Budget for council services 2024/25

A balanced budget

The Financial Challenge

In common with other local authorities, St Helens is facing a shortfall between the amount of money required to run services and the amount of money available. The costs of providing services are increasing due to ongoing inflationary and pay pressures. At the same time, demand for our services continues to grow. Our population is growing, people are generally living longer and the type of services that they need is changing.

The Council recognises these unprecedented increases in costs have also impacted both residents and businesses across St Helens. When considering ways to maximise income generation through fees and charges, the Council acknowledges this must offset against the impact changes would have on your community and local businesses.

Setting a balanced budget for 2024/25

The final budget-setting report, the 'Medium Term Financial Strategy 2024-2027 and Revenue & Capital Budget 2024/25', was approved by Cabinet on 28 February 2024 and by full Council on 6 March 2024.

A copy of the 'Medium Term Financial Strategy 2024-2027 and Revenue & Capital Budget 2024/25' and interim budget reports presented to Cabinet can be found under 'Downloads' below.

The council has a responsibility to consult with residents and businesses before setting its budget. A public consultation opened on 10 November 2023 and ran for four weeks, closing on 11 December 2023.  

The responses have been analysed and a report summarising the outcome of the consultation, can be found below.  The results of the consultation were presented to Cabinet on 24 January 2024.

Budget Consultation Outcome Report 2024-25 (PDF) [251KB] (opens new window)

Following consultation with the public and key stakeholders, the proposed budget is approved by Members at the end of February/beginning of March.

Every year we publish a budget book, setting out the agreed budget for the forthcoming financial year.

This document can be found under 'Downloads'.