13/06/2026
REFORM CAN’T KEEP BLAMING LABOUR FOR THE JOB THEY ASKED FOR
Reform in Calderdale are now talking about an “£8 million black hole” in the Council’s finances.
The reality is very different.
Reform are now discovering the reality of running a council. And instead of dealing with those challenges, they’re reaching for excuses and trying to blame Labour.
Labour administrations have faced savings targets of this scale year after year because of rising demand for services, soaring inflation and more than a decade of Tory cuts to local government funding.
Despite those challenges, Labour balanced the books every single year - as all councils are legally required to do. Difficult decisions were taken, budgets were set, and essential services were protected in the face of unprecedented financial pressures. And we still brought investment into the borough.
Inexplicably, they are considering commitments on The Shay that could cost taxpayers at least £500,000 extra every year, while making council tax promises that will mean more cuts to council services.
Reform fought the election claiming they had all the answers. Just weeks into power, they’re already blaming everyone else for problems that every council in the country faces.
The people of Calderdale deserve honesty. There is no mystery “black hole” - there are the same financial pressures that councils across the country have been dealing with for years.
It’s time Reform stopped the finger-pointing, took responsibility, and explained how they plan to pay for their own unrealistic and uncosted election promises.
Leadership means making difficult decisions - not looking for someone else to blame when reality catches up with you.
