St Helens Labour is the only party with a proper plan for St Helens Borough, Forward Together: St Helens, sets out a bold plan to build a stronger, fairer borough while continuing major regeneration and investment.
READ OUR PLAN HERE:
St Helens Labour Manifesto 2026
The plan highlights Labour’s track record since the last all-out elections in 2022, including millions secured for transport, skills and investment, the transformation of St Helens and Earlestown town centres taking shape, and major improvements to children’s services and adult social care—both now rated “Good”, with care leavers’ services judged “Outstanding”, Parkside Link road has been delivered unlocking the former colliery site to an area for jobs and employment once again, we’ve delivered new schools, improvements to our parks and open spaces, and our Adult Social Care services are ranked Good by the Care Quality Commission to name just a few.
Forward Together also sets out ambitious plans for the next four years, including free school uniforms for every child, free town centre parking, more affordable housing, increased investment in parks and public services, and bringing buses back under public control.
The programme places a strong emphasis on tackling the cost of living, creating well-paid local jobs, improving neighbourhoods, and ensuring residents can rely on high-quality frontline services.
Anthony Burns, Leader of St Helens Labour, said:
“St Helens is a borough I’m proud to call home, and our plan builds on the real progress we’ve made together. From regenerating our town centres to improving vital services, we are delivering visible change in people’s everyday lives.
“But we know there is more to do. Forward Together sets out how we will go further—creating good jobs, supporting families with the cost of living, investing in our communities, and making sure every child gets the best start in life.
“This election is a clear choice: continue with a Labour council that gets things done, or risk going backwards. Do we want uncertainty, with services stretched and support cut back? Or do we invest in the things that make a difference to everyday life?
“My promise is simple: Labour will always stand with you, always put St Helens first, and always get on with the job.”
My promise is simple: Labour will always stand with you, always put St Helens first, and always get on with the job. - Leader of St Helens Labour, Anthony Burns
The plan includes practical support for residents, such as free school uniforms to help families with rising costs, free town centre parking to boost local businesses, free use of grass pitches for junior sports clubs, and free swimming for children during school holidays. The bus fare cap will remain keeping fares low for our residents and we will keep the concessionary pass for older people at 60 years old, seven years earlier than most other areas. We will also look at our waste collection methods and introduce bins to replace the recycling bags.
Anthony Burns added:
“These changes are only possible with a Labour council working alongside a Labour City Region and a Labour Government. Our borough is already starting to feel the benefits.
“We are seeing major transformation in our town centres, with exciting developments in St Helens and long-overdue investment in Earlestown. Restoring the Town Hall and hearing the clock bells ring again is a powerful symbol of that renewal.”
The plan also commits to investing in environmental services to keep streets clean and green spaces safe, while focusing on the basics—fixing potholes, tackling fly-tipping and improving everyday services residents rely on.
Labour says the plan will strengthen community safety, expand transport links, support residents into work, and continue long-term investment across the borough.
With over 700 services delivered daily, the council says its focus remains on “doing the basics well” while driving lasting change for local people.
