Why are London councils asking residents to grit their own streets?

Councils are urging residents to help clear pavements and residential streets due to expected freezing temperatures and potential snow, as municipal teams may struggle to cover all areas.

What do councils provide for residents helping with snow clearance?

Many councils offer free salt or grit, snow shovels or scoops, hi-vis vests, and gloves to volunteers participating in winter assistance schemes.

What is the TaxPayers' Alliance's stance on councils asking for volunteer snow clearing?

The TaxPayers' Alliance criticizes councils for asking residents to perform basic services they already pay for through taxes, especially after tax increases.

Home / Weather / Londoners Told: Grit Your Own Streets!

Londoners Told: Grit Your Own Streets!

18 Nov

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Summary

London councils offer free grit, shovels, and vests to residents.
Residents are asked to clear pavements and residential streets.
Campaigners criticize councils for outsourcing basic services amid tax hikes.

Londoners are being encouraged to take up shovels and grit their own streets as the capital prepares for a significant temperature drop this week. Several London councils are distributing free salt, hi-vis vests, and snow shovels to residents, asking them to assist in clearing pavements and residential streets that municipal teams may not reach. These 'snow angel' and 'winter buddy' schemes are gaining attention amidst rising taxes and strained local budgets, as the UK anticipates 'difficult, slippery conditions' with possible snow and harsh frosts.

Councils like Wandsworth, Haringey, Bromley, Lambeth, and Waltham Forest are actively recruiting volunteers. They are providing materials such as 50kg sacks of grit, smaller 25kg bags of salt, gloves, and shovels. These programs, some dating back over a decade, aim to supplement official gritting efforts on priority routes by focusing on side roads. While some boroughs highlight their schemes as popular and effective, others note the financial pressures they face, including increased council tax and reduced central government funding.