Unbelievable Spending: Farage's Bold Call to Slash School Transport Costs

Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has sparked controversy by criticizing the Kent County Council’s excessive spending on home-to-school transport. During his first visit to County Hall in Maidstone since his party took control of the council following local elections, Farage described the current expenditure of £98 million per year as “beyond belief.” He suggested that some families should see their funding removed, as he believes parents should manage their children’s transportation to school.

Farage emphasized that taxpayers are burdened by the high costs of school transport, especially when children from neighboring homes are taking separate taxis. He stated, “To have crept to a position where school transport is costing taxpayers almost £100 million per year is unacceptable,” while noting that exceptions would be made for children with special educational needs.

The authority, which recently came under Reform UK after nearly 30 years of Conservative rule, is launching its Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) to identify areas where savings can be made, with council leader Linden Kemkaran hinting at potential savings in the millions. The cuts to school transport are a critical topic for the new council, which is expected to discuss their audit findings in a forthcoming meeting.

Farage’s visit also came amid allegations involving another party member, James McMurdock, prompting Farage to clarify the party’s candidate vetting processes ahead of the 2024 general election. He admitted that he inherited a situation where previous candidates had not undergone vetting, distancing himself from the scandal, and deflected questions about the embarrassment those allegations may cause his party. Reform UK appears focused on tightening budgetary controls while navigating challenges of leadership and public perception.