Open letter on highways maintenance to Gen Kitchen, MP

Date: 19 August 2024
Our Ref: JS/RG

Dear Gen 

Thank you for your letter received on 14 August 2024. 

I am writing to update you on the progress we have made in improving the road infrastructure in North Northamptonshire, a matter that has been a top priority for us and for the residents in the area. 

I am personally focused in this area of the council's activity and recently held Kier’s ‘feet to the fire’ over their performance on road repairs and maintenance. It was crucial to ensure that our contractors were delivering the level of service our community deserves. I am pleased to say that, and full credit must be given to Kier - they have responded positively and stepped up their operation here in North Northamptonshire. The statistics speak for themselves, and we have maintained a commitment to being open and transparent about reporting the data that monitors road repairs. 

In the past year, we have seen significant improvements. The number of outstanding road defects has fallen by 7.6%, a clear sign that our efforts are making a difference. Additionally, the overall performance of the contractor has soared to an impressive 91.96%. This has been a positive outcome for all of us, and it is also important to note that if a repair fails, the onus is on the contractor to return and carry out further work at no additional cost to the council. This ensures accountability and high standards in the work being delivered. 

Of course, we recognise that further improvements are still needed across our roads. That is why we are committed to continuing this work. To demonstrate that commitment, we are investing an additional £9 million over the next three years to ensure that these improvements are sustained and that North Northamptonshire residents see continued progress on this front. This financial commitment demonstrates our determination to make things better for the people we serve. 

In light of this progress, I want to draw your attention to the matter of central government funding that is crucial to our ongoing efforts. Recently, I sent an open letter to the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, the new Chancellor, to highlight the significant funding commitments made by the previous government for our area. This amounted to £339.502 million, a figure that represents a vital investment in our region’s future.

This funding includes commitments to important infrastructure projects, such as the Isham Bypass, and other schemes that are essential to our local development. Additionally, the Network North announcement made by the previous government, promised the council a share of the funding that has been released by the cancellation of sections of HS2. This funding is earmarked for pothole repairs, improvements to bus services, and more general transport upgrades. 

I would like to reiterate that we need the Government’s firm commitment to upholding this vital earmarked investment. The success of our ongoing efforts to improve North Northamptonshire’s highways infrastructure depends on it. We are dedicated to ensuring growth and development in our area, but continued government support is essential to realising these ambitions. I call on you to support me in lobbying for this government funding to be provided for the benefit of our residents. 

I note you also make reference to, and I quote, an extension to your contract with Kier could be awarded in September if the contractor meets or exceeds key performance indicators (KPIs). 

I am unsure where that information has been captured from, but to clarify, the North Northamptonshire Council contract with Kier started in September 2022 and is for seven years. Within those first seven years, the contractor has the opportunity to earn three additional years, depending upon meeting performance indicators. After the first seven years and any of the additional years the contract can be extended to a maximum of a further four years by mutual agreement. 

Finally, can I thank you for your ongoing support, and I look forward to working with you and all of our MPs to secure the necessary resources and achieve even greater progress for North Northamptonshire. 

Yours sincerely 

Councillor Jason Smithers 
Leader of North Northamptonshire Council