Following major gains in the 2025 local elections, Reform UK now controls ten English councils and leads several others. With two regional mayoralties under its belt, the party’s policies will now face their first real test at local level.
Reform UK councils plan to implement sweeping changes that span climate, education, diversity, immigration, and urban planning. These changes mark a significant shift from previous local governance.
On net zero policy, Reform-controlled councils are expected to oppose major green energy projects. Leaders have promised to delay or block solar and wind farms. Richard Tice, the party’s deputy leader, said they would put “every hurdle” in the way of such plans. Projects like the Romney Marsh solar farm in Kent and a wind farm in Staffordshire are already under threat.
These moves face economic and legal challenges. Net zero industries support over 12,000 jobs in Greater Lincolnshire alone. New infrastructure laws could also limit councils’ ability to stop developments.
In education, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision may face significant cuts. Farage has criticised rising SEND diagnoses, which raises fears among parents and teachers. Reform councils have large projected deficits, including £95 million in Kent and £71 million in Derbyshire. Some party figures oppose these cuts. Mayor Andrea Jenkyns and MP James McMurdock have spoken in favour of stronger SEND support.
Legal barriers also remain. Families can challenge unlawful policy changes through SEND tribunals, potentially slowing Reform’s plans.
Reform UK’s opposition to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies may also affect local charities. Cuts could threaten funding for sexual health programs and LGBT+ initiatives. But financial savings are expected to be minor. Some councils have no DEI-specific spending.
On immigration, Reform-controlled councils say they will resist housing asylum seekers. Legal control, however, rests with the Home Office, not local authorities. These councils could face legal limits if they try to block hotel use for migrants.
Culturally, Reform plans to ban most non-national flags on council property. The only exceptions are the St George and Union flags. This includes likely bans on rainbow and Ukrainian flags. Reform claims the move supports “British identity,” while critics say it encourages division.
Transport plans also reflect the party’s conservative agenda. Reform opposes low-traffic schemes like 15-minute cities and cycle lanes. Leaders say such policies benefit a minority. However, they support public buses, especially in areas with older voters.
Farage’s party now has real power in local government. How far they push their agenda—and how communities respond—will shape the next phase of Reform UK’s rise.
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