Aran Dhillon

Plans have been submitted to convert disused basement and ground-floor office space on Ormskirk Street in St Helens town centre into five apartments. The proposal follows a recently granted application, currently awaiting a decision, to convert the first and second floors into houses in multiple occupation. The design statement says the conversion would improve residential amenity, preserve the building façade and support the vitality of the town centre.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has launched a national initiative intended to offer everyone sleeping rough a route off the streets by Christmas, supported by £442 million in additional funding. The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, which includes St Helens Council, will receive £9.99 million as part of a £36.9 million allocation for the North West over three years. The programme will fund emergency accommodation, more than 1,000 settled homes, and wraparound support addressing housing, health and other needs. A national summit will bring together businesses, charities, faith groups and public services, while new guidance emphasizes specialist provision for women at risk of violence and exploitation. A further £8.4 million will support community-based homelessness projects.