Joe Lepper 21 July 2025

Yusuf rules out council tax cuts at Reform-led local authorities

Yusuf rules out council tax cuts at Reform-led local authorities image
© Yau Ming Low / Shutterstock.com.

The head of Reform UK’s Doge unit Zia Yusuf has said local authorities the party controls will not be able to reduce council tax, contradicting earlier claims of potential cuts by its local leaders.

‘I think anyone who looked at the numbers knows that the idea of council tax coming down is not going to happen, given the pressures in terms of social care’, said Yusuf in an interview with the website Politico.

‘What we can talk about is council tax in Reform councils increasing slower than other councils. I think that’s a sensible target.’

Rising social care budgets facing local authorities is a factor, he said adding they are ‘compounding at a frightening rate’.

Among local Reform UK councillors to pledge to reduce council tax has been Leicestershire County Council leader Dan Harrison. After Reform took control of the council following May’s local elections he told ITV that through efficiency savings the party would ‘be able to cut council tax’.

Last week, West Northamptonshire Council became the first local authority to approve a mechanism for sharing sensitive information with Reform’s cost cutting unit.

This comes amid concern from the Conservative shadow levelling up secretary Kevin Hollinrake that Reform’s ‘Doge’ style probes into council finances are a ‘cyber-security disaster waiting to happen’.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Public Health Consultant

Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
£81,347 - £90,305
This is a great opportunity to join our Public Health at Tameside MBC. Tameside, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council

Housing Strategy and Development Manager

Mansfield District Council
£50,269 - £54,495 per annum
Mansfield is a town of towns at the centre of things in Nottinghamshire Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Learning and Aspiration Manager

Mansfield District Council
£34,434 - £39,152 per annum
This is an excellent opportunity to come and join the Cultural Services Team in Mansfield. Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Electrician

Mansfield District Council
£32,373 per annum (pay award pending) Plus £455.16 Tool Allowance per annum
We are looking for an experienced electrician who must be competent Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Property Lawyer

Dover District Council
£54,850 per annum plus £7,518 car allowance (DDC grade E)
We’re looking for a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or FCILEX with extensive experience Dover, Kent
Recuriter: Dover District Council
Linkedin Banner