Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what funding her Department is providing to local authorities to improve the (a) quality and (b) accessibility of pavements for (i) wheelchair users, (ii) people with mobility impairments and (iii) other people.

The Department provides a range of funding streams to local authorities that can be used to improve the quality and accessibility of pavements for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, and other pedestrians.

In 2025/26, local authorities will receive a share of £1.6 billion highways maintenance capital funding, which includes a £500 million uplift from 2024/25. Authorities are encouraged to adopt a whole-life asset management approach, which includes maintaining footways and ensuring accessibility for all users.

In addition, the Integrated Transport Block and Local Transport Grant provide a combined total of £396 million in 2025/26 to support local transport enhancements, including improvements to pedestrian infrastructure. Eight eligible Mayoral Combined Authorities will also receive £5.7bn in funding between 2022 and 2027, to invest in local transport improvements, including enhancements to accessibility.

Beyond these funding pots, the Department has also announced dedicated funding for walking, wheeling and cycling. In the Spending Review, the Government announced £616 million for Active Travel England from 2026/27 to 2029/30 to support local authorities to build and maintain walking and cycling infrastructure. This is in addition to the almost £300 million funding for active travel in 2024/25 and 2025/26 which was announced in February 2025. This will help local authorities to provide high-quality and easily accessible active travel schemes across England and will enable more children to walk and cycle to school.