Farage Reflects on Worcestershire Council Financial Challenges
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has expressed regret over the party's decision to take minority control of Worcestershire County Council, citing the council's severe financial difficulties.
The Reform-led council recently approved a council tax increase of nearly 9%, one of the largest in its history, aiming to balance its budget and prevent effective bankruptcy amid a significant shortfall.
When asked about the decision to raise council tax beyond the usual 5% cap, Farage emphasized that the party inherited the financial crisis and did not cause it.
"Worcestershire, I have to say, we took minority control of a virtually bankrupt council, I wish we hadn't bothered," he said.
Regarding whether he regretted the party's electoral success in Worcestershire last year, Farage clarified:
"No, no, no - we didn't win the election, we formed a coalition and we were always [going to be] on a hiding to nothing. Take Worcestershire out, because of exceptional circumstances."
Reform UK Responds to Farage's Comments
A Reform UK spokesperson responded to Farage's remarks, highlighting the party's efforts to address the council's financial crisis.
"Despite inheriting a catastrophic mess from the Tories and a council that had to be propped up by government bailouts, our team has fought hard to deliver a responsible budget and avoid raising council tax to the maximum," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that Reform UK had "stepped up" and fulfilled its "civic duty" in managing the council's finances.
Background on Reform UK's Leadership and Budget Measures
Reform UK, which had campaigned on a promise to reduce taxes, assumed leadership of Worcestershire County Council from the Conservatives following the local elections in May. However, the party holds no overall majority.
Last month, councillors approved the 2026-27 budget, which includes the nearly 9% council tax increase. This rise is expected to add approximately £145 annually to Band D council tax bills starting in April.
To address the budget deficit, the council has already eliminated £30 million in capital spending and is cutting vacant positions in departments such as IT, finance, and human resources as part of a broader plan to reduce expenditures by millions.
Additionally, the government has agreed to provide up to £59.9 million in emergency funding to help bridge the budget gap.
Farage Comments on Tax Rise Comparisons
Farage suggested that the average council tax increase among Reform-led authorities might be lower if Worcestershire's exceptional circumstances were excluded.
"It's bankrupt. We didn't make it bankrupt, we inherited it," he said.
"Look at the ones [councils] that we're in control of... of course if you took Worcestershire out, the rise would be even lower than it is."
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