Keir Starmer says Labour would tackle potholes

Keir Starmer said a Labour government would deal with potholes by helping councils to use funding more “effectively”.

Labour has pledged to move to multi-year funding settlements to help local authorities plan better and ensure money is directed to the areas in most need.

Sir Keir, who grew up in Oxted, Surrey, said potholes were damaging cars and slowing down journeys, “and in the end, individual drivers and their families have to pick up the tab” for repairs.

“People can’t tolerate the roads in the condition they’re in at the moment,” he told BBC Radio Surrey.

The comments come as political party leaders are campaigning ahead of local elections.

Sir Keir said it would help councils to use funding more effectively, including for road maintenance, through the longer settlements.

“Many councils leaders say to me ‘the fact we get funding on a year-by-year basis rather than a three-year basis means we can’t use our money efficiently’.”

The BBC previously revealed that three councils in the South East had paid out £535,000 in pothole compensation between April 2023 and January.

South East councils paid out £535,000 in pothole claims in the last financial year

Labour has also pledged to fast-track housing developments on urban brownfield sites and review rules around construction on green belt land, as part of plans to build 1.5 million homes.

Sir Keir said he would work with those who raised concerns about the plans in the South East.

“At the same time, there are many people in Surrey and Sussex, young people, who can’t get on the housing ladder,” he said.

He said brownfield sites could be fast-tracked to build affordable homes for under 35s in the region.

The Labour leader said he did not have a “lot of money” growing up, “but we did own our home”.

“I want everyone in Sussex and Surrey to have the same opportunity as this boy from Surrey.”

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