THE LATEST
NEWS
Blackpool awarded £2.86 million in government funding to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping
The funding represents an increase of £875,000 over the previous year’s funding, and forms part of a broader £1 billion national investment aimed at addressing homelessness across the country.
![Woodlands school and the urgent need for SEND reform](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664f097c26ec0e65107c67e8/1734354044356-PB272IH4W4K08Y32Z8WO/tempImage1iTrgC.gif)
Woodlands school and the urgent need for SEND reform
On a recent visit to Woodlands School, I was reminded of the huge challenges faced by families and children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
![Knife crime: giving Blackpool a voice in parliament](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664f097c26ec0e65107c67e8/1733921144675-UHXETZK08NGNV5OI8SVY/skynews-knife-crime-cut_4601619.jpg)
Knife crime: giving Blackpool a voice in parliament
I met with the Crime and Policing Minister, Diana Johnson MP, to discuss my serious concerns about knife crime and anti social behaviour, which continues to have a devastating impact on communities in Blackpool.
![Campaign update: Access to Infant Formula](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664f097c26ec0e65107c67e8/1733913342419-71S292E996KH5KH0R7WX/6563e355-f46b-40c8-8955-ab5f249ca646.jpg)
Campaign update: Access to Infant Formula
It’s been one month since I stood in Parliament and called on the government to ensure parents can access infant formula and I wanted to update my constituents on the work that has happened since.
![Pension Credit: apply before 21st December deadline](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664f097c26ec0e65107c67e8/1734014649452-ED03W8AP6X7RTMWLCLQ3/Foxhall+-02.jpg)
![Blackpool South Christmas Directory](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664f097c26ec0e65107c67e8/1733392218015-SZD7YC8DYQIBKWR9RYGV/xmas.jpg)
![Statement on the suspension of Blackpool Heritage Trams](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664f097c26ec0e65107c67e8/1733852901619-Z9OWD6XFDNRDCC8JC909/imageresizer.jpeg)
Statement on the suspension of Blackpool Heritage Trams
I am relieved that Blackpool Council has confirmed that heritage trams will return in 2025. But the suspension of our heritage trams, including the illuminated vehicles during the Christmas period is very disappointing.
![New government growth service to save small business time and money](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664f097c26ec0e65107c67e8/e8b21c54-23ec-4162-96e8-50ce1d85f480/IMG_1902-2.jpeg.jpg)
New government growth service to save small business time and money
A new Business Growth Service launching in early 2025 will allow small businesses in Blackpool and beyond to get quicker and easier help, support and advice.
![Five retail, hospitality and leisure businesses putting Blackpool on the map](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664f097c26ec0e65107c67e8/1733478721683-PA8CT7AFIMASMXPG583A/402278649_730924859072340_2051593051465556413_n.jpg)
Five retail, hospitality and leisure businesses putting Blackpool on the map
Small Business Saturday UK is a brilliant campaign celebrating small businesses and encouraging everyone to 'shop local' to support businesses in their communities.
![How Blackpool could lead the way in fixing our broken food system](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664f097c26ec0e65107c67e8/1733321839578-2EB2XTGPT8CV0Y57ORXS/free-photos-free-images-085182-1024.jpg)
How Blackpool could lead the way in fixing our broken food system
With the second highest density of fast food outlets in the country and high levels of poverty meaning a lack of access to nutritious food, obesity is one of the most difficult issues our town faces. A new report highlights Blackpool not only as a critical case study but our potential to lead meaningful change too.
![Help shape government’s action on child poverty in Blackpool South](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664f097c26ec0e65107c67e8/b831ab5b-853d-40e2-8b66-58af9b3daa83/Blackpool_Beach_Sunset.jpg)
Help shape government’s action on child poverty in Blackpool South
I’m reaching out to parents, carers and professionals working with children in Blackpool South to help me show the government what life is really like for young people here.
![Survey: The Impact of the Cost of Living on Childhood in Blackpool South](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664f097c26ec0e65107c67e8/1727254619794-GRXDFFHE37DGJO6ALKA9/KelloggsBreakfastClub_001-scaled-1.jpg)
Survey: The Impact of the Cost of Living on Childhood in Blackpool South
Fill in my survey to help the government understand the challenges children in Blackpool South face.
![How Blackpool feels about assisted dying](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664f097c26ec0e65107c67e8/1730714372734-Z2CC3LLI23YYSXBX0GMS/euthanasia.jpg)
How Blackpool feels about assisted dying
Almost 300 of you have so far answered my survey on the topic and generously shared not only your considered views, but your personal experiences too.
![Blackpool’s biggest ever jobs fair is coming](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664f097c26ec0e65107c67e8/1732799250361-WWNY4NN5WBPRSRA5QNVZ/CW1B%26W.jpg)
Blackpool’s biggest ever jobs fair is coming
On 27th February 2025, alongside Fylde Coast Jobcentres, I am hosting Blackpool’s biggest ever jobs fair, bringing together our town’s best employers under one roof alongside members of the public seeking work and new opportunities
![Ending violence against women and girls: It starts with men](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664f097c26ec0e65107c67e8/1732536954516-7W7Z4GY4RJ93L3QKRYDS/WhatsApp+Image+2024-11-20+at+13.54.58.jpeg)
Ending violence against women and girls: It starts with men
When police chiefs declared Violence Against Women and Girls a national emergency in July, it only confirmed what women and girls in my constituency already know to be true.
![A day in the life of an MP in the constituency](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664f097c26ec0e65107c67e8/1732122753178-MV5WJK6G5WLC5S3TGOOA/Foxhall+-22.jpg)
A day in the life of an MP in the constituency
This week is UK Parliament Week and, as well as visiting schools and youth groups to talk to them about how they can take part in our democratic processes, I want to give you an insight into my work as an MP.
![The true cost of infant formula for families in Blackpool](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664f097c26ec0e65107c67e8/1732035114812-TJAUHUZX4OMMVY0YWWL2/image002.jpg)
The true cost of infant formula for families in Blackpool
Over the past two years, the cheapest brand of formula has risen by 45% with an average price hike of 25%. These increases are putting immense pressure on families in Blackpool, where child poverty has increased by 30% in the last year and 12,500 children are going without enough food each day.
![Blackpool schools get involved with UK Parliament Week](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664f097c26ec0e65107c67e8/1732035988841-589X2AUBJH9Q2UWRL2Z7/1-7W0A4265.jpg)
Blackpool schools get involved with UK Parliament Week
School children in Blackpool will be learning about the inner workings of Parliament this week (18th-24th November) after I invited them to get involved in this year’s UK Parliament Week.
![The keys to Blackpool’s future](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664f097c26ec0e65107c67e8/1730899531771-ADOF8WL2HDDSI4JWKYPX/czNmcy1wcml2YXRlL3Jhd3BpeGVsX2ltYWdlcy93ZWJzaXRlX2NvbnRlbnQvbHIvcHg2MTkxNTEtaW1hZ2Uta3d2eGs4c28uanBn.jpg)
The keys to Blackpool’s future
The housing crisis contributes to a huge range of problems. Poverty, inequality, poor physical and mental health, educational attainment and social exclusion.
![Tackling Blackpool’s School Attendance Crisis](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/664f097c26ec0e65107c67e8/1730892037529-GW4PETOHM8VQ1BCTVVQH/7W0A3168+copy.jpg)
Tackling Blackpool’s School Attendance Crisis
New data from the Department for Education shows that one in 34 children in Blackpool miss at least half of their lessons.