£2.2m pothole grant for Hull 'a drop in the ocean'

A £2.2M government grant to help tackle potholes in Hull has been described as "wholly inadequate" by a senior city councillor.

The city currently has an estimated backlog of road repairs that will cost between £60m and £80m.

Today, the Department for Transport has announced the city will receive £2.2m in the highways maintenance grant for 2015-16.

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin claims his department's £489m investment across Yorkshire and the Humber over the next six years is aimed at ensuring the region has a 21st-century transport network.

But Councillor Martin Mancey, who is the city council portfolio holder for transport issues, said the funding earmarked for Hull would barely scratch the surface of the city's crumbling roads.

He said: "This level of funding is wholly inadequate.

"As a council we already know that, as a result of significant under-funding in the past, we are currently looking at a backlog of repairs costing between £60m to £80m.

"What is even more concerning is that in future years, the Department for Transport is proposing to change the way it allocates highways maintenance funding by introducing a bidding process to secure funds.

"That is not only a waste of resources in terms of time and money being spent on preparing the bids, but it also flies in the face of the devolution debate where councils are meant to be making their own decisions."

The six-year funding deal for Hull is also in stark contrast to the money being earmarked for the East Riding.

While the city will receive a total of £11.7m from next year to 2021 for basic highways maintenance work, the East Riding will get £57m.

The Department for Transport said such wide variations in funding was because of local need. Councils with more roads will receive a higher level of funding.

In addition to the maintenance funding, the two councils have also been allocated money for so-called integrated transport schemes, which are usually one-off projects such as new bus lanes, cycle routes and junction upgrades.

Under this category, Hull will receive £2.2m next year, while £1.6m has been earmarked for the East Riding.

Mr McLoughlin said: "Roads play a significant part in everyday life.

"Poorly maintained local roads, blighted by potholes, are a menace to all road users, particularly during the festive period as people travel to see family and friends.

"It is vital we have good quality roads and this government has already taken strong action by spending £1bn more on local roads maintenance than was spent in the previous parliament.

"The £489m funding I am announcing today for Yorkshire and the Humber region will put an end to short-term fixes and will mean we have committed £10bn between 2010 and 2021.

"This huge investment is part of our long-term economic plan to ensure we have a transport network fit for the 21st century."

A NEW challenge fund is being created for councils to bid for highways funding.

Until now, government funding for general maintenance work has usually been allocated automatically on the size of each local authority's road network.

But the change will see local authorities directly competing with each other for funding to help repair and maintain local highway infrastructure such as junctions, bridges and street lighting.

A new £578m pot of cash has been set aside for bids.

In addition, the Government has announced plans for a new £578m incentive fund scheme to reward councils that demonstrate they are delivering value for money in carrying out cost-effective improvements.

Geoff Allister, executive director of the Highways Term Maintenance Association, said: "We congratulate the Transport Secretary in taking the step of introducing an incentive element into the local highways maintenance funding for councils.

"Those that can show they truly understand the value of their asset can plan greater efficiencies and deliver cost-effective, preventative maintenance, making the available money go even further."

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