St Helens Town Hall chiefs to consider 'investment opportunities'

Labour-run St Helens Council is funded from a number of sources – with the most significant being council tax, business rates, general Government grant, specific grants and income from sales, fees and charges.

Council tax funds approximately 54 per cent of the council’s net revenue spend.

A spokesman said: “Council tax is only a contribution towards the day-to-day running costs of delivering our services, not a charge for individual services.

“Therefore, it is impossible to give a percentage breakdown of what council tax receipts are used for.”

Furthermore, the council has been asked if it believes it will need to explore new investment opportunities, to generate extra cash amid budget cuts.

The spokesman said: “In seeking to minimise budget reductions and reduce the impact on services, the council will consider new or additional investment opportunities, in line with its commercial and investment strategies.”

Town Hall chiefs have vowed to "continue to support" communities in the borough "as we move forward from the pandemic" and look to deliver services in "modern and innovative ways", while also ‘maximising opportunities to invest in growth and prosperity’ in the borough.

The council has also stated that it wants to work with residents, communities, business, charities and other organisations as "together we can achieve more and create a safe and vibrant borough where people can succeed and feel proud to live".

Cllr Martin Bond, the council’s cabinet member for finance and governance, said: “Every St Helens councillor and a significant number of council staff live in the borough.

“The effect of the current cost of living situation is felt by us all, whether we live in St Helens or not.

“Consistent underfunding by central Government has made the situation significantly worse than it otherwise would be, yet we will continue to do our best to protect the most vulnerable residents in the borough.”