Badenoch stands by tax pledge as council tax rises
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch defended her party's tax pledge despite Tory-run councils in Sussex and Surrey raising council tax by the maximum 4.99% for 2026/27. Badenoch claimed that on average, Conservative councils deliver lower taxes and better services.
Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, has defended her party's promise to lower taxes during the local elections campaign despite councils in Sussex and Surrey, run by the Conservatives, increasing council tax by the maximum amount of 4.99% for 2026/27. Badenoch stated that Conservative councils generally deliver lower taxes and better services. She acknowledged that councils are having to spend more on various services but trusted Conservative councillors to make the right decisions. Surrey County Council, East Sussex County Council, and West Sussex County Council have all raised council tax by 4.99%. Badenoch also discussed the condition of the South East's roads, citing a pledge to spend £112.5m on new diggers to mend potholes. Recent polling suggests the Conservatives may face challenges in retaining control of West Sussex and East Sussex County Councils.
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