Independent reviewers give St Helens Borough Council a glowing report

Article date: 11 April 2025

The endorsement came from an independent team of councillors and officers from across the country who led a Corporate Peer Challenge from the Local Government Association to review the council's progress since its last full review in 2019.

Councillor Anthony Burns, Leader of St Helens Borough Council, said:

"We are immensely proud that the team of independent reviewers have recognised the council's transformation over the last five years. This is a credit to the work that all our hard-working staff, councillors, officers and partners have put in to making our borough better, from giving children the best start in life, creating inclusive growth, backing ambitious plans to regenerate our borough, supporting all communities to flourish, working together to raise aspiration and help people live healthier and happier lives.

"This is a great endorsement and a brilliant report to read which I'm looking forward to presenting to Cabinet and Council. I am so proud to lead this fantastic authority in our brilliant borough serving our great residents."

The report, published for the first time today, Friday 11th April, set out the improvements it had seen during its visit in February this year.

Comments included: "The council's leadership is highly respected within the borough and region, and the organisation is seen as a credible, active and effective partner. The contribution from St Helens Borough Council in partnerships across the borough and wider city region is both valued and recognised.

Reviewers went on to say: "The council is now equipped and positioned to serve the residents of the Borough effectively. Officers and councillors should be confident about the next phase of the council's development, building on the progress to date and the firm foundations in place. The Council has a clear vision with priorities that councillors are committed to.

"The improvement across the organisation has resulted in the core components of a well-functioning council being in place and working well, including robust governance, performance management, financial stewardship and effective partnerships.

"The council has modernised and is functioning well in many areas. There is a good understanding, particularly across the political and managerial leadership, of the areas for further improvement and development, and an obvious commitment to and focus on those. The council knows what it needs to do."

The peer team spent four days onsite at the council, during which they gathered evidence, information, and views from more than 40 meetings, in addition to further research and reading and spoke to more than 100 people including a range of council staff together with members and external stakeholders

They met a passionate workforce and cross-party councillors who spoke of the ambitious plans for the borough and recognised that the council's financial position is in a more stable position compared to many other similar sized authorities.

As part of the review process the report set out 10 supporting recommendations and the council had formed an action plan that will address these areas going forward which will go to Cabinet and then Council for approval.

Councillor Burns added: "The Corporate Peer Challenge is clear that we have solid foundations in place that will support our ambitious plans for the future of the borough. Those foundations have put in place the building blocks for the regeneration of our borough, our ability to provide support for the most vulnerable when they need our help, and the strength of our partnerships to empower our communities to take pride in this great borough.

"This report is another important indicator of how the council is delivering quality services for its residents who value them, alongside the national recognition we have received for improvement and innovation, most notably with our Good Ofsted inspection for Children's Services in 2023 and our award-winning approach to helping those in need. 

"The report also builds on the confidence expressed by a range of other independent evaluations, including that of the council's independent financial auditors Grant Thornton, who have confirmed that the council has robust measures in place to ensure the continued economic and efficient use of resources. In addition, the council was the first metropolitan council in England to have last year's accounts signed off, an indication of auditor's confidence in the council and its financial position. We are really proud of the findings of this report. It is good to see that we are on track, investing in the future whilst delivering for today.

"We know where we can enhance this support further, create better opportunities for our residents and businesses to benefit and meet the challenges that lie ahead, and this action plan will put those plans in place to make St Helens Borough the very best it can be."

The report will be discussed at Cabinet on Wednesday 23 April, with a live webcast staring at 4pm. Tune in on the day and read the report here: Agenda for Cabinet on Wednesday, 23rd April, 2025, 4.00 pm St Helens Borough Council