APSE: Half of councils facing street cleansing cuts

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.’

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