Blackpool awarded £90m funding boost for housing

Blackpool has been chosen because of a rising number of poor properties, the government said

Blackpool has been awarded £90m of government cash to help transform squalid and damp housing in the town's most deprived areas.

The announcement was made by Levelling Up Minister Michael Gove, who in 2022 chose the town as one of 20 pilot areas in the country.

He said Blackpool had been picked because of a rising number of poor properties there.

Inspections have shown homes with a range of conditions such as damp.

Housing in the town's inner areas has suffered from deprivation blamed on factors including poorly converted former holiday accommodation turned into permanent homes.

Council leader Lynn Williams said: "Our residents and communities desperately need better housing and investment in their neighbourhoods, especially in the inner areas of Blackpool.

"We will use this funding to continue the process of positive change, improving housing, neighbourhoods and life chances across inner Blackpool. We will be holding a full public consultation concerning our plans for a first phase."

'Pressing need'

The investment, which forms part of the government's levelling up commitment to the town, will be used over the coming years to start to acquire property, facilitate master-planning of key areas, develop further funding bids and help prepare for the development of new housing in Blackpool.

Previously the council unveiled plans to improve neighbourhoods in Revoe, Claremont and around the Waterloo Road area of South Shore.

Levelling Up under-secretary Jacob Young visited Blackpool in January to get a first-hand look at how government cash had already been used to tackle sub-standard housing.

The scale of the town's housing problems was revealed when the first phase of the pilot scheme saw around 150 inspections carried out. Visits to 76 properties found category one hazards, which are the worst conditions to be living in.

Chris Webb, Labour's parliamentary candidate in Blackpool South, welcomed the announcement.

He said: "Being Blackpool born and bred, I understand the pressing need for affordable and safe housing options for our residents.

"This substantial funding will not only help alleviate the housing shortage but will also create job opportunities and stimulate the local economy."

Blackburn with Darwen has also been awarded £20m from the fund, £8m of which will be used to renovate King George's Hall in Blackburn.

There will also be new investment for Tony's Ballroom, The Exchange and Imperial Mill.