Written questions by Andrew.

Whether her Department ahs provided dedicated support has been provided to West Northamptonshire Council in the context of the Local Road Maintenance Ratings 2025 to 2026; and whether a peer review has been commissioned.

As part of the publication of the local road maintenance ratings for 2025/26, the Department for Transport confirmed that it will provide red-rated authorities with a dedicated support programme to help improve local outcomes. This is in the form of expert-led peer reviews, through which sector experts will work collaboratively with authorities to identify areas where performance could be enhanced. The Department has commissioned the Local Government Association to deliver these reviews. West Northamptonshire received an overall red rating under the Departments’ road maintenance rating system, with underlying scorecards showing red for condition, amber for spend, and red for best practice. The authority is therefore eligible for this support offer. The Department has written to all red-rated authorities to arrange the peer reviews and the review for West Northamptonshire will be conducted during the 2026/27 financial year. The Department recognises that historic levels of investment have made it difficult for authorities to maintain their roads in the way that they would want to. Therefore, alongside providing this dedicated support to red-rated authorities, the Department has also confirmed a record, £7.3 billion investment into local highways maintenance for the next four years. This will allow local authorities to invest in significantly improving the long-term condition of England’s road and local highways network, delivering faster, safer and more reliable journeys.

What steps her Department is taking to resolve the status of lease renewals of Motorway Service Areas.

I am able to confirm that lease extension options at the Motorway Service Areas in which the Secretary of State has an interest are the subject of current, detailed discussions with the third parties concerned, including Roadchef who operate Watford Gap Service Area. However, because these are sensitive, on-going commercial negotiations in which value for the taxpayer is being sought, I can share no further details at this time.

Whether she plans to extend the lease on the Motorway Service Area at Watford Gap.

I am able to confirm that lease extension options at the Motorway Service Areas in which the Secretary of State has an interest are the subject of current, detailed discussions with the third parties concerned, including Roadchef who operate Watford Gap Service Area. However, because these are sensitive, on-going commercial negotiations in which value for the taxpayer is being sought, I can share no further details at this time.

What discussions her Department has had with Motorway Service Area operators on the renewal of leases for those areas.

I am able to confirm that lease extension options at the Motorway Service Areas in which the Secretary of State has an interest are the subject of current, detailed discussions with the third parties concerned, including Roadchef who operate Watford Gap Service Area. However, because these are sensitive, on-going commercial negotiations in which value for the taxpayer is being sought, I can share no further details at this time.

How much funding her Department plans to provide for road infrastructure in each of the next three financial years.

Future funding decisions, including for our highway networks, is a matter for the upcoming Budget and Spending Review.