She thanked Jonathan Gullis and other members for their contributions on potholes and highway repairs, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues. She explained that over £7.1 billion has been provided between 2015 and 2021 in local highways maintenance funding by the Department. She mentioned the allocation of part of this funding to local authorities based on their progress towards an adequate asset management plan and noted the ongoing review for future allocations. She detailed the current funding formula, which allocates 82.42% to roads in each local highway authority and takes into account road types such as principal roads (A roads) with higher traffic rates being allocated more funding. She addressed concerns about Manchester City Council receiving twice the maintenance funding compared to Stoke-on-Trent, clarifying that this is not the case based on road lengths and network conditions. She stated that the current formula is considered fair and equitable by local authorities but acknowledged potential reassessment following further clarity from the spending review process. She highlighted the Department's guidance in addressing potholes and defects correctly for future road maintenance and mentioned a backlog of repairs due to past underinvestment, noting improvements despite recent winter challenges.