Council budget and spending
Our budget sets out our plans to help us meet the challenges of supporting ambitious growth across our borough, as well as spending on the essential services that our residents depend on us for.
We are continually delivering on essential services in the most efficient and effective ways, and we are working hard to deliver new jobs, homes, infrastructure and opportunities for residents, local businesses and our communities.
This year, we have committed £115 million for investment in projects like the regeneration of St Helens and Earlestown town centres, school building improvements and supporting people to prosper while living in their own homes among others.
The new Government has recognised the considerable financial pressure within local councils from reductions in central government funding over the last 15 years, and has injected funds into key areas such as children's services, special educational needs, adult social care and homelessness.
All year round, and in every part of our borough, we will continue to work with residents, business, charities and other organisations to deliver support.
A budget designed with you, for you
The council has a responsibility to consult with residents and businesses before setting its budget. A consultation ran between 16 January 2025 and 7 February 2025.
The responses have been analysed and detailed in a report summarising the outcome of the consultation.
Setting your 2025-2026 Council Tax
Your Council Tax is an important part of our budget, but we continue to face significant budget challenges and some difficult choices have been necessary.
Given the financial pressures and the savings required to arrive at a legally balanced budget, we have reluctantly increased Council Tax by 4.99%, of which 2% is to go towards funding the extra cost of adult social care. Our borough still has one of the lowest Council Tax rates in Merseyside.
This increase in Council Tax will not cover the entire budget requirement we need, but it will raise around £4.8m for services which otherwise would have to be cut. For approximately 85% of households the rise will mean less than an extra 22p per day to help maintain vital services at a time of increasing demand.
The Household Support Fund will provide help to residents who are struggling to afford energy, food, water and other essential bills. You can also find help with paying your Council Tax.
You can find out more about how the budget works and how we balance the budget via the links below.
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