MOTORISTS have been given a boost in today’s Budget as local councils are set to receive £200million to fix potholes.
The pledge, made by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in today’s Spring Budget, means a 20% boost to the cash set aside annually to deal with potholes.
GettyThe Chancellor has announced a boost of £200million to help local councils fix potholes[/caption]
Data from the Department for Transport suggests that up to half of small residential roads and up to a quarter of B and C roads are in need of some level of resurfacing.
Meanwhile, more than 15% of smaller unclassified roads are in a ‘red’ category condition, which is the worst rating available.
The extra cash will be given directly to local authorities, meaning it is more likely to be used on minor urban and rural routes.
It will add to the pot of £1.12 billion set to be spent annually in the period 2020-25 addressing the issue of crumbling roads.
Mr Hunt told The Mail: “Potholes cause misery for motorists.
“This cash will fix up to four million potholes, keeping the country moving and putting growth in the fast lane.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper added: “Potholes are a blight on Britain’s roads.
“This latest round of funding shows we are committed to supporting all road users – from motorists to cyclists and bus passengers – and making journeys smoother and safer for all.”
Council bosses have welcomed the move, as the prices of asphalt and concrete have spiralled amid the cost of living crisis, while a wet and cold winter has led to more surface cracking.
AA President Edmund King said: “This £200million pothole bonus is a welcome contribution in the short term to help fill the plague of potholes which is blighting drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.”
There is currently a large backlog of potholes waiting to be fixed, while the cost of filling them has shot up by 16% to around £50 each.
It comes as the Chancellor introduced measures to address inflation and ease the burden of energy bills.
These included a ban on energy companies charging customers on prepayment meters extra, as well as increasing the childcare assistance for Universal Credit recipients.
But those on benefits who can work but refuse to do so will face tougher sanctions and be told their payments will be slashed — no ifs or buts.
A Treasury source said: “If you can work, but refuse a job offer, that’s not on and your benefits will be reduced — no matter where you live or which job centre you use.”