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Street light cuts attacked by Labour Street lights 'switched off to save money' by councils
(about 1 hour later)
Street lights are being switched off or dimmed to save money in three-quarters of England's council areas, according to Labour Party research.Street lights are being switched off or dimmed to save money in three-quarters of England's council areas, according to Labour Party research.
The party said much of Britain was being "plunged into darkness", claiming the number of lights switched off had "soared" in recent years.The party said much of Britain was being "plunged into darkness", claiming the number of lights switched off had "soared" in recent years.
It comes after councils warned of "huge financial challenges" after next year's government grants were announced.It comes after councils warned of "huge financial challenges" after next year's government grants were announced.
Ministers say it was for councils to "make the right call" on spending.Ministers say it was for councils to "make the right call" on spending.
In recent years, authorities across the UK have been switching off street lighting after midnight, to varying degrees, to save money. In recent years, authorities across the UK have been switching off street lighting after midnight, to varying degrees. Councils say they need to save money to preserve core services like social care and road maintenance.
Safety concernsSafety concerns
The move is opposed by motoring groups, with the AA saying it has contributed to car crashes.The move is opposed by motoring groups, with the AA saying it has contributed to car crashes.
But the Campaign to Protect Rural England has previously called for more councils to dim lights to "reduce the impact of light pollution".But the Campaign to Protect Rural England has previously called for more councils to dim lights to "reduce the impact of light pollution".
Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has previously said switching off street lights can save a "phenomenal amount of money" and cut crime.Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has previously said switching off street lights can save a "phenomenal amount of money" and cut crime.
Labour said 141 of the 150 English councils responsible for street lighting had responded to its survey, with 50 switching off some lights at night.Labour said 141 of the 150 English councils responsible for street lighting had responded to its survey, with 50 switching off some lights at night.
A total of 106 councils were either switching off or dimming some lights, it said, claiming the numbers had increased sharply since 2010.A total of 106 councils were either switching off or dimming some lights, it said, claiming the numbers had increased sharply since 2010.
Hilary Benn, shadow communities and local government secretary, said: "Street lights ensure that people are safe on our roads and feel safe walking home, especially at this time of the year when the nights have drawn in. Asked what he would do to reverse the trend of lights being switched off, shadow local government secretary Hilary Benn said Labour would set councils' budgets further in advance to allow them to plan ahead and install low-energy lighting.
"Our research shows however that significant areas of Britain have been plunged into darkness since May 2010 as a result of David Cameron and Eric Pickles' policies." Mr Benn said the increase was down to the "great pressure" on council budgets and the high cost of electricity.
He said: "Street lights ensure that people are safe on our roads and feel safe walking home, especially at this time of the year when the nights have drawn in."
A number of local authorities are switching to energy-efficient LED street lights as an alternative to switching them off.A number of local authorities are switching to energy-efficient LED street lights as an alternative to switching them off.
'Careful choices''Careful choices'
Last week ministers said English councils would face an average cut of 1.8% in their overall spending power next year. Councils said the amount they receive from central government was being cut by 8.8%.Last week ministers said English councils would face an average cut of 1.8% in their overall spending power next year. Councils said the amount they receive from central government was being cut by 8.8%.
Joe Irvin, chief executive of charity Living Streets, which campaigns for pedestrians, said: "Our own survey found insufficient or broken street lighting or lighting turned off was an issue for over a quarter of people.Joe Irvin, chief executive of charity Living Streets, which campaigns for pedestrians, said: "Our own survey found insufficient or broken street lighting or lighting turned off was an issue for over a quarter of people.
"It makes them feel unsafe and deters them from walking.""It makes them feel unsafe and deters them from walking."
Local Government Minister Kris Hopkins said: "Local councils will know their communities far better than a minister in Whitehall.Local Government Minister Kris Hopkins said: "Local councils will know their communities far better than a minister in Whitehall.
"They need to make the right and careful choices - issues around street lighting and road lighting and making sure individuals as they're walking about are safe is important to consider."They need to make the right and careful choices - issues around street lighting and road lighting and making sure individuals as they're walking about are safe is important to consider.
"But actually it will be a local determination. It will be by people who understand their communities to make the right call.""But actually it will be a local determination. It will be by people who understand their communities to make the right call."