Council facing £16m shortfalls vows to make no cuts

The leader of Blackpool Council has vowed there will be no redundancies or cuts to services despite the authority facing a budget shortfall of £16m.

Residents will face a 4.99% increase in council tax as part of the authority's annual budget proposals.

It said it can meet £8m of the shortfall but will have to go back to the government for the rest, outlining the fact that Blackpool is one of the most deprived towns in the country.

Council leader Lynn Williams said: "I understand times are hard but we're spending on services people tell me they value and need - like parks, libraries, leisure centres and free school breakfast schemes."

She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "They all provide free and discounted offers, services and events that everybody can benefit from.

"We're also investing £131m in capital projects over the next three years that will regenerate Blackpool, like the 8,000 workers and students who are moving into the Talbot Gateway, the 5,000 local jobs being created at the Enterprise Zone, new youth services in Revoe, Brunswick and Bispham and providing new and affordable housing developments for people across town.

"We're also increasing the support to families in crisis that means anybody who desperately needs support to pay bills can access it."

Local Conservative leader Paul Galley said: "This budget is a tragedy for the people of Blackpool, who are facing the highest level of council tax increases while receiving less services.

"Blackpool Council is now on a financial precipice."

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