Liberal Democrats Call for Urgent Action on Social Housing Crisis in Blackpool

The Liberal Democrats in Blackpool are raising the alarm over the dire state of social housing in the town, following recent findings by housing charity Shelter. According to Shelter's research, only one new social home has been constructed in Blackpool over the last decade, despite nearly a thousand being sold or demolished.

This alarming shortfall in social housing development comes at a time when the need for such homes is increasingly critical. Shelter’s analysis of government statistics has revealed that over 7,000 households remain on the social housing waiting list in Blackpool. Furthermore, the charity highlighted that a significant number of Blackpool residents are dependent on housing benefits, with 74% of the over 20,500 households renting privately in the town requiring assistance to meet their rent payments.

"The situation in Blackpool it's unacceptable," said Andrew Cregan, spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats in Blackpool. "Many families find themselves stuck in unsuitable temporary accommodations or grappling with continuous rent increases with no social homes available. This is a clear indication that urgent action is needed to address this crisis."

The Liberal Democrats are calling on both local and national government officials to reevaluate their strategies and significantly increase the investment in social housing. "We need a bold plan that ensures a substantial increase in the number of social homes available to meet the growing demand," Andrew Cregan added.

In light of these challenges, the Liberal Democrats are proposing a series of measures aimed at boosting the construction of social housing in Blackpool. These include increasing funding for local authorities specifically for social housing projects, and ensuring that new developments include a higher proportion of social rent homes.

"It’s essential that we provide real solutions that will deliver the genuinely affordable homes Blackpool desperately needs," concluded Andrew Cregan.

The Liberal Democrats are committed to ensuring that everyone in Blackpool has access to affordable, high-quality housing and will continue to push for changes that will make a tangible difference in the lives of many.