The document summarizes the Highway Maintenance Efficiency Programme (HMEP) in the UK which aims to improve efficiency in highway maintenance through collaboration between public and private sectors. It discusses the challenges around maintaining highways and reducing potholes. It also outlines the four workstream groups of the program focusing on areas like operational service delivery, business improvement, communications, and research. The business improvement group seeks to develop tools to help local authorities implement efficiency measures by focusing on themes like leadership, employment, business processes, and supply chain management. It discusses two pilot programs around engaging contractors to improve prices and employment opportunities.