England’s local authorities face funding cuts if they fail to report on pothole repairs
Local authorities in England are now required to publish annual reports detailing the number of potholes they have filled, or risk losing a significant portion of their funding for road repairs. The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that it will withhold 25% of the additional funding recently allocated to councils, amounting to ÂŁ500 million, if they do not comply with the reporting requirements.
By 30 June, each council must release a report outlining their expenditure on pothole repairs, the number of potholes filled, and the condition of roads within their jurisdiction. They must also provide information on how they are minimizing disruption from roadworks and their spending on long-term preventative maintenance. Additionally, councils must demonstrate community engagement in identifying areas in need of repair by November.
The introduction of these reports and the threat of funding cuts aim to increase public confidence in the work of local councils, according to the DfT. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of councils utilizing the allocated funds effectively to address the issue of potholes.
In addition to the funding for local councils, the DfT has allocated £4.8 billion for National Highways for the 2025-26 financial year. This funding matches the agency’s budget from the previous financial year, demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure across the country.
The move to enforce reporting on pothole repairs comes after the House of Commons’ public accounts committee highlighted the deteriorating state of England’s local roads as a “national embarrassment”. The committee raised concerns about the lack of oversight on council spending and the failure to set clear objectives for road maintenance.
With 183,000 miles of local roads in England comprising 98% of the total network, there is a pressing need for effective management and investment in road infrastructure to ensure the safety and efficiency of transportation for communities across the country.
