Reform's Doge-style cost-cutting units 'haven't found any waste', say councils

The party's attempt to mimic Elon Musk's efficiency department in the US has been branded 'fantasy politics' by critics

- Jon Ungoed-Thomas & Catherine Neilan

In June this year, a triumphant Nigel Farage visited Lancashire council after the local elections and announced Reform UK's new cost-cutting unit would be hitting the ground in days to find millions of pounds in savings.

"Can we make a difference?" he asked. "Can we give council-tax payers better value for money? Yes. How big a chunk or percentage that will be - I don't know the answer to that."

Despite the political fanfare, Reform's Doge unit styled after Elon Musk's US "department of government efficiency" - never arrived in Lancashire. To date, Doge has reportedly visited just three Reform councils Kent, Worcestershire and West Northamptonshire - and has failed to scrutinise any internal finances at any council because of legal barriers.

An analysis by The Observer of financial documents from the 12 local authorities now run by Reform reveals the scale of the challenge faced by the unit, with a budget shortfall of £300m across the councils in 2026-27.

Most Reform-run councils have already indicated they will need to raise council taxes, as well as implement significant cuts to balance budgets next year. Reform-run Worcestershire council is now seeking residents' views on council tax rises next year of up to 10%.

Sources from other councils told The Observer that they expected Reform would have to take similar measures around the country.