Reform UK pledges to cut funding for councils failing to protect female spaces

Reform UK has pledged to withhold public funding from local councils that fail to protect female-only spaces. The party's proposal follows a Supreme Court ruling affirming that legal categories of “women” refer to biological sex rather than gender identity.

Shadow Chancellor Robert Jenrick stated that under a Reform government, councils attempting to redefine womanhood would receive “zero public funds.” Shadow Education Secretary Suella Braverman added that taxpayer money should be used for services rather than what she described as “harmful ideologies.”

The policy aims to target councils, such as Lambeth in London, that have indicated they may continue to allow transgender individuals access to traditionally female spaces despite the court's decision. Reform UK also suggested it would use financial pressure against councils that refuse to cooperate with government deportation efforts.