St Helens: Proposed £40m council fees and charges approved

A report on the issue came before the cabinet at its meeting on Wednesday.

It outlined the proposed changes to fees and charges across the council.

As recommended, members approved the proposed fees and charges for the financial year 2025-26.

The council has the ability to set fees and charges for a wide range of goods and services, in order to ensure these can continue to be delivered while also generating an income to support financial sustainability, according to the report.

“These fees and charges are reviewed every year, in line with the approved charging policy, where services consider their pricing objectives, operational costs, and price affordability, to maintain service levels while offering value for money to customers,” it said.

“The council, like many public sector organisations, has the ability to charge for a wide range of goods and services, where this is permitted through regulation or legislation.

“The income from fees and charges has become increasingly important to the financial sustainability of the council due to the reduced funding provided by the UK Government and increased inflation and service demand.

“There are around 900 fees and charges in place across the council, covering around 24 service areas, and generating circa £40m each year.

“Areas where the council chooses not to charge a fee include most bereavement services for under 18s, fees for targeted customer groups and promotional offers.

“Of the fees and charges set, 24 per cent are statutory. Discretionary fees comprise 48 per cent of the catalogue and are set to cover all costs, with 17 per cent of fees set at commercial levels.”

Furthermore, the report says the proposed fees and charges will see around 300 remain the same as the previous year.

It adds: “The majority of areas where the fees and charges have remained the same are free, subsidised or statutory charges, with 85 discretionary or commercial fees remaining the same.

“There are increases in around 470 fees and charges. There are also 33 new fees and charges or those using a revised pricing structure.

“The average price increase is 4 per cent.

“Fees and charges contribute around £40m to the council’s budget and play an integral part in providing financial sustainability.”