Saqib Bhatti MP has called on the Government to waive road closure fees for Remembrance Day parades, warning rising costs could put local commemorations at risk.

The MP for Meriden and Solihull East has written to Angela Rayner, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, urging ministers to introduce financial support for parish councils organising events to honour Britain's Armed Forces.

Parish councils often work alongside veterans' organisations, volunteers, schools and residents to organise Remembrance Day parades and commemorative services.

However, rising costs and limited budgets are putting pressure on councils, with traffic management expenses adding to the financial burden of organising events.

Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTROs), road closures, signage, barriers and traffic marshals can all contribute to the cost of holding a parade.

The Royal British Legion has highlighted that road closure costs can average around £2,000 per event.

Mr Bhatti warned that the expense could force some smaller parish councils to make difficult decisions about whether they can afford to hold commemorations.

He is calling for Government support to allow local authorities to waive TTRO fees for Remembrance Day events, alongside a dedicated funding scheme to help parish councils and other eligible organisations cover essential traffic management costs.

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He said the measures would help ensure local commemorations can continue without placing additional financial pressure on councils or local taxpayers.

Mr Bhatti said: "Parish councils are under increasing financial pressure, having to make difficult decisions about how best to spend limited budgets while continuing to support their communities.

"The last thing they should have to worry about is whether they can afford to hold a Remembrance Day parade.

"The Government must recognise the pressures facing parish councils and take practical action.

"I am calling for support to waive road closure fees and introduce dedicated financial assistance for traffic management costs, so that councils are not forced to choose between their limited budgets and ensuring their communities can properly honour those who served our country.

"No community should have to scale back or cancel its Remembrance Day commemorations because it cannot afford the associated costs.

"We must make sure these important traditions can continue with the dignity and respect they deserve."