Reform approves first county council budget

Reform UK-led Nottinghamshire County Council has approved its budget for the next financial year, which includes a 3.99% rise in its share of council tax.

It is the party's first budget at the authority since taking control in last May's election, and was passed in a 40-20 vote.

The meeting at Oak House in Hucknall on Thursday saw heated exchanges between Reform and opposition councillors.

An amendment to the budget proposed by the Conservatives, referred to as the "alternative budget" at the meeting, was rejected in a 17-43 vote.

The county council is responsible for areas including adult social care, education, and transport.

The authority's budget for the 2026-27 financial year is £880m, an overall rise of £212m in spending compared to last year.

This rise is not distributed equally - with the budget for adult social care increasing by £68.3m, but the budget for education and SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) falling by £2m.

Reform councillor Stuart Matthews, cabinet member for finance and resources, told the meeting the budget represented "the Reform way" in ensuring value for money for residents.

He said the party was bringing in a "more business-like approach" to spending.

Conservative councillor Sam Smith, leader of the opposition, described the budget as "Reform's broken promise budget" over its council tax increase.

He also criticised the spending priorities and calculations of the Reform administration.

"The budget in front of us is built upon assumptions. Sandcastles at Skegness will last longer," Smith said.

Labour councillor Penny Gowland questioned whether savings in the budget were realistic, and said her party would vote against it.

Meanwhile Broxtowe Independent Group councillor Steve Carr said Reform had "nothing to offer Nottinghamshire".

Carr said: "They are basically a retirement home for Conservatives who have failed."

Councillor Mick Barton, Reform council leader, told the meeting he was "proud" of his party's balanced budget, which will have a "real impact" for families.

"In just eight months, we have achieved more than what most groups do in a four-year term," he said.

The 3.99% rise in the council's share of council tax bills means households will pay on average an extra £1.24 a week.

On council tax, Barton said Reform had promised to keep it "as low as we could... and that's exactly what we've done".

He also described the Conservative's rejected amendment as a "Beano budget" whilst raising a copy of a Beano book.

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