St Helens Council scraps £50 school uniform voucher scheme

St Helens Council has scrapped a £50 school uniform voucher scheme for every family in the Merseyside borough, announced by the previous Labour administration in March. Council leader George Woodward confirmed the decision as part of a £2 million savings drive. The Reform UK-led authority is pulling the initiative alongside three other schemes, including free town centre parking and a park ranger service, following a spending review. Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram criticised the move, saying it would hurt struggling families during an expensive back-to-school period. Woodward cited the council's four consecutive years of failing to operate within budget, using reserves to balance books. He said alternative options for parking and flexible green spaces work are being explored, while a new Councillor Community Fund offering up to £2,000 per councillor has been introduced.