Record government funding for Blackpool is coming
Blackpool will see a record increase in funding in the next financial year – a 9.1% increase and £17.7 million more than it received last year under the Tories.
As part of the government’s Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement for 2024/2025, Blackpool will see the fourth largest percentage increase in its finances of any local authority in the country.
This increase brings our total core spending power to £196 million for 2024/2025 and will rise to £213.7 million in 2025/2026. Only major cities like Liverpool, Manchester and Salford will receive higher increases, underscoring the government’s commitment to tackling the deep-rooted regional inequalities that have held our town back for far too long.
This funding boost will provide vital support to our public services, with a significant £4.2 million increase in social care funding – a 19.2% rise – bringing total funding for social care to £26 million by 2025/2026. This will ensure that our most vulnerable residents are properly cared for and that vital services remain robust. In addition, £2 million grant for 2025/2026 will help strengthen the support we provide to children and families.
I’ve been lobbying the government to ensure that Blackpool gets the attention and resources it needs to thrive. This Local Government finance settlement demonstrates that the government has listened.
It represents a huge step forward for our town, with millions more being invested into social care, children’s services and overall local government spending.
For far too long we have faced some of the worst outcomes in the country, but we also have the solutions to our own problems. I’ve been telling the government that what we lack is the investment to make positive change.
Over the last few months I’ve brought ministers and senior government officials to Blackpool, including the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, and secretaries of state to show them in person the problems we face and the good work being done. The government has paid attention and recognised that investing in Blackpool is the right thing to do.
With Prime Minister Keir Starmer and education secretary Bridget Phillipson on Waterloo Road
The Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement for Blackpool is part of a wider £69 billion package aimed at supporting councils across the country. The funding will help local authorities tackle long-standing issues in public services, reduce regional disparities and promote growth. Blackpool is a prime example of a town that can be transformed with the right investment and this is a massive step in the right direction.
I’m incredibly proud to see Blackpool finally receiving the resources it needs to thrive. The work doesn’t stop here – I will continue to push for the support our town deserves but today is a huge win for Blackpool and its residents. We’re on the path to Building a Better Blackpool and this funding will help us get there.
