Tories back Reform UK plan to vote down Doncaster mayor's Council Tax hike

Coun Steve Cox, Leader of the Conservative Group on City of Doncaster Council said his party would support Reform UK in voting down the mayor’s proposed increase at a meeting later this month.

He said: “Residents should not be asked to pay more than necessary. After discussions with Reform UK, we believe supporting this amendment is the right decision for Doncaster taxpayers.”

Doncaster Reform UK leader Coun Craig Ward said: “Families are already stretched to breaking point. A near 5% tax hike from Labour is simply unacceptable.

“I’m pleased Conservatives have worked with us to back a fairer budget that keeps taxes lower while protecting frontline services.

“This is councillors putting residents first — not politics.”

Reform UK says its budget proves the council can protect services without hitting residents with Labour’s maximum tax rise.

Coun Ward added: “For decades Labour have taken voters in towns like ours for granted — expecting loyalty while bills keep going up and services don’t improve.

“Reform councillors will vote against Labour’s 4.99% tax hike and deliver a 2% rise instead, while protecting frontline services.

“Families across Doncaster are under pressure. They need relief, not another hit to their household budgets.”

Reform says its proposals protect adult social care and children’s services while keeping council finances stable.

Earlier this month, cabinet members on the council approved the Mayor’s budget proposals, which will now go to full council where it requires Reform UK’s backing.

Mayor Ros Jones and the four Labour councillors on her cabinet approved every part of the budget proposals in a meeting on February 11 - including a 4.99 per cent council tax rise, full pay restoration for staff and a £250million capital spending plan for 2026/27.

Mayor Jones said: “In response to the service pressures and future risks, a Council Tax increase of 2.99% is being proposed alongside a further 2% increase for Adult Social Care, this would mean council tax would increase by 4.99% in total.”

The rise equates to £1.10 extra per week for residents in Band A properties (57 per cent of Doncaster properties) and £1.65 per week for Band D.

“This is the first multi-year settlement in over a decade, enabling us to provide resources for increased investment in the priorities that matter to our residents and businesses, including Highways maintenance and City centre safety and security,” the Mayor told cabinet.

The Mayor’s budget plans will go to full council in February 26, 2026, where they will require the backing of the Reform UK majority.

It is one of the only areas of the council’s decision making where Reform UK hold influence, as the directly elected mayor system used by the council means around 95 per cent of key decisions are made by the Mayor and their hand-picked cabinet.