UPDATE: Reform councils have dramatically increased their spending on private sector contracts, surging to £5.5 billion in just six months, following the election on May 1, 2025. This figure represents a staggering 100% increase compared to the £2.8 billion spent in the same period last year, according to a new report from data company Tussell shared with the New Statesman.
This urgent shift in spending practices raises significant questions about the Reform party’s ability to fulfill its ambitious promises to revitalize local government and provide tax relief to residents. The largest contract awarded was by Nottinghamshire County Council, worth a jaw-dropping £3.7 billion to Veritas Group for catering and facility management services.
Furthermore, Kent County Council saw its procurement contract value nearly double, escalating from £207 million in May-November 2024 to £408 million in the same timeframe of 2025. Despite the increase, officials from Reform claim these numbers alone can’t accurately reflect the councils’ efficiency or financial health.
As councils grapple with financial pressures, eight Reform-run councils have already announced plans to raise council tax by 5%, the maximum permitted under law. This is a stark contrast to the promises made by party leaders to cut taxes and reduce spending amid rising expectations from voters.
Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of the Local Government Information Unit, emphasized the challenges faced by all councils, stating: “The political party in control doesn’t change the spending pressures councils face… Most of which it has a legal responsibility to meet.” He pointed out that social care and children’s services remain critical areas of financial strain.
In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for Reform UK labeled the comparison of spending figures as “misleading and fundamentally flawed.” They argue that a snapshot in time does not provide a complete picture of financial management, stating: “What matters is the value those contracts deliver for residents.”
As local governments continue to navigate these complexities, the impact on taxpayers remains a pressing concern. With the financial landscape evolving rapidly, all eyes will be on Reform’s next moves and how they plan to balance their spending commitments with the need for fiscal responsibility.
Residents and stakeholders are urged to stay tuned for further developments as these councils strive to meet their ambitious goals while facing mounting financial pressures.
