Councils issue plea to look out for elderly neighbours during cold spell

Lower Falinge covered in snow

Councils across England have issued a plea to look out for elderly neighbours as the cold snap worsens, causing roads and pavements to ice over.

In the last year alone, councils have been forced to make £48m worth of cuts to their gritting budgets and now fear that the icy conditions on ungritted pavements will see a rise in accident and emergency admissions due to falls. 

At least one in three adults over 65 is likely to have at least one fall a year, with half falling more frequently, and these accidents can have life changing effects for elderly people and ramp up pressure on already-overstretched local hospitals.

Compared to last year, councils in the North East (34% cut to gritting budget), East Midlands (34% cut) North West (28% cut) and the West Midlands (27% cut) have been hardest hit by cuts to gritting budgets.

This is despite these areas having worse weather conditions and more snow compared to other areas, which have only faced a 10% reduction.

In Rochdale, the gritting budget has reduced by £30,000 in one year, a 4.8% reduction.

Andrew Storey, head of highways at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Our winter maintenance budget has reduced from £621,000 in 2017/18 to £591,000 in 2018/19.

“However, due to our investment in better forecasting technology and new gritters with autologic technology, which ensures the optimal amount of salt is spread and none wasted, we are still able to maintain the same level of service when cold weather hits.

“We also plan very carefully and have a contingency budget which can be used to top up our usual winter weather budget when we have unprecedented and extreme weather events, such as the beast from the east.”

Councillor Sir Stephen Houghton, chairman of the Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities (SIGOMA) added: “As the freezing weather worsens, it’s vital that we look out for the elderly who may be particularly nervous about driving on the roads or walking to the shops.

"Government cuts to local authority budgets in our areas mean that we simply don’t have enough resources to grit every pavement and road.”