Flagship Reform council proposes to raise council tax by 3.99%.

Kent County Council's draft 2026-27 budget proposes a 3.99% council tax rise, estimated to add about £67.47 a year for a Band D household; the final budget will be set at a full council meeting on 12 February.

Kent County Council has published draft budget proposals for 2026-27 showing a 3.99% council tax increase. Reform UK took control of the council after last year's local elections and the administration says the rise is part of efforts to stabilise the authority's finances. Council leaders have described the council as carrying large debts when they took office. What is known: - The draft budget proposes a 3.99% council tax increase for 2026-27. - An average Band D household is estimated to pay about £67.47 more per year under the proposal. - Council leader Linden Kemkaran said the increase is aimed at stabilising finances after the council faced large debts. - The full council will decide the final budget and council tax charge at a meeting on 12 February. Summary: The draft would raise council tax by 3.99% and is presented by the administration as a measure to stabilise the council's finances. Opposition councillors have said the proposal breaks election promises to cut or freeze council tax. The council is scheduled to vote on the final budget at a full meeting on 12 February.