Reform councillors under pressure over rising council tax

Published: 12 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Reform UK councillors have faced sharp criticism after warnings emerged that council tax increases may be unavoidable despite their election pledges. Warwickshire county council has been advised that anything less than a 5 percent rise could threaten its financial stability, forcing difficult decisions to balance budgets. Officials warned that each one percent reduction below the maximum would require additional savings of £4.2 million, creating pressure on council services and future planning. The report highlighted the tension between election promises and the practical financial realities facing local authorities in England today.

The council’s executives outlined that a rise below 4.99 percent—the equivalent of £1.75 weekly on a Band D property—would be a “riskier financial strategy” threatening medium-term sustainability. Reform UK holds the most seats on the council but lacks an overall majority, leaving the party with limited flexibility in implementing its manifesto pledges. Councillors have argued the maximum increase is necessary to maintain essential services and ensure financial resilience during a period of rising costs and national funding uncertainty.

Similar pressures have been felt across other Reform-led councils. Leicestershire and North Northamptonshire councils have indicated plans to increase council tax despite earlier promises to reduce costs. Leicestershire council leader Dan Harrison admitted that while a freeze is desired, circumstances make it unlikely. Meanwhile, North Northamptonshire confirmed intentions for a 4.99 percent increase next year. The pattern reflects a growing challenge for Reform councillors as they reconcile electoral pledges with budget realities in multiple authorities.

Stephen Atkinson, Reform UK’s senior local government figure and leader of Lancashire council, acknowledged council tax increases could be necessary. He rejected claims that the party had explicitly promised to cut tax levels, emphasising the need to maintain service quality while managing fiscal responsibility. Nevertheless, opposition leaders accused Reform of making “rash promises” and relying on simplistic slogans during campaigns without understanding the financial constraints local authorities face.

Jerry Roodhouse, Liberal Democrat leader on Warwickshire council, criticised Reform for promising dramatic cost reductions that have not materialised. He emphasised that residents deserve clarity on proposed spending cuts if council tax is to be reduced. Similarly, Green party leader Jonathan Chilvers argued that the practical implementation of tax freezes is uncertain, with current officer reports showing no feasible plan to avoid raising council tax while preserving frontline services.

Warwickshire council leader George Finch defended the council’s approach, describing officer recommendations as a starting point for discussion. He noted that the maximum council tax increase is suggested to maintain resilience and sustainability, but final decisions will involve cross-party consultation. Authorities await government funding announcements this month, which will influence the final budget proposals and rates for next year.

Reform UK gained control of ten local authorities following May’s local elections, securing nearly 700 council seats. The party campaigned on ambitious plans to cut waste and improve efficiency, inspired by models such as Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” in the United States. However, the emerging reality of financial pressures highlights the difficulties of implementing broad reforms without compromising essential services.

Councils are required to finalise budgets early next year, with council tax rates formally approved in late winter or spring. Officers stress that raising council tax may be unavoidable to prevent service disruption, maintain staffing, and support vulnerable residents. Reform councillors now face a delicate balancing act between electoral promises and fiscal responsibility, navigating public scrutiny while ensuring that council operations remain sustainable in the long term. The issue underscores the wider challenges facing local authorities nationwide as costs rise, and central funding remains uncertain.

The debate over council tax increases and Reform UK’s election pledges highlights the ongoing tension between political messaging and financial reality. Public expectations remain high, while councils must contend with rising costs, statutory obligations, and a complex funding environment. How Reform councillors respond in the coming months will shape public perceptions of their credibility, governance approach, and ability to manage local services effectively without compromising core responsibilities.