ST HELENS BOROUGH COUNCIL has set out plans to bring more opportunities to the community.

The plans hope to "bring additional value to communities" by measuring, monitoring, and growing social values in all areas.

The new Social Value Policy is an extension of existing values in the borough and will see new jobs and apprenticeships created, further opportunities for local businesses, and added support for community projects and schools.

The policy was approved by the council's cabinet on Wednesday, November 9, where plans to introduce the policy to the borough was discussed.

The approach follows the council’s partnerships in the Liverpool City Region on other ventures including its Inclusive Growth Strategy.

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St Helens Star: Senior leaders with Parkside apprentices Senior leaders with Parkside apprentices (Image: St Helens Borough Council)

Councillor Martin Bond, Cabinet Member for Finance and Governance, said: "This is an exciting and ambitious approach that is in keeping the values of St Helens Borough Council and will allow us to get better benefits for our residents, businesses, and communities, without using our extremely limited funds.

"This is not new, and we have already seen some excellent examples of where we have gained additional benefits from things we would do anyway.

"Major schemes such as Glass Futures, Parkside Link Road, St Helens Crematorium refurbishment and Earlestown Town Hall refurbishment are all delivering social value in the form of jobs, apprenticeships, school partnerships on topics like STEM skills and much more.

"This new policy will allow us to go even further to get wider benefit from every penny the council spends on delivering for residents and businesses."

The effects of the new policy will be evident in the new year and will be monitored and reported to ensure the investment made is one that is benefitting the community.