For generations, Blackpool’s illuminated promenade has drawn tourists from all over, promising seaside fun, vibrant nightlife, and cherished memories. Yet, beyond the famous lights and festive facade lies a different, much darker side to this seaside town – one defined by poverty, struggle, and stark deprivation. Many of Blackpool’s residents, especially its youngest, live with limited resources and limited hope for change.

Blackpool, with its world-famous tower, bustling promenade, and lively Blackpool Pleasure Beach may seem like the epitome of a fun-filled seaside town. However, what lies beneath the bright lights and tourist attractions is a startling truth – Blackpool has one of the highest rates of child poverty in the UK.

According to government statistics, over 38% of children in Blackpool live below the poverty line. This means that they are living in households that survive on incomes that are less than 60% of the national average. This staggering statistic is more than double the national average and places Blackpool as one of the worst-hit areas for child poverty in the country.

Digging deeper into these numbers reveals even more alarming realities. In some parts of Blackpool, such as Bloomfield and Victoria wards, almost half of all children are living in poverty. These areas also have some of the highest rates of unemployment and low-income families in the town.

Child poverty is not just an issue affecting a child’s access to material possessions; it has far-reaching consequences on their physical health, emotional well-being, education, and future opportunities. Children living in poverty are more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses due to inadequate nutrition and living conditions. They often struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression due to high levels of stress and uncertainty about their future.

Growing up in poverty can also have a significant impact on a child’s education. With limited resources at home and a lack of access to extracurricular activities or educational opportunities outside school, children from low-income families often struggle academically. This can lead to lower aspirations for their future and limited job prospects as adults. Sadly, child poverty is not a new issue in Blackpool. For decades, it has plagued this seaside town, with little progress made in addressing it.

Children from low-income families often face significant challenges in their schooling. Illness, lack of resources, and the stress of financial hardship can all impact attendance and performance, making academic success a difficult goal. Without strong educational support, many of these children find breaking free from poverty to be an insurmountable challenge.

For some Blackpool families, putting food on the table or providing warm clothing is a daily struggle. Nutritious food is often out of reach, leading to malnutrition and other health complications, including childhood obesity. In fact, Blackpool has one of the country’s highest rates of childhood obesity – an unsettling testament to the sacrifices families make as they stretch their limited resources.

Once a thriving holiday destination for the hub of textile and manufacturing industries, Blackpool’s economy has struggled to keep pace in a world increasingly shaped by globalization and outsourcing. With these stable industries vanishing, many families were left without a reliable means of income, marking the beginning of Blackpool’s economic decline and rise in poverty.

Today, employment opportunities in Blackpool remain sparse, pushing many residents to rely on government benefits just to make ends meet. Unfortunately, these benefits often fall short, barely covering the essentials. Children raised in financially struggling households often grow up seeing little way out of their circumstances, trapped in a cycle of deprivation that is incredibly difficult to escape.

With limited funding, essential infrastructure and public services in Blackpool are overburdened and often underfunded. Schools, healthcare facilities, and community services struggle to provide adequate support for residents, further compounding the town’s difficulties.

In times of desperation, some residents turn to crime to survive, creating a challenging environment for the entire community. As poverty drives crime rates up, Blackpool faces not only a safety concern but also a negative reputation that casts a long shadow over its attempts to attract investment and new opportunities.

Solving Blackpool’s poverty crisis is no small feat, but it is achievable through targeted, united efforts.

Investing in local economic development and attracting new businesses is essential for creating job opportunities that provide stability and growth. By diversifying its economy, Blackpool can offer residents the stable employment they need to break free from poverty.

Expanding access to quality education is crucial in helping Blackpool’s youth overcome poverty. Initiatives like free school meals, improved educational resources, and mentoring programs can make a profound difference in equipping children with the tools they need for success.

Safe, affordable housing is foundational to overcoming poverty. Investing in social housing and enforcing fair rent controls will give Blackpool residents a stable, affordable base from which to rebuild their lives.

Addressing poverty isn’t just the responsibility of governments or institutions. Volunteers, local businesses, and residents all play a vital role. Through community engagement and support, Blackpool’s residents can help lift each other up, creating a culture of resilience and hope.

Though poverty in Blackpool remains deeply entrenched, change is within reach. Acknowledging and addressing the hidden struggles in this town can open doors to new opportunities and brighter futures. By coming together as a community to tackle these issues, Blackpool can become a town where the bright lights shine not only for tourists but also as a symbol of opportunity and hope for everyone who calls it home.

Investment has started, but many fear it is for tourism and those already employed within Government agencies, the new Civil Service Hub as an example. Many locals living on benefits and in-work benefit top-ups will not be able to access jobs here. Many do not have the qualifications to enter the civil service let alone pass the background checks. It is also highlighted that this hub is pulling civil service jobs from across the area, local and nationally, to one place.

The Multiversity plans, although seemingly a good idea, are focusing qualifications for the social care industry. This industry thrives on minimum wages and currently many employers offer exploitative zero hour contracts. Yet again another area that does not lift people out of poverty but keeps them firmly there, for generations to come.

Whatever the answer to these problems, Blackpool has a lot of work to do, new investment is a start, but Blackpool has survived hard times before and will hopefully grow and become a part of the future.