Worcestershire county council, led by Reform UK, will raise council tax by up to 9% in April, the largest increase in England. The government granted special permission, exceeding the usual 5% cap. This move has caused unease within Reform UK, with a councillor quitting over the rise. The government also announced a £5 billion debt write-off for councils' overspending on special educational needs and disability (SEND) services. An additional £440 million in recovery grants will support councils in poorer areas. Local government minister Alison McGovern said the funding aims to make councils "agents of renewal in building a new, better country." Other councils allowed to raise rates above the cap include Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (6.75%), Warrington (7.5%), Trafford (7.5%), Shropshire (9%), North Somerset (9%), and Windsor and Maidenhead (7.5%). These areas have historically low council tax rates and the rises will bring bills closer to average levels. The government will clear 90% of SEND debts by April, helping many councils avoid bankruptcy. Debt write-offs depend on local plans aligning with upcoming government reforms. Councils like Hampshire will still carry some debt. Total SEND debts are estimated at £6 billion, with future overspends between 2026 and 2028 still uncertain. Louise Gittins from the Local Government Association said the partial debt relief recognizes a broken SEND system but called for full write-offs of historic and future deficits. Worcestershire's Reform leadership admitted its finances are "a mess" and has requested permission to borrow £71 million to stay afloat. It blamed previous Tory management for the crisis. Warwickshire council, also Reform-led, recently failed to pass a proposed 3.89% tax rise amid fears for council viability. Sir Stephen Houghton, from the Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities, praised the extra recovery grants for helping needy areas.