New plans to level up Blackpool announced

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove has unveiled new measures to help improve the lives of people in Blackpool by cracking down on rogue private landlords and investing in regeneration projects.

Blackpool, which has 8 of the 10 most deprived neighbourhoods in England, will now receive support to deliver a levelling up package across 

The package includes a crackdown on rogue landlords by scaling up the local enforcement team to deliver more action on those not meeting current standards and a transformative regeneration programme to create new homes and turbocharge tourism in the area.

The plans have been developed by government, local leaders, businesses and community groups who are working together to tackle the entrenched inequalities that have ‘held the town back’, as part of a new strategic partnership.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said: ‘For too long great British towns like Blackpool have been held back by deeply entrenched problems that impact the everyday lives of local families – and we are working to put that right.

‘Our levelling up plan will help transform this proud coastal town and deliver real change for thousands of families across Blackpool.’

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: ‘We are very pleased that the government is putting Blackpool at the forefront of its Levelling Up agenda.

‘Locally, we have developed a unique partnership with business and the voluntary sector. Our ask of government was to work with this partnership to help deliver a step change that will transform the lives of our residents and our communities.

‘As a local authority, we have already achieved a great deal and demonstrated that we can deliver real and lasting change if we have the required funding and support from central government.

‘We are hugely encouraged that Ministers have recognised that potential and our ability to deliver, and are willing to commit to a long-term partnership that will support the regeneration of this wonderful town. We look forward to starting that journey together in the weeks and months ahead.’

Christine Hodgson CBE, Chair of Blackpool Pride of Place Partnership, added: ‘Through collaboration, we have made a lot of good progress on Blackpool’s opportunities and challenges but we believe the only way to tackle the town’s entrenched social challenges is now to work together with national government.

Longstanding neglect by some local landlords has led to Blackpool experiencing some of the worst housing conditions in the country, with at least 1 in 3 properties classified as ‘non-decent’.

An expanded local enforcement team will take tough action against those not meeting existing standards and measure landlords against future national standards. This toughened inspection regime will tackle exploitation in the local private rented sector and supported housing market driving up housing quality and protecting the most vulnerable.

Alongside this enforcement drive, Homes England will join forces with Blackpool Council, using additional funding of £650,000 to explore regeneration opportunities to improve Blackpool’s housing stock and quality of place.

And there’s support for residents in supported housing as well with a portion of a further £20m, over 3 years, to improve standards of support and drive out unscrupulous providers.

In a further boost, Blackpool has also been named as one of 20 areas in England to receive a King’s Cross style transformation through an ambitious regeneration programme. These plans for regeneration aim to create more vibrant spaces for Blackpool’s community.

Homes England will work at pace with local leaders on the ground to find new opportunities for regeneration, delivering new homes and jobs for the community.

And the area will have access to the £1.5bn Brownfield Fund, to kickstart regeneration of unused land and build new homes and communities.

This builds on plans to relocate 3,000 Work and Pension jobs to the town centre by 2024, and other significant government investment in Blackpool including a £39.5m Town Deal to improve skills and training in the town and an additional £4.5m to transform the Blackpool illuminations, which attracts thousands of tourists every year.

In related news, 25 areas across England have been awarded a share of £3m by the government to help them set their own standards for community-led regeneration projects.

Photo by Josh Couch