Story perspectives

Opposition Says Banners Could Fund 1,000 Potholes

8/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ashfield council installed banners that officials say cost taxpayers nothing.
MP Lee Anderson said banners would cost a penny because they would sponsor them.
Councilor Mick Barton said pubs, factory, restaurants and a warehouse would sponsor the banners.
Opposition leader Sam Smith warned the council could have filled 1,000 potholes with banner cost.
Councilor Mick Barton defended banners, saying they were funded by savings from cabinet positions, not service money.

History

Historical Context

Modern English councils trace their authority to the 1888 Local Government Act, which replaced vestries with elected county and borough councils. The 2011 Localism Act then gave those bodies a general power of competence, allowing private sponsorships; between 2012-15, 312 councils secured £1.2 billion, exemplified by Hackney’s £150 million deal. Ashfield now follows that model, prompting oversight calls.

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Story summary

Ashfield council installed banners that officials say cost taxpayers nothing.
MP Lee Anderson said banners would cost a penny because they would sponsor them.
Councilor Mick Barton said pubs, factory, restaurants and a warehouse would sponsor the banners.
Opposition leader Sam Smith warned the council could have filled 1,000 potholes with banner cost.
Councilor Mick Barton defended banners, saying they were funded by savings from cabinet positions, not service money.

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