Overview
- Kent County Council now forecasts a £46.5m overspend for 2025/26, about 3% of its revenue budget, with officials calling the position critical after a 66% jump since the first quarter.
- Kent has ordered an immediate halt to non‑essential spending, tighter spending oversight and a recruitment freeze outside core statutory duties.
- The council has not set next year’s tax rate, but local opposition expects a rise close to 5%, and reporting shows at least eight Reform‑run councils have confirmed increases.
- Adult social care drives much of Kent’s gap with a £51m overspend, while rising SEND demand includes costly independent placements averaging £55,727 per pupil.
- Worcestershire is highlighted as especially exposed, carrying £33m in recent government loans and roughly £600m of debt with a projected SEND deficit rising toward £184m, and reports suggest it may seek permission to exceed the 4.99% tax cap.