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Kent County Council (KCC) is proposing a 3.99% increase in council tax for the upcoming financial year.
Announced on Thursday, the proposal is defended by KCC leader Linden Kemkaran as a necessary “step forward following a period of significant financial challenge” for the local authority.
Kemkaran stated that the current administration inherited “more than £700 million of debt” alongside growing pressures on essential services.
However, Antony Hook, leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition, has strongly criticized the Reform administration’s delayed draft budget. Hook accused the leadership of financial mismanagement and betraying election promises.
Hook stated, “Reform stood for election promising to make savings and lower the burden on taxpayers.”
“Today, that promise has been utterly broken,” he added.
The draft budget for 2026 outlines potential council tax increases: Band A households could see an increase of £44.94; Band B, £53.43; Band C, £59.92; and Band D, £67.41.
According to the council, the budget plan seeks to “reduce the burden of historic borrowing.”
The draft budget’s release, typically in November for public review, was delayed until this week, drawing criticism.
The Liberal Democrats are reportedly calling for an explanation from the administration regarding the delay.
The group stated that it would conduct a “careful study” of the budget documents to “identify where improvements can be made” for the benefit of Kent residents before the final budget meeting on February 12.
KCC maintains that the draft budget proposals “set out a balanced financial plan that aims to deliver value for money while prioritizing the services that residents rely on most.”
“These proposals reflect the real priorities of Kent residents,” Kemkaran said. “People took the time to share their views, and we listened.”
Harry Rayner, the Conservative leader of KCC, described the proposed budget as “wholly unsustainable.”
Rayner criticized the “Reform administration continues by failing to make predicted improvements budget savings, especially in adult services.”
Rayner concluded that “the people of Kent are being failed by a lack of financial competence in this administration.”
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Tim Passmore says the increase will help Suffolk Police “keep up with the increased demands on it”.
Council leaders say they may have to make “difficult decisions” if they cannot raise tax levels.
The potential move comes after changes to government money made available to councils.
Beach hut owners in Mudeford say they will look at the legality of plans to double their council tax.
The council’s Reform UK leaders say it would be “extremely difficult” to lower the tax any further.
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