Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support local authorities (1) to reduce clutter on, and (2) to improve maintenance of, footways.

The Government allocates capital funding to local highways authorities to enable them to maintain and improve their road networks. This includes footways and the provision of street furniture such as benches, bins and cycle racks. In 2025/26, the Department has made a record investment of £1.6 billion which is a £500 million increase compared to 2024/25, and £24 billion of capital funding was committed at the Spending Review to maintain and improve motorways and local roads across the country between 2026/27 and 2029/30.

The Department also provides guidance to local authorities and encourages best practice. The “Inclusive Mobility” guidance document provides advice on designing an accessible public realm and includes recommendations on placing street furniture in a way that does not create obstructions for disabled people.