What a whirlwind the start of the year has been—2025 has certainly refused to tiptoe in quietly! This week, I’m bursting with updates, and there’s no shortage of exciting developments to come over the next few weeks and months from LCRIG, so keep a look out for these.
This week alone, I had the privilege of attending two Local Authority Regional meetings, each brimming with thought-provoking discussions. Earlier in the week, I joined the North West regional meeting, where the topics ranged from climate adaptation and resilience to sustainable road materials, the DfT funding letter, and discussions on updates in materials guidance.
Reverting to the part of the meeting on climate and adaptation, it was an audience perfectly attuned to these challenges. The North West, more than any other region, has faced the brunt of climate-related impacts such as flooding, making them seasoned and experienced in deaqling with the damage and complexities involved. Our debates on using sustainable materials versus implementing long-term drainage solutions—and how to balance these against tight budgets—were particularly stimulating.
I also posed a key question to the group: What future innovations should the Innovation Board prioritise this year? The responses were as insightful as ever, and I can’t wait to weave these ideas into our next Innovation Board meeting. These regional meetings never fail to inspire me. The depth of conversation and the way they directly address council challenges remind me why I cherish them so much.
Meanwhile, my inbox has delivered a “gripping”—and somewhat ominous—read. I’ve received the embargoed copy of the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee’s report on the Condition and Maintenance of Local Roads. This report, set for release on January 17th, is bound to spark some uncomfortable discussions. The timing is particularly noteworthy, as it coincides with this week’s annual Pothole Day, while civil servants are very busy preparing for the submission of spending review information to HM Treasury. One can only hope this report spurs meaningful changes to funding and strategy.
Speaking of Pothole Day, it was encouraging to see so many supply chain members shifting the narrative towards asset management and long-term solutions. While potholes remain a hot-button issue, the broader conversation and narratives about sustainable practices feels like a step in the right direction. However, let’s not talk about the metrics used when £500m is mentioned and how many potholes this will fill (do the maths, and it throws up more questions) – a narrative that also continues to focus on roads rather than all assets, thorny as that may be. One of our media partners, Highways Magazine, highlighted some of the worrying points in their article last October.
As the week winds down, I’m gearing up for another regional group meeting—this time in South Central. As mentioned earlier, I thrive in these settings, and I’m certain it’ll be another fantastic opportunity for councils to dive into rich discussions and collaborate on solutions.
Paula Claytonsmith, CEO