Street cleansing services adapting to meet financial pressures, new APSE report reveals

A new national survey has revealed that financial pressures pose a risk to the quality of street cleansing services across the UK.

APSE’s State of the Market 2026: Local Authority Street Cleansing Services report found that 80% of local authorities expect their budgets to change over the next year, with 50% anticipating decreases.

As these pressures could affect the appeal of areas for businesses, residents and developers, councils are reviewing options such as weekend working, reducing cleaning frequency and a service restructure to improve efficiency.

More than half of councils (53%) reported having an income generation scheme, showing a 10% increase from the 2025 report’s results. This highlights councils’ continued efforts to offset financial pressures to sustain services.

Despite this uncertainty, local authorities report that service standards remain largely stable. 40% of respondents reported improvements in cleanliness, with 42% expecting levels to improve over the next year.

Future budgets beyond next year are expected to improve services, reinforcing local authorities’ commitment to creating cleaner, greener and safer environments.

Abi Ademiluyi, APSE Principal Advisor, said: “Local councils are working hard to address funding gaps through efficiency measures and income generation, but there is a pressing need to recognise the value of public realm services in supporting local economies.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

1. The survey was conducted by APSE during January and February 2026. The full State of the Market 2026: Local Authority Street Cleansing Services report can be found here.
2. APSE (the Association for Public Service Excellence) is a not-for-profit organisation working with over 300 local governments and other public bodies across the UK. We advise on how to deliver frontline services that are locally accountable, responsive, and efficient.