Reform commits to keeping Calderdale Council Tax rises next year 'as low as possible'

On its social media pages, Reform UK Calderdale – the group took control of Calderdale Council in May’s elections – said the new Cabinet has held its first meeting with council department directors to outline and discuss its “key priorities and pledges” for the borough.

In terms of finances, the group said: “A full review of council spending is now under way.”

And they also said: “One clear commitment from your Reform UK Council is that contrary to Labour’s plans for a maximum council tax rise next year, we will be keeping any rise as low as possible.”

Previously, Calderdale Council budget documentation said the authority had to raise Council Tax by the maximum amount allowable without a referendum – 4.99 per cent – as the Government based overall funding levels on the assumption councils will do this.

Reform UK Calderdale said they understood people “are eager to see change quickly” and said they did too.

“However, delivering meaningful improvements will require a shift in culture and a different way of working.

“Under the leadership of Coun Dan Sutherland and his Cabinet, business is already being conducted differently, and we firmly believe this approach will benefit Calderdale as a whole,” said the group.

In February, the group claimed they had found around £6 million of cuts which could be made to the budget.

For more news from Calderdale visit www.halifaxcourier.co.uk