Kent County Council Approves 3.99% Council Tax Rise Despite Pre-Election Tax-Cut Promises

Kent County Council has approved a 3.99 per cent council tax increase for 2026-27, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties who argue the move contradicts Reform’s pre-election promises to cut taxes and reduce spending.

The council, which Reform took control of following May’s local elections when the party won 57 of the 81 seats, passed the budget on 12 February. An average Band D household will pay an estimated £67.47 more per year as a result.

Pre-Election Pledges vs Current Reality

During last year’s election campaign, Reform candidates distributed material stating intentions to “reduce waste and cut your taxes.” However, the party has justified the council tax increase by citing the financial difficulties inherited from the previous administration.

Linden Kemkaran, the council’s leader, stated that the authority faced “hundreds of millions of pounds in debt” and described the financial situation as “dire.” She argued that the 3.99 per cent increase—kept below the government’s permitted 5 per cent cap—was necessary to stabilise finances whilst protecting frontline services.

Opposition Response

The Liberal Democrat opposition has been vocal in its criticism. Antony Hook, Liberal Democrat leader at KCC, said the decision represented a “total betrayal” of election promises. He highlighted that the difference between a 3.99 per cent and 5 per cent rise amounted to just 33 pence per week for an average Kent family, suggesting Reform could have done more to honour its commitments.

Conservative group leader Harry Rayner raised concerns about the broader financial implications of not raising council tax to the maximum permitted level, noting that reduced income from council tax could result in greater cuts to central government grants.

Financial Pressures and Future Concerns

The council’s Section 25 assurance statement confirmed the budget is balanced and lawful but warned that choosing a below-maximum council tax rise creates long-term financial risk. The statement flagged that reserves are already tight and that further unplanned drawdowns could pose an “existential risk” to the council’s medium-to-long-term sustainability.

The 3.99 per cent increase passed with 48 votes to 26, with one abstention.

Key Takeaways

• Kent County Council approved a 3.99 per cent council tax increase on 12 February, affecting an average Band D household by £67.47 per year
• Reform’s decision contradicts pre-election promises to cut taxes and reduce spending
• The council cited inherited financial difficulties and debt as justification for the increase
• Opposition parties argue the rise represents a broken commitment to residents
• Long-term financial warnings suggest future pressures remain on council finances

What This Means for Kent Residents

Residents will see higher council tax bills from April 2026, with the increase affecting all households across Kent. Whilst the council maintains that frontline services are being protected, the financial pressures facing KCC suggest future budgets may present further difficult choices. Residents concerned about the council’s spending decisions can raise queries with their local councillors or attend future council meetings.