Kent County Council Proposes 3.99% Council Tax Increase in Draft Budget

Residents across West Kent, including Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Maidstone, could see an increase in council tax next year after Kent County Council published its draft budget proposals for the 2026/27 financial year.

The draft budget includes a proposed 3.99% rise in the county council’s share of council tax and is part of the authority’s annual budget-setting process. The proposals will be discussed further before a final decision is made.

Kent County Council says it continues to face financial pressures linked to rising demand and costs, particularly in areas such as adult social care and children’s services. The council has stated that the draft budget reflects ongoing efforts to manage spending while continuing to deliver statutory services across the county.

According to the authority, a range of savings and financial adjustments have already been made, but additional funding is required to support services in the coming year.

Although council tax bills are issued by local district and borough councils, part of the amount paid by households is allocated to county-level services provided by Kent County Council, including areas such as social care, education, transport and libraries.

Final council tax bills combine charges from several local authorities and services. The total amount paid by each household depends on factors such as property band and decisions made by individual councils.

The proposed increase is within the council tax limits set annually by central government, meaning no local referendum would be required if the proposal is approved.

Kent County Council has said the figure reflects an attempt to balance financial pressures while remaining within those limits.

The draft budget will be considered at a series of committee meetings over the coming weeks. A final decision on the budget, including the council tax charge for 2026/27, is expected to be made at a full council meeting in February.

District and borough councils in West Kent - including Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Sevenoaks District Council and Maidstone Borough Council - will also confirm their own charges as part of the wider council tax process.

Residents are expected to receive confirmation of their final council tax bills later in the year.