New PM must maintain local road network spending

“We hope that incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s time as Mayor of Greater Manchester has reinforced just how vital a well-maintained local road network is to supporting connectivity, economic growth and thriving communities.

“That’s why it is essential that, as his Government now resets its priorities, previous commitments to invest £7.3 billion[1] in local road maintenance over the next four years are not abandoned.

“Local roads across England and Wales are already in a disgraceful condition, with the backlog of repairs now standing at a staggering £18.62 billion[2]. With every public service depending on a well-maintained and reliable road network it’s vital that the funding promised through to 2030 is delivered in full and not diverted elsewhere.

“Investment in local road maintenance not only delivers smoother, safer journeys but also boosts productivity and economic growth[3]. Honouring the promised funding commitment to 2030 would help prevent the short-term, patch-and-mend approach to potholes that frustrates all road users, wastes public money and allows the condition of our local roads to deteriorate even further.”

[1] Highways maintenance block: formula allocations 2026 to 2030 – GOV.UK

[2] Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey report 2026

[3] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/economic-appraisal-for-investing-in-local-highways-maintenance page 37