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St Helen’s residents could face rise in council tax to fund town redevelopment

18th February 2026

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St Helen’s residents could face a council tax rise if funding for a major redevelopment of the town centre fall short.

Speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside’s ‘In the Hot Seat’ phone about the possibility of residents having to foot some of the bill, council leader Anthony Burns said: “Look, that always has to be a consideration.”

Redevelopment plans for the town centre have received £69m in funding from St Helen’s Borough Council and two Town Deal government grants that amount to £10.5m.

The first phase of the project is already underway and is “a once in a generation thing”, according to Mr Burns.

The redevelopment plans include a hotel, market hall, independent shops, 65 new homes, public spaces and an extended bus station, linked to the railway station.

Mr Burns was asked by a caller whether the people of St Helen’s would be a ‘magic money tree’ if not enough funding is received for the project.

He said: “Look, that always has to be a consideration. Other political parties have come and said we won’t put council tax up and then they’ve had no choice.”

St Helen's Railway Station (Image by El Pollock used under creative commons license) Northern Rail Class 142, 142048, St. Helens Central railway station (geograph 3795539).jpg — St Helen’s Railway Station (Image by El Pollock used under creative commons license)
Northern Rail Class 142, 142048, St. Helens Central railway station (geograph 3795539).jpg

Mr Burns added: “The 4^thMarch council budget is when all those decisions will come”.

St Helen’s is also preparing to welcome the Tour De France next year for stage two of the men’s race on Saturday 3^rd July.

The event will bring St Helen’s into the public eye.

“We want to show the borough off to the world”, said Mr Burns.

During the BBC Radio Merseyside segment, radio presenter Tony Snell asked the council leader about the event coming to St Helens. Mr Snell claimed: “Potholes will be filled in instantly overnight because of the Tour De France. That’s going to annoy people isn’t it?”

Mr Burns, said: “We are trying, we are fighting a battle as every council is.”

“We’ve got more funding from the government now so people will see repairs, and we’re doing our best to keep up with the back log.”

Featured Image: St Helen’s Town Hall – image by Michael Heavey
(Image used under Creative Commons License)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/St_Helens_Town_Hall.jpg