Statement from Council Leader, Labour’s David Baines:
Today, myself, Conor McGinn MP, Marie Rimmer MP, Conservative Group Leader Allan Jones, Green Party Group Leader David O’Keefe, Liberal Democrat Group Leader Teresa Sims and Independent Group Leader James Tasker have written a joint letter to Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Local Government about the urgent funding crisis facing St Helens Council.
Properly funded public services should not be a party political issue, especially at a time of national crisis when their importance is plain for all to see.
So I’m pleased that all parties represented on St Helens Council have joined me in signing this letter, and I thank Allan, David, Teresa and James for their support.
We’re asking for clarity from the Government and a commitment to help cover the significant extra costs and losses St Helens is suffering in the fight against COVID-19. A budget gap of £25m would be catastrophic for the essential services we provide.
Our key workers, the services they provide, and the residents who rely on them, deserve nothing less than the full support of Government.