Senior North Yorkshire Conservative councillors took veiled - and not so veiled - swipes at Reform while discussing their authority’s finances at a key meeting.
North Yorkshire Council deputy leader Gareth Dadd told executive committee colleagues in a discussion on the 2026/27 budget that despite financial challenges, his authority was continuing to offer 100 per cent council tax relief for low-income households.
Although not naming Reform-led Durham County Council, he said “the authority just across the border” was taking a different approach.
Referring to the neighbouring council, he said:
“I know that a changed authority leadership has chosen to start charging the most vulnerable council tax in some shape or form.
“We have not done that. There is still 100 per cent relief for those those needed and again I’m very proud for us to continue that.”
Further comments were made when the deputy leader discussed the authority’s income from the second homes premium, which is being used to increase the availability of affordable homes in the county.
The premium has been criticised nationally by Reform leader Nigel Farage, who called it “extortion” and an attack on property rights.
But Cllr Dadd said the “neighbouring authority” had not overturned existing plans for the second homes premium when it took control of the authority, “probably because it delivers £3m”.
He added:
“I think the message is that it’s very easy to criticise, it’s very easy to harp and carp from the sidelines, but when you’re responsible for a budget, with the ramifications of that budget being on real people in the real world, political posture must come second to pragmatism.”
Councillor Mark Crane, executive member for open to business, later joked that Cllr Dadd “seemed surprised that Reform councillors say one thing and do another”.
He said:
“I have no idea why you would think that because, as night follows day, it is obvious they couldn’t fulfil their manifesto promises in the various locations.”
Cllr Crane said that Reform in Kent were now using so-called SPADs (special advisors) at a cost of more than £100,000 after taking control of the authority last year.
He added:
“We employ nobody, and it costs us nothing, so it’s a little bit of a difference."
In response to the comments, Councillor Tom Seston, Reform group leader on North Yorkshire Council, said:
“What we saw at the meeting today was proof, if any was needed, that Reform UK is living rent-free in the heads of many councillors as they contemplate their own futures.
“Reform will enter into the 2027 elections with a bold policy agenda that seeks to deliver better value for residents and grow the local economy.”
The comments from Conservative council chiefs come amid rumours of further defections from the Conservative group at North Yorkshire Council to Reform following the departure of Councillor Karl Arthur in October last year.
A local election is due to be held in North Yorkshire next year.
Countdown begins for 167th Great Yorkshire Show
New affordable homes must be "genuinely affordable", mayor told
Plans for padel courts rejected due to noise concerns
Artisan market returns to Valley Gardens for May Bank Holiday
Second winner claims full tank as part of Free Fuel Friday
Multi-million pound Kex Gill scheme enters final stages
Leeds Bradford Airport most at risk of closure due to fuel prices, according to study
Harrogate nursery receives glowing Ofsted report
Harrogate firm donates £87,000 to National Children's Air Ambulance
Sold out: Tickets snapped up for Harrogate Town's relegation decider
North Yorkshire Council deputy leader to step down
Talented Harrogate teen earns British fencing pathway spot
New Indian restaurant celebrates successful launch in Harrogate
Harrogate youngsters complete mini marathon and raise £2,000 for blood cancer
WATCH: High-speed pursuit through Harrogate as police recover stolen vehicle
Suspect appears in court after pushing elderly woman to the ground in Knaresborough
New Maltkiln plans prompt infrastructure concerns
Extinction Rebellion's Red Rebels spotted in Knaresborough
Martin House hits £2 million retail milestone after surging online sales
Harrogate primary school's colour run fundraiser set to return
