other parties. The party’s annual conference in Birmingham is being used to promote a “first 100 days” agenda that stresses growth, optimism and a right-to-buy housing scheme.
Official Statements & Responses
Tice told BBC radio stations that Reform UK councillors were trusted to make their own judgments on spending cuts, including those implemented by Durham County Council. He described affordable housing as absolutely vital and said the party would introduce a right-to-buy scheme to help people get on the property ladder. On climate policy, Tice acknowledged that climate change is real but argued the government should focus on adapting rather than trying to stop it outright. Responding to concerns about professional standards after recent resignations and suspensions in the north-east, he said the most professional action for local officials is to save money.
Data & Statistics
What’s Next
The Birmingham conference will outline Reform UK’s policy platform for the next general election, including its proposed first-100-day plan and housing reforms. The party’s ability to retain control of councils such as Worcestershire will hinge on future coalition dynamics and voter reaction to its fiscal policies.
