50 jobs at risk as Blackpool Council aims to save £5.5m

By Lancashire Business View

01 Dec 2017

Blackpool Council has announced its proposals to save £5.5m, including as many as 50 redundancies and the end of 20 contract posts.

The council must make the savings in the 2018/19 financial year due to government funding cuts.

Coun Simon Blackburn, Leader of Blackpool Council, said of the job losses: " This is nowhere near as many posts as have been lost in previous years, but that is no consolation to the hard-working staff that will be affected.

“This year we have tried to protect front line services, as much as we possibly can, by looking at new and creative ways of saving money and generating income. However, the difficult reality is that the budget proposals may result in a maximum of 50 redundancies with an additional 20 contract posts ending - although we expect the final figure to be lower.

"In addition, all employees will be asked once again to volunteer to take unpaid leave which will save approximately £1m a year."

The councillor also said that Blackpool would take advantage of its ability to borrow at low interest rates to invest in infrastructure and to help businesses to expand.

He added: “The only way that we can survive and create a town that is great to live and work in is by being entrepreneurial; investing in our infrastructure, people and businesses to generate our own income, instead of relying on reduced government grants."

He also pointed to numerous big construction projects, including the extension of the tramway and the new conference centre, as evidence that the council was working to 'make Blackpool better'.

“Votes of confidence in the future of Blackpool can also be seen in the construction of the £20m 131 room Hampton by Hilton complex near to the Pleasure Beach and the multi-million pound Sands Hotel, both private investment schemes," he said.

“All of these projects are not only safeguarding and generating jobs, new builds such as the Winter Garden conference centre promise to create additional year-round employment opportunities across the town. Enhanced levels of skills will also be delivered through flagship developments such as the Lancashire Energy Headquarters which opened in the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone and offers a high standard training facility, providing a full range of technical and professional education. “Investing now is absolutely vital to create jobs, boost visitor numbers, drive the economy forward, and secure income for future generations. Those who would refuse to carry out essential bridge repairs, highways improvements, public transport improvements and making sound financial investments in Blackpool businesses are not only short sighted, but are condemning the town to a downward spiral that would ultimately end in failure.”

Latest news

1

Major shareholder makes Inspired takeover bid inspired-500x500.png

Major shareholder makes Inspired takeover bid

23 Apr 2025

2

Nominate your favourite family-run business in Lancashire. Thompsons meeting (1).png.png

Nominate your favourite family-run business in Lancashire.

22 Apr 2025

3

Business academies to continue for an additional year Cllr Mark Smith (r) with Top Gun Tools & Fixings team presenting Blackpool Net Zero Academy certificate

Business academies to continue for an additional year

22 Apr 2025

4

Napthens advises A Lamb Associates (ALA) and subsidiary Morham & Brotchie Partnership on their acquisition by Hawkins & Associates Richard Robinson Feat IMG

Napthens advises A Lamb Associates (ALA) and subsidiary Morham & Brotchie Partnership on their acquisition by Hawkins & Associates

22 Apr 2025

5

Six promotions at Farleys Solicitors Promotions at Farleys Solicitors

Six promotions at Farleys Solicitors

22 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
24 Apr 2025 - 24 Apr 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: April
1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
25 Apr 2025 - 25 Apr 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: April

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

People Power: Exclusive Event Series
Stay ahead in 2025.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
29 Apr 2025 - 29 Apr 2025

People Power: Exclusive Event Series

People's History Museum, Manchester, M3 3ER

17:00 - 21:00

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin