Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Accepted
Two-year guarantee for street works reinstatements proves inadequate given local authority budget constraints.
Conclusion
Local authority budgets for road maintenance are stretched thin; they can ill afford the expense of making good reinstatements which are not up to scratch. We note the concern about increasing costs being reflected in utility bills, but there is a balance to be struck: good quality road and pavement surfaces are also in consumers’ interests. A two-year guarantee for a publicly-maintained asset is inadequate, especially since reinstatements which meet the standards tend to last more than ten years. (Conclusion, Paragraph 37)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government highlights existing legal frameworks that allow permit scheme fee discounts to incentivise efficient street works and early completion. It commits to engaging with highway authorities to understand how these powers are being used, identify any implementation barriers, and determine if further guidance amendments are needed to ensure consistent and effective use of fee incentives.
Government Response
The government responded to this report on 12 September 2025. No passage in that response could be matched to this conclusion. Read the response document ↗