Plan to modernise transport for most vulnerable residents put forward
Councillors are set to discuss plans that would see new vehicles bought to support greater independence for some of the most vulnerable people across St Helens Borough.
Article date: October 19 2025
At Cabinet next week councillors will be asked to vote on a decision that would see the current fleet of adapted buses that provide transport for children and adult social care replaced.
Councillor Tracy Dickinson, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Environmental Services, said: "These vehicles are a lifeline for so many families, whether that's helping children get to school or supporting adults with a range of needs to get to our wonderful services that provide an enriching experience outside of their own home where they can spend time with friends. As with vehicles that are heavily used day in day out that as they get older they cost more in maintenance so it's vital that they are replaced."
The report puts forward plans to replace six of the nine-strong fleet in 2025/26 with a further three bought in 2026/27. The service is managed in-house by the council's Operations Team who have worked with both Children and Adult Social Care services to make sure the replacements will meet the needs of those using the fleet.
The plans will be discussed at Cabinet on Wednesday 24 September. To find out more about the plans visit: Cabinet report on social care fleet replacement