ST HELENS Council is still working on the policies surrounding some of its key budget announcements – including free school uniforms for every pupil in the borough.
The budget, including a 4.99 per cent council tax increase, was recently approved.
At the budget-setting meeting, the council leader announced free parking for three hours for visitors to St Helens town centre, free school uniforms for every pupil in the borough, bringing back the park ranger service to support green spaces and a council-run grant scheme encouraging people to bid for funding that will boost pride in the borough.
Asked when each of these four will be introduced, the council says “details to follow”, with more information to come when the plans are in place.
It is understood that policy teams are still working on how best to put the plans into practice.
But the council leader has shared how much of a difference he thinks the budget proposals will make to residents.
Cllr Anthony Burns, Labour, said: “Each year our budget is an opportunity to make the case for the work we are doing as a council to our residents. This year’s budget highlights our strong commitment to growing our borough through our multi-million-pound regeneration projects for our two town centres alongside other support for businesses like free parking for customers.
“We are also investing heavily into giving our young people the best start in life through a comprehensive school development programme including further SEND facilities and helping families with the cost of uniforms. There is a huge £17 million earmarked for transport infrastructure investments that will benefit all road users among many other projects.
“Our budget will also make sure that we are protecting frontline services that deliver the vital services thousands rely on such as children and adults social care.
"These areas take up to two thirds of our revenue spending keeping people safe and well and close to their local communities. It is our responsibility to make sure that our most vulnerable residents can rely on our help in their time of need and I’m proud that this budget will help deliver that.”
Share