Reform break another council tax pledge

In May Farage told the Telegraph that “the whole thing is madness. Whatever the downsides of increased house prices, these people bring a lot of money into these areas”. That allowed the paper to cheer up its readers with the news that “Reform’s runaway local election success” meant “hundreds of second home owners in Reform-led councils could be spared double tax bills”.

How’s that working out in practice? Well, like council tax more widely – which Farage’s mob promised to slash after finding millions in easy savings, only to now be in the process of raising by the maximum 5% pretty much across the board – not exactly as planned. This week North Northamptonshire Council, which has had a Reform majority since May, approved plans to double council tax on its 511 second homes from April 2027.

Suggested Reading

Another Reform councillor haunted by historic X posts… from 2024

Rats in a Sack

North Northamptonshire admitted earlier this week that it is predicting an overspend of £15.3m this financial year and Martin Griffiths, its leader, told the BBC: “We recognise that here, like elsewhere, we face significant challenges both with service demand and the economic conditions. However, we also need to do what we can to face those challenges head on and be as lean and efficient as possible while delivering quality services to our residents.”

A report said that the planned council tax increase for second homes would raise £804,000 in 2027-2028, although it admits that some owners could choose to sell before it is implemented.

So what about that interview to the Telegraph in which Farage decried the whole thing as “madness”? He now says his comments backing the campaign were a “misquote” and has denied calling for the premium to be removed. 

So that’s double the council tax for second home-owning Telegraph readers – and double the number of council tax pledges Reform has already broken after just six months running local government.