Herefordshire Council Brings Highways Services Back Under Local Control

Herefordshire Council has introduced a new approach to managing highways and public realm services, bringing oversight back in-house as part of a move aimed at improving accountability, responsiveness and service delivery across the county.

The change marks a significant shift in how essential infrastructure services are managed, with the council assuming direct responsibility for overseeing operations while partnering with M Group and a network of approved local contractors to carry out maintenance and improvement works.

The services affected include road maintenance, drainage management, street lighting, winter gritting, street cleansing and the upkeep of parks, green spaces and other public areas that support local communities and the wider transport network.

Council leaders say the new model has been designed to provide greater local control over decision-making while enabling a more flexible approach to service delivery.

Under the revised arrangements, council officers will manage day-to-day oversight and strategic planning, with operational works delivered through M Group and a framework of locally appointed suppliers.

Councillor Dan Hurcomb, Cabinet Member for Local Engagement and Community Resilience, described the transition as an important milestone for the authority.

He said the new structure would help the council deliver services more effectively while ensuring decisions are made closer to the communities they affect. The approach is intended to strengthen accountability, improve performance and provide better outcomes for residents across Herefordshire.

Kevin Cotterell, Contract Director at M Group, said the company was looking forward to supporting the council's ambitions and working collaboratively to maintain and improve the county's infrastructure and public spaces.

The new arrangements come as local authorities across the UK continue to review how highways and environmental services are delivered, with many seeking greater control over service standards, investment priorities and long-term asset management.

Herefordshire Council believes the revised model will provide a stronger platform for maintaining critical infrastructure while delivering services that are more responsive to local needs and expectations.