Condition of Local Roads 2025-05-15
2025-05-15
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
In Birmingham, people are experiencing poor road conditions due to underfunding and short-term budgets. The local authority operates under a historical private finance initiative (PFI) contract.
People in Birmingham are fed up with potholes and uncared-for drains after years of underfunding and short-term budgets. Services there are provided through a PFI contract, unlike other parts of the country. When will a decision be made on this contract's future? What steps will she take to improve Birmingham’s roads?
Following consultation with the council, we are carefully considering its formal representations on this matter. We will make an announcement on the way forward as soon as possible and commit to working together in the best interests of Birmingham's constituents, the city’s residents, and the taxpayer.
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Assessment & feedback
The answerer did not provide a specific timeline or steps related to improving road conditions in Birmingham beyond vague commitment language.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
In Derby, 17% of the roads are in poor condition due to Tory austerity measures. Residents spend up to £460 on car repairs for damage caused by potholes.
Motorists and cyclists face a 'pothole plague' with 17% of roads in poor condition in Derby because of cuts imposed under the previous government. With drivers having to pay out hard-earned cash, can she outline how her Department plans to protect drivers and fix potholes in Derby and across the UK?
This year, we provide local authorities with £1.6 billion of funding for roads maintenance, including over £75 million for the East Midlands combined authority and £4.3 million specifically for Derbyshire. New reporting requirements will be introduced next month to track what councils do with this money.
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Assessment & feedback
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Response accuracy