If you are struggling to make ends meet at the moment, you are not alone. So many people and households are in the same position, feeling the pinch and under pressure because of the rising costs of energy bills, food and essentials.

The council has been pulling together with partners, community organisations and volunteer groups in our town to identify what resources are available to help people and what we can do together to provide further assistance now and over the coming months.

As a council we are a member of the White Ribbon organisation which is a charity that aims to prevent violence against women and girls by addressing its root causes.

On 25 November, we started our 16 days of action aimed at preventing and promoting recognition of Domestic Abuse, its causes, and the effect on the victims, friends and families. In addition to supporting this national campaign we also have our own local campaign – It Stops Here. Soon we will share more of the plans we have been developing, with the police, with health, with businesses and our vibrant community groups to create not just safe spaces, but a safe Blackpool that is intolerant of abuse and an environment that is safe for all.

I’m sure many of you will be in the town centre for your Christmas shopping! I’m delighted to share the news that we have a new tenant for the former Debenhams store. After the closure of Debenhams in 2021, we were determined to find the right sort of replacement anchor tenant – one that would have a hugely positive impact on the Houndshill and match our ambitions for the rejuvenation of the wider town centre.

Our patience and perseverance have paid off and we have let the space to The Frasers Group who will bring their key brands including Frasers, Flannels, and Sports Direct to Blackpool in 2023.

We have also had fantastic news in regard to the Blackpool Central development. In order for the scheme to progress the Magistrates and County Courts currently situated within the proposed site needed to be relocated. The Government has now committed to funding a new £40 million state-of-the-art complex in the town centre. Read more about this and other regeneration projects.

Finally on behalf of the council I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.