Laura Sharman 08 February 2022

Counties warn funding cuts put road maintenance plans at risk

Counties warn funding cuts put road maintenance plans at risk image
Image: ronstik / Shutterstock.com

County and rural councils will see their funding for road maintenance fall by nearly £500m by April this year, new analysis has warned.

The County Councils Network’s (CCN) found councils outside of England’s major cities and urban areas will receive £727m for roads maintenance in the next financial year, a reduction of £480m compared to two years ago.

It shows county authorities in the South West will face the biggest reduction in funding at £100.7m, while counties in the South East face a reduction of £87.1m.

CCN said this funding reduction is the equivalent of filling 11.5 million potholes and could force councils to cancel or scale back planned road maintenance works from April.

Cllr Martin Hill, County Councils Network devolution spokesperson said: 'A £479m drop in funding between 2021 and 2023 is hugely significant and is the equivalent of filling over 11 million potholes. With the Government making such a clear announcement that it was increasing pothole funding in 2019, we are left grappling with the public’s expectation that we are able to continue to invest in our road network.

'Unless this reduction is reversed, and the Government provides an urgent injection of resources to match the level it distributed in 2020/21, then we will have little choice but to cancel planned works. This would represent a major scaling back of our ambitions.'

The CCN is calling for the government to provide extra investment or reprioritise funding from other budgets, such as the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements.

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner