Reform did not consider tax freeze to 'protect services'

THE leader of the Reform UK-controlled Nottinghamshire County Council says a tax freeze was not considered as part of its budget process given the need to “protect” the authority's services.

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Most Nottinghamshire households will pay an extra £1 a week in council tax as a result of plans for the budget, beginning from the next financial year in April 2026. However, the party has faced criticism given comments made by some candidates during the election campaign that propelled Reform to power in Nottinghamshire back in May 2025.

An election leaflet from two Gedling Reform councillors said they would highlight the need to freeze council tax, whilst a leaflet featuring the council leader himself spoke about cutting taxes.

Reform’s cabinet member for finance at Nottinghamshire County Council, Stuart Matthews, left, and council leader Mick Barton

Councillor Stuart Bestwick, the Conservative shadow cabinet member for finance, at the county council, said: “A 3.99% rise is not an accident or a rounding error — it's a political choice.