“I know that many people across St Helens South and Whiston are feeling the squeeze. Household and fuel bills are a real concern, and local businesses continue to face challenges. This is, in part, due to factors beyond our own borders, such as the war in Iran. But in the areas that we can control, Chancellor Healey has tried to give us breathing space.
Help with energy bills is one of the most immediate measures. From January 2027, eligible households in England living in Council Tax Band A–D properties will receive a £100 Household Energy Payment. 41,000 houses in St. Helens South and Whiston could benefit. The temporary VAT reduction on electricity bills will also continue until July 2027, helping to reduce bills further.
There is also support for local businesses and our high streets. Around 485 eligible properties in St Helens are expected to benefit from business rates support, including a two-year real-terms freeze for qualifying retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.
Families and children are also set to benefit, with funding for breakfast clubs at four local schools: Thatto Heath, Merton Bank, St Luke’s and Sutton Manor. These clubs can help children start the school day with a good breakfast and give families a little extra support.
On housing, the earlier £380 million Liverpool City Region allocation is expected to support around 3,100 homes across the region. There are also plans for a new first-time buyer scheme, which could help eligible buyers get onto the property ladder with a smaller deposit.
The Budget also looks towards the future, with further support for apprenticeships and young people looking to take their first steps into work. And there is a commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, with more than £55 million in national funding over two years to accelerate the Government’s strategy, strengthen law enforcement and improve protection for victims.
I know that no single Budget can solve every challenge people are facing. But this will give us the breathing space in a time when we are facing pressure from all sides, locally, nationally and internationally.”
