Blackpool Council to Receive £17.7 Million Funding Increase Amid Budget Overspend

Blackpool is slated to receive an additional £17.7 million in government funding for the upcoming financial year, designated for town services. This represents a 9.1% increase over the current year’s allocation. This funding increase follows previous warnings that the town’s council is projected to exceed its current budget by £7 million, with its reserves anticipated to significantly decrease by the conclusion of the financial year. The announcement of this increase is part of the central government’s yearly process for determining funding allocations to local government bodies. The core spending power is set to rise from £196 million this year to £213.7 million. Within this settlement, social care funding is slated to increase by 19%, reaching £26 million in 2025/2026, which constitutes a £4.2 million rise. Chris Webb, the Member of Parliament for Blackpool South, stated that this funding would “transform lives, improve our local services and deliver for the people of Blackpool.” He further commented: “Over the last few months I’ve brought ministers and senior government officials to Blackpool to show them in person the problems we face and the good work being done.” He added: “The government has paid attention and recognised that investing in Blackpool is the right thing to do.” This settlement is anticipated to receive approval early next year, preceding the council’s agreement on its 2025/26 budget and the determination of council tax levels. According to the most recent financial report presented to the council’s executive, an overspend of £7 million is projected for the current budget. This includes a £5 million overspend within children’s services and a £3.5 million overspend in adult services. Councillor Paul Galley, who leads the Conservative group on the council, had previously cautioned that services might be affected if financial stability is not restored.