Wiltshire Conservatives have raised serious concerns over proposed reductions to funding for Local Highway and Footway Improvement Groups (LHFIGs), which threaten to strip local communities of both vital resources and decision-making power, over transport and road safety improvements in their areas.
It is understood that LHFIG budgets will be reduced significantly in the current financial year, from approximately £25,000 per area to just £12,500—a cut of 50%. LHFIGs, and their predecessor Community Area Transport Groups (CATGs), have functioned successfully for many years, delivering practical, targeted improvements to highways and footways across Wiltshire. They have empowered even the smallest villages to address issues that matter most to them—from road safety engineering to pedestrian access improvements—helping to ensure local voices are heard in transport and road safety planning.
Councillor Nick Holder (Bowerhill), Conservative Spokesperson for Highways, said:
For many years, I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact LHFIGs have had across our communities. We have delivered countless improvements—20 mph schemes, dropped kerbs, safety measures—all championed by local parish and town councils who understand the needs of their residents better than anyone.
These proposals risk undoing years of successful, community-led collaboration. Cutting the funding in half will have a disproportionate impact on our rural villages, where local knowledge is essential to making effective decisions. A key strength of LHFIGs has been their ability to leverage additional investment. Over the years, parish, town, and city councils have contributed approximately 25% on top of the allocated LHFIG budgets.
Councillor Holder added:
This is not just about funding—it’s about trust in local communities and their ability to shape their own environments. LHFIGs have been a crucial bridge between Wiltshire Council and residents across the County. Removing LHFIG funding risks leaving local communities unheard and underserved.
