Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice has defended the party's actions in local government, including decisions to increase council tax and implement spending cuts, in the lead-up to the party's annual conference. Tice argued that Reform UK councillors are demonstrating financial prudence and are effectively tackling wasteful expenditure in the local authorities where the party holds influence.
The party gained control of 24 councils following local elections in May and last year. However, interviews ahead of the conference saw Tice facing questions about council tax increases in areas led by Reform UK. He stated that a 9% rise in Worcestershire, during the period of Reform UK's minority control of the county council, was a necessary measure. "We had to be honest with people and say the council is effectively bust," Tice said.
Reform UK lost control of Worcestershire County Council on May 14 after councillors ousted their own leader, leading to a coalition government formed by other parties. The party's leadership has previously pledged that if it gained control of more councils, it would ensure council tax rises would be lower than those implemented by other parties.
Addressing Spending and National Issues
Tice also addressed spending cuts made by Durham County Council, which is also led by Reform UK, stating he trusts the party's councillors to make appropriate judgments. On housing, he emphasized the importance of affordable housing and suggested a right-to-buy scheme to assist individuals in purchasing homes.
Regarding climate change, Tice told BBC Radio Leicester that while the issue is real, the government should focus on adaptation rather than attempting to control it. He also responded to questions about professional standards in local government in the northeast of England, asserting that "the most professional thing to do is save money."
The party's conference in Birmingham is intended to focus on the initial 100 days of a potential Reform UK government, emphasizing hope, optimism, and economic growth. Tice reiterated that Nigel Farage will remain leader and lead the party into the next general election, addressing recent attention surrounding a £5 million undeclared gift received by Farage. This issue, and the subsequent parliamentary investigation, has been described as a distraction from the party's policy announcements on immigration and welfare.