Half of local authorities expect their street cleansing budgets to shrink over the next year, according to a new national survey that warns financial pressures could threaten the quality of public spaces.
The Association for Public Service Excellence’s (APSE) State of the Market 2026 report found that 80% of councils anticipate budget changes in the year ahead, with 50% expecting cuts.
In response, many are reviewing options including weekend working, reduced cleaning frequency and service restructuring.
More than half of councils (53%) now run income generation schemes — up 10% on last year — as authorities seek to offset funding shortfalls and protect services.
Despite the pressures, standards remain largely stable for now, with 40% of respondents reporting cleanliness improvements and 42% expecting further gains in the year ahead.
APSE Principal Advisor Abi Ademiluyi said there was ‘a pressing need to recognise the value of public realm services in supporting local economies.’
