West Berkshire Council Proposes Overnight Streetlight Deactivation to Achieve Savings

A local authority has put forward a proposal to deactivate streetlights during nighttime hours, forming part of a broader set of initiatives aimed at achieving financial savings. West Berkshire Council is set to initiate a consultation on Monday regarding proposed cost reductions totaling £1.2 million, which additionally encompass a decrease in the number of winter gritting routes. The council indicated that deactivating lights on residential thoroughfares from midnight until 05:00 could yield annual savings of £50,000. Council leader Jeff Brooks stated that the council is compelled to make “increasingly difficult decisions” due to escalating costs and rising demand. He added, “Our funding doesn’t go as far as it used to.” The council reported that substantial cost pressures within social care, particularly children’s social care, have led to a notable rise in the total savings required for the 2025-26 fiscal year. A total deficit of £12.1 million has been projected, in addition to £3.3 million in savings already identified that do not necessitate a public consultation. Other proposed changes subject to consultation include the cessation of the mobile library service and an increment in general fees and charges. West Berkshire Council affirmed that its priorities during the savings process would involve safeguarding vulnerable residents and reducing the effect on essential frontline services.