The UK government has announced a £1.6 billion budget for road maintenance aimed at addressing the severe pothole crisis in England. The funding includes a £500 million increase, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urging local authorities to take immediate action. However, 25% of this uplift is being withheld as an incentive for councils to demonstrate effective use of the funds. The Local Government Association has welcomed the initiative but calls for more long-term investment, citing a backlog of repairs that could exceed £16 billion.