William Eichler 16 October 2017

Spend rising fuel and motoring taxes on local roads, say council leaders

Council chiefs have urged the Government to spend the over £400m extra raised each year through rising fuel and motoring taxes on improving local roads.

The number of vehicles on the road has risen 30% since 2000. There are now 8.5 million cars and lorries adding to congestion and damaging transport infrastructure.

A report published by the Local Government Association (LGA) last March revealed the country was facing a £12bn road repairs backlog.

The LGA warned a lack of funding had left councils 'trapped in a frustrating cycle' and it would take more than ten years just to catch up with the repairs needed.

At the same time, the 2017 Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey said each council was on average £4.3m short of the money necessary to repair their roads properly.

An analysis from the LGA published today found that if Whitehall matched the increase in fuel and motoring tax income generated over the last decade town halls would have an extra £418m to spend on local roads.

Also, the LGA — anticipating next month’s Autumn Budget — called on the Government to fully fund the statutory concessionary bus fares scheme. Due to underfunding, councils have been forced to subsidise the scheme by £200m a year.

‘Councils are doing all they can to provide their communities with the transport services they need, to manage and ensure that roads are free-flowing as possible,’ said Cllr Martin Tett, LGA transport spokesman.

‘The Government needs to develop a fully funded plan to help councils deliver the desperately-needed local road improvements we need. This should include matching the extra growth in tax take with the funding it provides councils.

‘This would see councils given an extra £400 million a year to spend on filling potholes, easing congestion and protect vital bus routes. Only with long-term funding can councils deliver roads truly fit for the 21st Century.’

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