Reform UK on cost of living, council finances and the future of local services

Reform UK’s local chair, Ed Lloyd-Owen, joined Paul on Saturday Chatterday to discuss the cost of living, council finances and the pressures facing services across West Berkshire.

Opening the conversation, Ed pointed to global factors driving rising costs, particularly fuel prices. He said that many of the pressures facing households are “being buffeted by macro global geopolitical headwinds,” referencing ongoing conflicts and disruption to oil supplies.
While acknowledging the impact on residents, he suggested there is limited control at a local level over these issues.

On energy policy, Ed argued for a broader mix of energy sources. While he supported environmental goals in principle, he raised concerns about a heavy reliance on renewables alone.
“My view is that there needs to be a sensible energy mix… so that we as a country are firstly self sufficient,” he said.

Turning to local government finances, the discussion focused on the significant pressures facing West Berkshire Council, particularly in areas such as adult social care, children’s services and special educational needs.
Ed described these as essential services that councils are legally required to fund, noting: “It’s really important, we must fund it correctly… and we don’t have a choice, because it’s the law.”

He also raised concerns about the council’s financial position over recent years, including the use of reserves and reliance on government support. At the same time, he emphasised the need for cross-party cooperation, questioning why different groups are not working more closely together to address shared challenges.

On the NHS, Ed described the situation nationally as difficult, highlighting long-term funding pressures and delays to projects such as the rebuild of the Royal Berkshire Hospital. He suggested the delay was linked to wider funding constraints and changing government priorities, adding that while frontline staff are “brilliant,” inefficiencies elsewhere in the system contribute to ongoing issues.

The conversation also turned to local high streets. Ed was relatively positive about the situation in West Berkshire, pointing to strong footfall in places like Newbury and the role of initiatives such as markets in attracting visitors.
He said encouraging local businesses would be key to long-term success, adding: “We are definitely a pro-business political party… we want to reduce tax both on the individual and on local businesses.”

Throughout the interview, Ed stressed that he is still in what he described as an “understand phase” locally, with Reform UK developing its local approach ahead of future elections.

He ended on a cautiously optimistic note, encouraging people to support local shops and businesses where possible, despite the wider economic challenges.

As with all political interviews, Kennet Radio provides a platform for a range of views from across the community.

You can listen again to the full interview here https://www.mixcloud.com/kennetradio/saturday-chatterday-21st-march-2026/