Reform Would Oppose School Closures And Try To Limit Council Tax Rises, Councillor Says

School closures would be opposed under a Reform UK-led Isle of Wight Council, and the party would aim to avoid future council tax rises of 4.99 per cent, according to one of its councillors.

Both Reform leader Nigel Farage MP and Reform councillor for Lake North Bill Nigh were asked how the party intends to govern at County Hall during a packed rally at GG’s Bar and Restaurant near Newport.

Mr Farage told those in attendance that he believes Reform could win both parliamentary seats on the Isle of Wight at the 2029 General Election if the party takes control of the council at the upcoming local elections in May.

Speaking after the rally, Cllr Nigh said Reform would be “looking to lower” council tax rises of 4.99 per cent and would continue lobbying central government for additional funding.

Mr Farage, the MP for Clacton, told reporters before the event:

“If you’ve got deficits, you can’t cut council tax. What you have to try to do is minimise the rises.”

At the Isle of Wight Council’s recent budget meeting, councillors widely agreed the authority’s finances are in a difficult position.

At least one representative warned a Section 114 notice — effectively the closest a council can come to bankruptcy — may not be far away.

The council’s agreed 2026/27 finance plans include £12.9million in Exceptional Financial Support (EFS).

The Institute for Government describes EFS as a key funding source for financially distressed local authorities, allowing them permission from Whitehall to use capital budgets, borrowing or asset sales to support day-to-day spending.

In a letter sent on 23rd February to council leader Phil Jordan, government minister Alison McGovern said her “clear expectation” was that councils should take all reasonable steps to manage financial pressures locally.

When asked about surplus school places on the Island, the financial pressures on the education system and whether Reform would close schools to address the issue, Cllr Nigh said a Reform-controlled council would oppose closures.

Last week, the children’s services, education and skills committee acknowledged that reducing school places — which could mean closures — is a “critical and urgent” priority.

A report from strategic director of children’s services Ashley Whittaker shows that 23 Island maintained primary schools are forecast to be running financial deficits in 2026/27.

The report warns that delaying action to tackle surplus school capacity will lead to even greater financial pressures.

Mr Farage said:

“I think the truth is, if we win, we’re going to face some tough choices.

"I’m sorry but there is no point us coming along and saying we’re the new kids on the block and pretending everything’s going to be easy and we can wave the magic wand, because we simply can’t.”

He added that rationalisation would “have to happen” but did not specify where, concluding:

“When we announce the candidates lists, and they form their own local manifesto, that’s the moment in which you will get answers to that.”