Nigel Farage has publicly acknowledged that councils now under Reform control are facing severe financial challenges, explicitly ruling out any promise to freeze or cut council tax for residents.
Budget Pressures Force Tax Rises
The Reform leader stated during a press conference on Tuesday 18 November 2025 that most local authorities have indicated they will need to increase council tax next year as they grapple with significant budget shortfalls. Farage emphasised that he made no promises about reducing council tax during May's local election campaign, where Reform gained control of 10 councils and won approximately 600 local councillors.
"I did not make a single promise - not a single promise in that election campaign that we'd be able to freeze or cut council tax," Farage told reporters. "I never said it once. And you know why? Because I realised the massive debts that we were inheriting from those county councils."
National Solutions for Local Problems
When questioned about how voters should believe he can find significant savings in national government when Reform-controlled councils are struggling financially, Farage pointed to broader systemic issues. "There is a massive problem and this is going to need the national government to work with the local government to reduce those burdens," he responded.
While promising determination to make changes and cut debt, Farage was clear about the immediate reality: "Are we determined to make changes? Yes. Will we cut debt? Yes. But can we give people a free ticket at this moment in time on council tax? No."
Council-Specific Financial Strain
The financial pressure is already evident across Reform-run councils. Kent County Council, where a leaked phone call exposed tensions about budgets leading to councillor suspensions, is expected to raise council tax by the maximum allowable 4.99% next year.
Meanwhile, Durham County Council is reportedly considering increasing parking charges as part of their budget solutions. Farage expressed hope that councils would limit increases to September's inflation rate of 3.8%, though many authorities appear likely to exceed this figure.
The Reform leader had previously promised a "DOGE" unit, inspired by Elon Musk's initiative in the US, to identify and slash wasteful spending. However, the immediate focus remains on managing existing budget shortfalls and the growing pressures of adult social care costs affecting councils nationwide.
