Blackpool's cost of living crisis: "People are on the brink of poverty" | Times Reports

Eight of the ten most deprived neighbourhoods in England are in Blackpool. The Times visits the town to find out how its residents are coping with the cost of living crisis.
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[@RC-gh7os]

I work as a teacher in Blackpool although I do not live there. The panic that some of our very young children ate feeling due to overhearing conversations between parents about bills, poverty and homelessness is heartbreaking, especially seeing as I can't honestly reassure them that everything will be OK.

[@AnneM76]

As a parent I'm so shocked and sorry to read that. My heart goes out to the children.

[@Michael020]

As you're only a teacher, you may face poverty too

[@DancingAmaya]

I think you'll be hard pressed to find anyone who is not at risk of poverty at the moment, whether teacher, doctor, nurse, business owner.... the only ones not at risk are the politicians.

[@rogersmith8339]

@@DancingAmaya When this lot gets kicked out at the next election things might change?

[@Ahmed-dx9in]

@@rogersmith8339 i really hope so but i don't see a question here.

[@naas294]

It’s odd that society blames the poor for being forgotten and for the way cost of living outpaces wages even senior citizens who can’t make any more income. Like how is it their fault ?

[@msjannd4]

😪💔

[@kmadge9820]

It's not their fault. It's the Tories and the media

[@maxthecat4632]

@@kmadge9820 labour won't help them because it isnt in their interest to help the poor. Make people better off and they generally become tories therefore labour want to keep the poor where they are.

[@maxthecat4632]

@Captain Blacktooth brexit isnt a cancer at all, it is the logical result of mass low skilled migration and a sequence of governments who refused to listen to voters. Sadly the Tories have opened the gates to even worse migration than we had before and they will also suffer the consequences of that mistake.

[@nbob6186]

Blackpool voted 67.5% in favour of brexit and voted conservative in 2019, these people bellowed with confidence at the sneering elite that they "knew what they were voting for". No sympathy.

[@shauncraigparkinson8165]

I was born in Blackpool in the 70s. Now living in London, over the years the North West, and parts of Lancashire have been left behind by the British government. While we all watch on with London still getting billions. The area needs investment. Levelling up does NOT exist. When it comes to the national purse, Blackpool hasn't even gotten loose change.

[@blindpink]

So true.....watch those neglected Northern towns when fracking is allowed again.... they'll be up here like a shot.

[@jasonking6892]

Totally agree ..

[@sammolloy3919]

Agree. Blackpool has suffered massive under investment for decades.

[@shauncraigparkinson8165]

@PGH Engineer aren't you clever

[@paulpurves484]

@PGH Engineer what a sympathetic individual you are!!

[@catherinesummers5057]

I painted those 2 pictures there for Blackpool Council back in 2008! I interviewed so many local people and spent time with them getting them to write down how they felt about the area which had been so beautiful only a few decades ago. Most people were afraid of violence and wished more could be done to improve the area to bring small businesses back to life. Since then, the local library has been shut down, the local pub, the George, has been demolished and people are worse off now than they were then! Because of the people featured in the 2 pictures, some of whom were well known in the local community, the pictures have survived for 14 years intact! People were so happy that those they knew were in the pictures and I was honoured to show that people are beautiful and that beauty lives on Central Drive in them!!!!

[@TrojanBus]

That's great! I painted a mural of whales and dolphins along the prom way back in 2000. I don't know if that lasted all that long. It was mainly there to hide work going on (I think on sewage pipes?) at the time.

[@tonyeden8381]

I was working on Houndshill shopping centre about that time……..I saw lots of brilliant artwork being used to minimise the visual impact of the construction works all over Blackpool at the time…….well done

[@user-co3xl6hj3x]

Putin issues nuclear threat and warns: ‘I’m not bluffing’ President Putin warned today that Russia would use nuclear weapons to defend its territory and announced the partial mobilisation of its reserve forces in an escalation of the war in Ukraine. “When the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, to protect Russia and our people, we will...

[@rogersmith8339]

The pub issue is a very interesting one - my city used to have one for each day of the year it was claimed but that has dwindled. Every now & then a new one pops up and then disappears. Social habits have changed so much in recent times that even really good pubs no longer have the number of regulars they did even 10 years ago. A good illustration of this is not a pub but my sailing club. 20 years ago, it was really busy on Sunday lunch time, Wednesday evening and Friday evening with loads of big social event throughout the year. Now it is rarely open and social events few and far between. The drinks were always way cheaper than the local pubs. You cannot blame the cost of living as most of us now have bigger and newer boats and quite a few fancy cars are seen there. This same change has affected many other community things too. I am not sure what if any the cure is or even should be?

[@missmuffet3874]

@@tonyeden8381 does Houndshill shopping centre still exist? I remember it in the early nineties.

[@_Richard_F___]

It's not a case of there's no money to help the poor, The GOV have chosen to spend it elsewhere

[@taniayager3361]

Yep, Boris allegedly laundered millions to Zelensky the WEF puppet of corrupt Ukraine, billions disappeared in furlough, monies to politicians friends family and associates for scamdemic equipment, illegal immigrants costing 5m per day! This PM, another WEF puppet, won't tax the energy companies on their profits and it just goes on and on!

[@yetidodger6650]

war and royal funerals.

[@niteblaster1]

@@yetidodger6650 Royals have their own money

[@shaz7132]

@@niteblaster1 agree totally it is a choice, the rich are rich by redirecting wealth upwards away from the bottom. It's called Neo Liberalism.

[@mrswigglebottom967]

They have their own money because they helped themselves to it. Not only here but abroad.

[@bookmagicroe9553]

As an American looking at the pomp and circumstance of the Queen's funeral and activities, I can't help how many millions of Pounds have gone into the spectacle. I don't feel her passing should be ignored, but this has been going on for days, and the cost must be enormous. If only some of that money spent on one individual could have been spent help the poor. ..

[@rustylocks9264]

Agreed, I'm British and feel this way. Unfortunately a lot of people here don't want things to change.

[@sonyasmith1991]

I read the funeral will cost the taxpayers £12 million!!!

[@jeanettesteed3326]

Well said, my thoughts exactly

[@saltymonke3682]

@@sonyasmith1991 and it will bring how much billions to the economy? right, in order to make money, you have to spend money

[@yetidodger6650]

@@saltymonke3682 the old fable of they bring in more then they cost has been disproved multiple times, people don't come here to see them, they might visit the buildings they own but certainly don't expect to see the queen hanging out her washing.

[@bamog4560]

It’s absolutely disgusting that people in 2022 are facing such hard times, how has it come to this

[@johnpugh3348]

The green net zero so liked by the left wing socialists and the green eco warriers are to blame for this problem, now they shout the loudest about the outcome Pure hypocrisy and crocodile tears, they are the guilty ones, who should hang their heads in shame

[@yetidodger6650]

tories.

[@booth2710]

Two words. Our Governments.

[@jamescornick8739]

@@booth2710 actually it’s central banks too. Printing machine goes brrrr

[@laurencefox5884]

This is the Conservative government.

[@heather333]

Bless Penny, love the silver lining attitude regarding losing weight. Still heart breaking though.

[@jenlin6715]

I would happily donate £20 for her to enjoy a proper meal

[@TheRealDeal130]

This is heartbreaking. It's not deliberate weight loss, it's starvation.

[@jcmjcm1945]

I wish I could help her with electric and some food as well. Why don't they ever leave an email or address for them?

[@mistiinseattle]

Except that now she is skin and bones, and going hungry. :( This is not the way to lose weight. And even though most of us have no way to give her a meal, we CAN reach out to people in our local area who are going hungry. They are everywhere. I would encourage anyone who is able to donate to a local food pantry and all do what we can to help.

[@nerfherder5129]

I know penny and she's one of the kindest people I know. You know where you stand with her, straight talker and kind too. She once helped me when I was desperate. I never forgot that. She and many others deserve so much more. The people if Blackpool are generally decent caring and have families. The poverty and drugs though are rife. The town needs real help to survive.

[@chipbuttytime3396]

does she smoke?

[@nerfherder5129]

@@chipbuttytime3396 last time I seen her she did. Had a coffee with her. She used to know my dad so gave us common ground. Not seen her for a while though as my health doesn't allow me to get out much

[@chipbuttytime3396]

@@nerfherder5129 Cheers Ken, hope your health improves.

[@CJ-jp3zw]

if they are poor, where do they get money for drugs? drugs aren't cheap

[@Eis4Electric]

As an American, I've always loved Britain and all of its rich culture. I've been to the UK 3 times now and after watching this video, it's unbelievable how much suffering there is lately. It breaks my heart. I feel for the Northerners because it seems a lot of cost of living videos I've seen are focused on the north of England. We're feeling the effects of inflation here in America terribly. But, it seems far much worse in Britain. Especially in regards to energy bills and food. My heart hurts for Britain and I hope the people that are the worst off somehow make it through. We shouldn't be living it like this in the 21st century. We really shouldn't.

[@JustDaniel6764]

I live in the north of England and we've always been left behind, Unless it's war then we will be pushed to the front.

[@PitchBlackTales]

Its honestly not as bad as you think. Its just these reports focus on the worst areas. Most people are fine. I think its still better to be poor in the UK than most of the US by far.

[@deathlarsen7502]

yet I bet you're a democrap

[@Eis4Electric]

@@deathlarsen7502 negative. I align to no party. They're both evil in their own ways.

[@backintimealwyn5736]

@@JustDaniel6764 I'm from the north of France and it's exactly the same. There is some sort of trasngenerational hate and contempt for our populations, they always pick someone from our lands to illustrate stupidity and uglyness on TV. The left has lost interest , now they view us only as "probelmatic", they even talk about not allowing us to have children. We were the starving farmers, the miners, the child workers, the soldiers that dies in the trenches by millions, and the ununployed alcoholics that could never find work anywhere when they closed our factories. We pay the price for this history and they don't like to look in that mirror. They refuse us the empathy they give to others.

[@bocaj.455]

Obviously for these people Queen's funeral coverage is far more important, so they can forget about cost of living for a while.

[@jasonking6892]

Spot on

[@clarissagafoor5222]

Surely the money spent on that event could have gone back into social services - or even put into poor peoples' pockets.

[@bocaj.455]

@@clarissagafoor5222 When did the monarchs or the government cared about poor people ?

[@laurencefox5884]

@@bocaj.455 The poor people vote for the government that does this to them...

[@charlottetaylor4471]

Distractions distractions

[@joannewolfe5688]

What I found interesting about one of the women who was interviewed and said she had no money for electrics or food, is that she was clearly 100 lbs overweight and had just had her nails done with the nail covers and sparkly bits, and she had an expensive I-phone....it would seem that people can always find money for what they want, like cigarettes and drink. Saying that doesn't mean I don't have empathy for their situation. I just often see inconsistencies in stories.

[@plumeria66]

Junk food is cheap. Maybe that is all she can afford.

[@clivebaxter6354]

Did she have a dog to feed as well? most of them have at least one

[@johnrider5701]

This is the 6th richest country in the world and people are living like this.

[@ageoflove1980]

Its not the 6th richest country in the world... Its the 6th largest economy, thats a whole other thing unfortunately. When you look at the US, China and India you can see that the size of the economy unfortunately has little to do with how rich people are. The average household DEBT in the US is $96,000 so most people dont have anything at all. The UK as a country is unfortunately very poor because all its riches are controlled by private parties. How much money BP, Shell, HSBC and the like make has very little to do with the UK people im afraid. The fact that politicians hammer on about how important the UK is, what they really mean is that there are several large multinationals that are UK based, the rest is just propaganda. The UK is on track to have a living standard for its average citizen lower than that of Poland. You only have to look at a country like Norway to see what happens when the natural resources are controlled by the state instead of private parties. Privatisation is just another word for stealing. Companies stealing the means of production and resources from the state and therefore from us.

[@None-zc5vg]

It might also be one of the most-indebted and most-asset-stripped countries in the world: " 'They' get the gold, we get the shaft".

[@rogersmith8339]

And in some of the richer countries things are even worse for some!

[@shaz7132]

@@ageoflove1980 I heard that we are now described as a poor Country with pockets of rich people. Like your analysis, you nailed it.

[@ageoflove1980]

@@shaz7132 Yes it's a very weird situation. Did you know that no less than 7 railway companies in the UK are owned by the international branch of the Dutch National railways (N.S.). The Dutch state owns 100% of its shares. So what it comes down to is that the Dutch "people" make money transporting UK citizens in the UK itself... Many more are German owned etc etc... The wholesale sell-off of British assets is a huge loss for its people in exchange for some short term profits. In Germany the largest gas supplier just got bought by the state in order to have some control over the energy crisis over there. In the US and increasingly in the UK this is all waived away as "evil socialism". I think it's more a situation where a government does what it should do and that's regarding the interests of its citizens as a top priority.

[@jacquelinebailey3637]

It breaks my heart to think of all these people going without. Tories in power for 12 years, and now food banks, no heating. Disgusting.

[@SK-kh2rs]

They are a product of a poor culture and this is what they wanted.

[@stephanblack4558]

I feel bad for the true residents of Blackpool, as businesses do not put money back into the town, all local councils see is money, not helping the residents. I bet that the council members have big wages, company cars, all expenses paid for by Tax payers money, a big bonus at Christmas, a big party at Christmas all paid for by tax payer cash, big houses with subsidised mortgages from the tax payer, a closed shop union, clothing allowance, child care allowance, paid holidays, free travel on the transit system,. need I go on???.... get real people the council do not care about you unless it's voting time. dothefivedothefive dothefivedothefive does the council clear the snow off of your path? are you taxed on rubbish collection, do they fight for your rights on bedroom tax? do they lobby against the rising cost of food? No they fill their bank account with your money.

[@mbluetraining]

Tough video! God help those people. Thank you for publishing!

[@icydawson7721]

Really good to see the faces and hear the stories of those affected by the growing economic crisis. Just a sharp reminder how close we all are to being unable to access basic needs of things get worse.

[@icydawson7721]

Not poverty, just adjusting to rising cost of living. And yeah potentially not being able to afford basic necessities as many families faced in the 1930s depression

[@JessicaMiller-pc4dj]

@@Craig121000 "Get over yourself" is such an odd response for someone who is supposedly doing OK, don't you think 🤔? Why the snarky attitude, why not just be grateful that you are not suffering like many people are?

[@colinbrigham8253]

@@JessicaMiller-pc4dj well said jess I agree this is a public platform and the I am alright jack response shone through

[@charlottetaylor4471]

Some people lose everything due to circumstances out of their control e.g. lockdowns

[@colinevans39]

John Smith I'm alright Jack what a selfish statement arggggg 😤

[@Jamie.Richards]

Something I've felt recently is that it's baked into our mentality to accept adversity and assume things will get better. But now things are so bad for so many it's like we collectively don't have the tools to deal with it. How often will someone describe their situation relative to something worse - 'at least it's not raining'? She can't afford to heat her home or eat a cooked meal and yet is thinking about someone else who has it harder. It's like our empathy and avoidance of confrontation has been weaponised. I even find myself thinking 'hopefully it gets better' which is exactly my point. But I really hope it does.

[@comealongcomealong4480]

@Jamie Richards Your thoughts here on a British National Character are very insightful. Not easy to quantify, but it definitely exists. Other commenters reference the exploitable weaknesses they observe as well. Your point about our culture and "ways" being weaponised and used against us is SO on the money. Governments, Civil Servants and mainstream Media have all followed the paths of distract&divert techniques, outright lying, manipulation, coercion, carrot&stick, bullying, guilt-tripping and threats - from 1990, when New Labour won government. So thirty two years at least, and probably more than that!

[@roadwarrior7401]

this hit the nail on the head ......a new model is needed the old mentality of "gotta pay the bills is the first hurdle we fail at....we need self reliance as the new model away from bills and greedy profiteering cooperations in governments ...and utilites ...................

[@originalunoriginal4055]

@@roadwarrior7401 It's possible, but only if you become absolutely self sufficient. Including sourcing your own water, gas and electricity supply, meaning not depending on companies, organisations to supply you it.

[@dawnmiller6899]

And billions spent on queens funeral. Kinda sad. A good send off of the queen would be if she donated all UK residents a small amount of money. The royal family has enough money to share with “their” people. It’s a shame she planned an elaborate funeral and didn’t think of her people she promised to serve

[@markhenry192]

Better still end mass immigration and save millions. Illegals alone are costing us 6 million a day. Rather that money go on our Queens funeral any day, she deserved it. Illegals do not.

[@Automedon2]

The funeral generated a lot more than it cost. 100,000 people from America, alone, came to London. Many people, from food vendors to hotels to souvenir sellers to pubs benefited greatly. Spending money on events brings money that spreads to ever sector =people who really need the extra right now.

[@gedertonfc]

@@Automedon2 Yes but that doesn't stop people from being piss poor with no future really does it....? Please don't tell us that the money generated from the funeral helps the people in this video because it does not.

[@Automedon2]

@@gedertonfc You could divide the wealth of the whole world equally, and in no time the same people would be poor and rich. In the US, there were several large stimulus checks and unemployment benefits that exceeded the salaries that many were earning, many stopped paying their rent, yet personal debt rose and people were in a worse position than without the perks. Figure out why that is.

[@thecryptobot]

@@Automedon2 And how does the money going to souvenir peddlers in London benefit the poor people up North that also footed the bill?

[@senianns9522]

Blackpool: 'A cemetery with lights'! Same as Morecambe?

[@laurabrookfield7334]

born and raised in blackpool here - its a vicious cycle. there are no jobs which allow you to better yourself, that's if you had a decent education in the schools which don't have a fantastic reputation as it is. even over my short 20-ish years, i've seen the town decline. there are basically no opportunities there to better yourself and get out of the cycle and its absolutely tragic.

[@kerrynight3271]

I sure wish you the best. Hang in there.

[@edpicton5939]

My mum assisted by the newly formed NHS doctor gave birth to me in a house in the street shown 48 seconds in to the video. It was in a time of food rationing just after the 2nd world war. The house was 2 rooms upstairs and 2 down. Outside toilet, no bathroom,no running hot water, coal fire in one room. It was cold and damp. Road was made of cobblestones. Yet there was a sense of community. Residents would scrub the welcome stone step on their hands and knees. When my grandma, a long term resident of the street passed away all the residents contributed to pay for a small headstone as my mum could not afford one. Food was sourced when pennies were available from the chip shop around the corner. There was no toilet paper - newspapers were used.

[@monicas2269]

I understand what you are saying. I had my children in the 80's and looking at what they class as child poverty these days, I realise that mine were brought up in poverty although I never thought about it. We just lived on what little money we had. But things should get better with progress, not worse as they are now. We are comfortably off in retirement but only because I've had to scrimp and save so much in the past that it's difficult to get out of the habit. We don't eat huge expensive meals. Yesterday I had a cheese sandwich with one slice of bread and a slice of toast with marmalade for my tea. The problems come when some people are already down to their last penny and can't cut down any more. No one should have to live like this in this day and age when so many are earning millions and there is so much wastage.

[@vincentjohnson3763]

Ah the good old days

[@rogersmith8339]

I think what you are saying there goes a long way to illustrate what I said earlier about things having been unsustainably good for far too long at the cost of people far away.

[@missmuffet3874]

@@monicas2269 I feel in a similar situation to what you have said about yourself. I live quite comfortably, house paid for etc. I eat quality food but yet simple, e.g. egg mayo or tuna sandwiches, quiche, salad and fruit, etc. Rarely eat out any more. I think a lot of the younger generation go wrong because they want to eat out or have take away junk food, want to have the latest, tech or other none necessities. If they bought less of these things they probably would make their cash go a little further. I am certainly not saying poverty doesn't exist but it certainly isn't like what previous generations of working class people had to suffer.

[@shaz7132]

@@missmuffet3874 I dont think they eat out. I was raised poor, but we always had a big coal fire everyday and a big coat thrown over the bed on cold nights. I dont think they can afford coal today, even if it was legal.

[@Heaven-dy9lj]

God help the people of Blackpool, it gets mighty bitter in winter there. From someone who lived there.

[@sammolloy3919]

Unforgiving weather.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Not really. Our winters are roasting compared to places like, say Canada.

[@Heaven-dy9lj]

@@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool well you could compare it to the north pole while you're at it. I lived there, and other parts of the UK. It's very cold in the winter in comparison.

[@nerfherder5129]

Thank you for the sentiment. As a resident Im sure we reciprocate your good wishes for you also.

[@Heaven-dy9lj]

@@nerfherder5129 In Barbados? Cheers!

[@frankmontez6853]

Does penny not have any children who could help her ? I realize even if she did , the children might not be able to or perhaps for some reason doesn't want to? Here in the US with mom and she barely makes ends meet but I live with her and work so I take care of her . She's also has dementia . But no one else of her other 5 children help much at all Some have more means than the others but nothing from them . Still , we're both grateful we have each other

[@laetitialogan2017]

I'm in the same boat, no help from siblings regarding mother with dementia...and by God it hurts to know they simply don't give a damn

[@frankmontez6853]

@PGH Engineer where did you get this supposed info ?

[@frankmontez6853]

@@laetitialogan2017 yeah it hurts mom more than me but still .. it's all on me really . Quite a lot to take care of her . Very trying

[@laetitialogan2017]

@@frankmontez6853 wow..and it's a son taking care of her, admirable. My mother is devastated and I cant believe they just walked away, eye opening

[@frankmontez6853]

@@laetitialogan2017 yes at first they were " helping " two of my sisters but they caused soo many problems .

[@SilentObserveDetach]

I had a friend from Blackpool who was living in New Zealand. It's been 35 years since I saw him. A great guy, miss you Mark

[@jennylingard8989]

This is so sad to hear and I also know on a person level.this is making us all feel so low 😢

[@DAVIDEPWDD]

those the write the rules exploit and destroy the lesser while laughing on their way to the bank.... same bullshit just another period of time

[@harrywestworth3558]

@@Craig121000 oh shut up john absolute troll

[@stephanblack4558]

I feel bad for the true residents of Blackpool, as businesses do not put money back into the town, all local councils see is money, not helping the residents. I bet that the council members have big wages, company cars, all expenses paid for by Tax payers money, a big bonus at Christmas, a big party at Christmas all paid for by tax payer cash, big houses with subsidised mortgages from the tax payer, a closed shop union, clothing allowance, child care allowance, paid holidays, free travel on the transit system,. need I go on???.... get real people the council do not care about you unless it's voting time. dothefivedothefive dothefivedothefive does the council clear the snow off of your path? are you taxed on rubbish collection, do they fight for your rights on bedroom tax? do they lobby against the rising cost of food? No they fill their bank account with your money.

[@888ssss]

the solution is simple. get the local council to purchase more inspiring street art and urban sculptures ?

[@garethjudd5840]

Take a thought for the 5 million pounds a DAY !! to feed, home and support migrants arriving on boats.

[@gedertonfc]

Yes keeping our unwanted pets cost us a lot but the gov actually pay our taxes to other mp's and ex mp's to source the housing, food etc and the £175 a week pocket money they get... It is nothing short of people trafficking they are a commodity..The whole thing is a huge scam, voting does nothing anymore they are all the same as each other. They need to be ripped out of government and taken over by real people who have led normal lives.

[@hudson7354]

What’s that even got to do with it ? Look at how much was spent on queens funeral

[@j.p.9295]

What is going on with poverty in UK ?! I came from European country and there are NO towns or areas where people are poor. There are some people better off than some others but this unhealthy pattern of poverty in UK is rotten in its core . Why ??!!

[@paulbirtles2807]

Government greed ,the money is in the politicians bank accounts.

[@khalidalali186]

I passed by Blackpool in the summer of 97 with my family as tourists from Western Asia. We stayed there for one night, as we made our way by car to Scotland. I was 8 back then. I still recall having a football match with some locals, in some park, opposite that mini Eiffel Tower.

[@DoctorDoom69]

Really sad …especially since Blackpool has so much potential to be one of the greatest seaside towns , desperately needs investment

[@rogersmith8339]

It needs people to go there and spend their money there rather than cheap foreign holidays. Our economy needs to become more "circular" for us to survive in the world.

[@charlottetaylor4471]

Yeh, Spanish people primarily stay in Spain for their holidays. But then again, Spain is a beautiful country.

[@rogersmith8339]

@@charlottetaylor4471 Parts of Spain are pretty grim and many parts of the UK are world beating in terms of beauty and culture.

[@StillLookingforTruth]

But remember folks, 'we're all in this together'...

[@elenafoleyfoley168]

So sad to hear their stories 😢 I hope they will make it through this winter 🙏

[@raymondreaney6988]

I think both Blackpool & Skegness should get major government funding for redevelopment, as both of them have served UK tourism industry for decades now and have become an iconic part of British culture and heritage. In fact there are millions of adults in the UK who have fantastic childhood memories of visiting Blackpool & Skegness and its about time they got some real funding and support. Its a shame the government can't run a crowd funding campaign to help rebuild Blackpool & Skegness as I'd rather give my money to that than simply buying more weapons or foreign aid. From Sheffield x

[@rogersmith8339]

One of the big issues there is that everyone has got used to foreign holidays (not that I have ever had that many as I like Britain) and they have become too cheap at the cost of those in the destination countries. Many in society have become used to unsustainable and unrealistic expectations along with a number of other major changes in social behaviour.

[@charlottetaylor4471]

Well the elites plan to ban flying for us plebs soon, so people will be stuck here

[@clivebaxter6354]

We went to Skeggy in the 60's I hated it, and Blackpool

[@DAVIDEPWDD]

We should be so proud of ourselves the most destructive species on earth

[@SevenEllen]

You're not wrong there.

[@benlotus2703]

Humans are a_Virus with shoes. -Bill Hicks

[@Eis4Electric]

I agree 100%

[@kimsherlock8969]

The Food Banks have been progressing in Melbourne Australia Places to have a good meal are progressing well. There has always been a need to assist in feeding those whom can't feed themselves. Also phycologicly gets people together in company to eat a good meal . I can Cook for Many people and will be apart of giving a good meal to anyone hungry.

[@lesleymcshanemitchell9651]

In 1986 my husband and I retired with 250000 We thought we were set for Life. But after our Broker made several bad investments. and Inflation We had to give up our home And Go into sheltered accomodation and live hand to mouth. My husband died last year So Ive only a small pension to live on

[@charlottetaylor4471]

You got greedy

[@Luton-Mick]

You could of bought quite a few properties back then with that amount of money then sat on them for a few years and retired a millionaire. Shame,

[@lesleymcshanemitchell9651]

@@charlottetaylor4471 really we worked long long hours doing up Old houses 24/7 for 20 years . We retired at 50/52. How greedy was this

[@rogersmith8339]

It is impossible to help everyone who is unlucky without helping those who do not try to help themselves!

[@charlottetaylor4471]

@@lesleymcshanemitchell9651 Why did you hand over your money to an unscrupulous broker? To get even more money. You had plenty, and then you lost it. You should have been content with what you had, but you were greedy and you paid dearly for that greed.

[@albacuevas6822]

I can't understand the way of thinking. So, poor people is poor because of them, but wealthy people is because they work harder?. Let me say that many of the wealthy (referring to the politicians) are in that position because they are stealing from the society. The society is getting less opportunity to improve. All of the extra cost in energy, we are obligated to pay, in the meanwhile companies are getting huge profits. Instead of blaming poor people, which seems the easiest way, blame the real reason of the state of the country, the politicians and the lack of morality. It's disgusting!

[@kissfan6321]

What leftie twaddle. Then rich get ruicher and the poor get poorer?? Chaneg the record.

[@derekmab7734]

A mourning for one human being being considered as a super human being and the rest of other human beings dying every day from NHS backlog and negligence are not human beings.

[@senianns9522]

Blackpool B&B's now full of NHS housed people including asylum seekers , refugees and others! No wonder our poor pensioners struggle!

[@heather333]

It's not all or the other. Our Queen served us for 70 years and deserves 10 days in our thoughts.

[@brindacockburn4033]

@@heather333 What exactly did that Queen of yours do? Name one thing she did for ppl of England.

[@jennifermarie3158]

@@heather333 No

[@MisterSands]

@@heather333 The old Witch and her perverted spawn are the biggest benefit spongers in human history.

[@fraserbailey6347]

Employers across the country are desperate for people. We continue to import people to pick crops etc. Yet we have 5.4 million people of working age on various benefits, and half a million people on long-term sickness. The whole thing is insane.

[@jaycristoval6155]

I wouldn't employ anyone with tattoos..... doesn't look like she skipped any meals to pay for those tattoos....

[@laurencefox5884]

When you are an anonymous minimum wage both like you, tattoos dont matter though really...

[@bobbymac1319]

“You’ll own nothing and be happy “ wow it’s working 🎉

[@benlotus2703]

We're Doomed...

[@benlotus2703]

santa claus schwab

[@benlotus2703]

''Eat zee spiders eat zee Bugs....bon Appetito !!! '''

[@benlotus2703]

DR Billy Gates bought 289,000 acres of farmLand !

[@stephanblack4558]

I feel bad for the true residents of Blackpool, as businesses do not put money back into the town, all local councils see is money, not helping the residents. I bet that the council members have big wages, company cars, all expenses paid for by Tax payers money, a big bonus at Christmas, a big party at Christmas all paid for by tax payer cash, big houses with subsidised mortgages from the tax payer, a closed shop union, clothing allowance, child care allowance, paid holidays, free travel on the transit system,. need I go on???.... get real people the council do not care about you unless it's voting time. dothefivedothefive dothefivedothefive does the council clear the snow off of your path? are you taxed on rubbish collection, do they fight for your rights on bedroom tax? do they lobby against the rising cost of food? No they fill their bank account with your money.

[@anthonyclegg1511]

I used to love going on holiday to Blackpool when I was a child, usually just for 1 day, this is a bloody shame, and it's happening all over, what is the use of the uncaring government's, in such a wealthy country.?.

[@anthonyclegg1511]

@PGH Engineer what country.?.

[@anthonyclegg1511]

@PGH Engineer were do you get your information from, Boris Johnson.?.

[@anthonyclegg1511]

@PGH Engineer so that's money allocated for road repairs, sewerage, refuse collection etc etc, it doesn't all go to family's, for heating and eating. That's why worker's in the UK are using food banks, and children are going to bed hungry and cold. You can throw any figure at me, it obviously isn't working.

[@dalehaley7686]

Slowdown BRAINLESS PEOPLE !! They now address it as CRACKPOOL ??? I wonder WHY ??? WELSH DALE 🙂 .

[@OldhamSteve52]

So sad. I’ve had some great holidays and weekends in Blackpool. Brings back some lovely memories.

[@edwinturner1149]

Waterloo road has stores that sell everyday essentials way below supermarket prices,yet mostly deserted-why?

[@karenfoster149]

Absolutely feel for ppl who have 2/4 kids how they are managing is beyond me even with 2 parents working it’s tough but even worse if they’re on benefits.! .

[@THABONEZONE]

Grew up in Blackpool seen many family’s including my own affected by poverty and drugs

[@johnpugh3348]

@@saveassange8043 Why are the people who say they cannot live on benefits over weight? it beats me,!!

[@sandrafinbar]

@@johnpugh3348 the cheapest food is bread, pasta and rice. They all put on weight because they are carbohydrates. That's why the poorer are overweight. Simple.

[@johnpugh3348]

@@sandrafinbar I think you live in a fantasy world. I go to the bingo every day and trust me they do not eat pasta etc,. what do you do for a living?

[@johnpugh3348]

@@saveassange8043 Whist you are right in some cases, my father said, no fat people came out of Belson,

[@johnpugh3348]

@@saveassange8043 where is what? are you British?

[@josma5218]

Bloody hell. England needs to look after England.

[@lauzxy5325]

2:20 ... What a woman. I know we shouldn't have to be in this position. But we forget the spirit of the British from poverty in the war. The elders are and were tough as balls. Inspiring. Ballsy woman. 💪💪💪

[@shauncorless8965]

That's nowt there was 25, of us living in a card board box ,we used to get up half hour before we went to bed ,and in morning we had to lick road clean with tong ,you tell young UN's today and they don't believe you 😳

[@fatfreddyscat4648]

luxury ! lol

[@paulp4243]

Aye, long live Monty Python!

[@petegarnett7731]

Wrong side of Pennines. That's a Yorkshire tale.

[@jonbw12]

The thing that all areas need to address is the dying high streets/town centres. I have been to some thriving areas that are great in Yorkshire/Wales area, however most are dying due to online taking over. Covid really has changed and damaged things. The government are ignorant towards the current situation and people's money cannot stretch.

[@dominokid7996]

Just come back from Blackpool , can I just say me and my family had a fantastic time there , people were friendly and warming. Blackpool has so much potential , it’s a real example of how it’s been neglected by government who keep putting money into London and the south for the past 25 years . Blackpool has more going for it that many towns . Time for it to be woken up from its slump .

[@darylevans5075]

We don't want more spending by the government, we want less tax, massively less immigration.

[@darylevans5075]

@@Craig121000 I have a job already, thank you. Guess you're saying blacks should be imported to pick fruit? Or Albanians? Or it's not good enough for Brits? What happens when the immigrants don’t want to pick fruit any more 🙄

[@markhenry192]

In the mean time boat loads of undesirables wash-up on our shores by the thousands and get given free hotel accommodation, food, GP services, benefits and eventually jumping the housing que. It is costing you 6 million a day and rising!

[@montag4516]

Yep.

[@Pommy1957]

A couple of miles down the road in Poulton Le Fylde, it's a completely different story.

[@AnneM76]

I was in Blackpool the other week for the lights with my family. We went to a local mc Donald's for food, it was late about 8pm and I was shocked to see a large family come in and just sit there. At first I assumed they were simply waiting for their food but after a long time I realised they seemed to be there for the warmth and to use the toilets.

[@retrovoxvintage7364]

Im sandgrown, born there in the 60s, got out in the early 80s and never looked back, the truth sad as it may be is like a lot of UK seaside towns, Blackpool has had its day, the sooner people wake up to that the better it will be for the towns residents as things can move forward into the 21st centuary

[@chadwalton8072]

I live both in the midlands and In Texas it’s bad everywhere we in the west need to remember who we are this is so heartbreaking

[@tobyway5093]

What is Texas like from an English point of view?

[@marygoff3332]

Across Europe and the USA, people would need to make 4-5 times the amount of money they were making in the 1990's just to keep up with inflation/cost of living increases. The average person in the USA earned $45-50K in the 1990's and needs $150-200K to not feel the utter devastation of crazy prices now for housing, food, health care, utilities, gas etc.

[@Automedon2]

I make way less than that and live comfortable and with no debt.

[@rogersmith8339]

Looks like the standard of living you quote for the US in the 90s was way better than in the UK! - our average wage was way less. Over here (UK) people have got used to things being really cheap and that is unsustainable, and it is now catching up with us. Ordinary people think nothing of having a 40 or 50 inch TV, regardless of how stupid it looks in a small house or the fact that it actually makes viewing worse. The same goes for many things bought cheaply from the far east.

[@KlingonGamerYT]

my mum got robbed blind by people poorer than her even family...she was generous kind and these people rinsed her she never told us. kept it secret... she died 10 years later alcoholic depressed in denial and that was Blackburn ...

[@mpat100]

Blessings for all affected and that things improve asap for all.

[@agrendae]

How?

[@stuartw.stevenson]

Can’t believe people suffer like this in my home. Seems like there’s nothing that can be done

[@ravenswoodwitch58]

Yet we give millions if not billions a year to help the deprived in other countries. It's ridiculous.

[@ravenswoodwitch58]

@Gammons Trout Excuse me I do not read the fake newspapers or watch fake news EVER!!! Don't judge others. It's bloody blatantly obvious is it not ? We give millions to aid war in Ukraine and our own are in poverty. As "A" example

[@alexblue6991]

My age 70yr old from Scotland I loved too go to Blackpool for a family holiday the last time I went I vowed never to go back and a lot of people from the Glasgow say the same

[@iany2448]

This reminds me of Liverpool and Blackpool of early 1990's. It is sad that topic remains unchanged and situation is also not much different.

[@richardharris885]

Sadly this is happening worldwide.Im my country it's the cost of living.No affordable housing high priced rentals etc.And a disgruntled workforce who's wages and work conditions.Arent keeping up with the high cost of living.Charity organisations pushed to their very limits.And hospitals struggling to maintain a good reliable service.And a rising crime rate.Now we are dealing with scammers accessing personal details.From phone telcos to goverment health records.

[@SevenEllen]

4:36 That's their MP?! No wonder they're fucked! TORY MP "putting money back in people's pockets" - Yeah, RICH people's pockets!!!

[@robbflynn4325]

Blackpool a great place, had a grand time there a couple of weeks ago. Did notice a lot of down and outs and beggars. Hopefully things will improve.

[@celticdollface]

I live in the south , where it's much more expensive to live than the North..yet I have the exact same State Pension to try and live on as people in the north .. around £130 per week.. and the energy prices have gone sky high, and they want me to Pay £345 per month for energy... its impossible.. I can;t afford to put the heating on or cook..

[@jl453]

Stories like this coming from the UK are hard to see. Heartbreaking. I wish I could do something for all who are struggling over there.☹️

[@alandavies1054]

Watching this makes me sad and angry in equal measure. It’s 2022 in a supposedly modern country and people are having to eat less and be cold because life is so expensive here in the UK. If our Politicians spent as much time helping folk as they do squabbling and acting like spoilt brats at PMQ’s the country would be a better place. I was in Blackpool only last week for the lights and it is a grim place now. When I visited there 40 years ago as a kid it was magical…but no more…it’s like many parts of the UK…neglected, run down and depressing. Don’t worry though I’m sure our billionaire PM will sort it all out…as if lol.

[@stephanblack4558]

I feel bad for the true residents of Blackpool, as businesses do not put money back into the town, all local councils see is money, not helping the residents. I bet that the council members have big wages, company cars, all expenses paid for by Tax payers money, a big bonus at Christmas, a big party at Christmas all paid for by tax payer cash, big houses with subsidised mortgages from the tax payer, a closed shop union, clothing allowance, child care allowance, paid holidays, free travel on the transit system,. need I go on???.... get real people the council do not care about you unless it's voting time. dothefivedothefive dothefivedothefive does the council clear the snow off of your path? are you taxed on rubbish collection, do they fight for your rights on bedroom tax? do they lobby against the rising cost of food? No they fill their bank account with your money.

[@sarahboardman1337]

Ive been teetering on the brink of poverty for the last fifteen years. Even before that all my money went on my mortgage and maintenance .charges.

[@leonardireland7362]

Why don't the government put them in hotels like the illegal immigrants, or is that too much because they are British

[@fionajudd-cooper3166]

I'd love to live here .so much potential and everyone helps everyone.

[@charlottetaylor4471]

Community is very important, but the elites have been dismantling it over the decades

[@stephanblack4558]

I feel bad for the true residents of Blackpool, as businesses do not put money back into the town, all local councils see is money, not helping the residents. I bet that the council members have big wages, company cars, all expenses paid for by Tax payers money, a big bonus at Christmas, a big party at Christmas all paid for by tax payer cash, big houses with subsidised mortgages from the tax payer, a closed shop union, clothing allowance, child care allowance, paid holidays, free travel on the transit system,. need I go on???.... get real people the council do not care about you unless it's voting time. dothefivedothefive dothefivedothefive does the council clear the snow off of your path? are you taxed on rubbish collection, do they fight for your rights on bedroom tax? do they lobby against the rising cost of food? No they fill their bank account with your money.

[@AB-qo2xq]

Blackpool is a beautiful city, I find that the tower is stunning along with some of the other architecture. It could do with some money poured into it for rejuvenation. I feel sorry for the elderly lady.

[@gregprocter765]

Having visited blackpool many a time i would say on the brink is a generous description.

[@clivebaxter6354]

it's been an s hole for years and a scumbag magnet

[@airbornesoldier8104]

We are returning to the standard of living of the 1930,s but with crippling electric and gas bills added . I’ve been buying supermarket reduced items or sell by,s for years to help reduce my living costs . Now there is very little chance of even doing that as others go straight to reduction area and rightly so. Soon we will be asking for half a pound of butter for a Christmas and birthday present I think . Asda have already introduced rationing on their budget range , back to the future rings a bell .

[@rogersmith8339]

I have always been mean when it comes to spending money, partly due to a (financially) poor upbringing but mostly to make sure I have enough for the future.

[@airbornesoldier8104]

You and I sir are two peas in a pod

[@rogersmith8339]

I am now more than comfortably off in retirement!

[@cynthiabench1105]

This is what makes me crazy about the "royal" family. They are worth billions and all these poor people can't afford to eat and keep warm. There is something wrong with this picture.

[@borisezomo8751]

In early 2000s moved to work in Blackpool. Bought a house on Ansdell rd. Emigrated in 2016. Had difficulty selling the house as the area went to hell at that time.

[@clivebaxter6354]

All depends on the definition of poverty

[@leea659]

Education is so important

[@paulod27]

yeah, the rich like to educate the poor by telling them to FECK OFF!

[@benlotus2703]

why ?

[@leea659]

@@benlotus2703 so people can get a well paid job

[@benlotus2703]

@@leea659 I have a Degree in Computer Science. Ended up as a Data Entry employee ! Luckily i bought a small horrible home in 2004, and now its worth a lot!

[@techjunkie68smusicandtech56]

@ Lee Anderson yeah if education was of good quality, not the current indoctrination of woke ideology! This had been happening over the last 30 -40 years especially, I have seen the decline in quality of education with my own eyes. People are only taught to pass exams, not actual practical skills, not everyone can be academic or wants to be, there needs to be more variety in practical education, but this doesn't fit in with the current agenda, as they want to turn people into compliant, mindless beings not capable of critical thinking...

[@robotstobor3388]

unfortunately the Gvt has contempt for these people

[@jeffreyjackson5229]

It looks like they have wall heaters?! That's one reason that utilities are are so high. The use a lot of electricity but put a little heat. They are not worth a quarter. I stopped using them and used a space heater. You are better off with one.

[@markymark7803]

The causes are very simple, millions of people decided to go on holiday to spain instead of blackpool over the last 20 years or more. Unless they can bring guaranteed sun for most of the year over blackpool nothing will change. Also doesn't help the pleasure beach now charges just to walk around and has not expanded or kept up with rivals like alton towers.

[@charlottetaylor4471]

The elites plan to ban flying for us plebs, so people won't have a choice soon.

[@rwakelin2006]

"My husband is disabled". How many times have I heard that excuse!

[@clivebaxter6354]

By fat, unfit lumps who have not worked for 20 years!

[@stephanblack4558]

I feel bad for the true residents of Blackpool, as businesses do not put money back into the town, all local councils see is money, not helping the residents. I bet that the council members have big wages, company cars, all expenses paid for by Tax payers money, a big bonus at Christmas, a big party at Christmas all paid for by tax payer cash, big houses with subsidised mortgages from the tax payer, a closed shop union, clothing allowance, child care allowance, paid holidays, free travel on the transit system,. need I go on???.... get real people the council do not care about you unless it's voting time. dothefivedothefive dothefivedothefive does the council clear the snow off of your path? are you taxed on rubbish collection, do they fight for your rights on bedroom tax? do they lobby against the rising cost of food? No they fill their bank account with your money.

[@teddydavis2339]

I lived in Blackpool and as an American, it was sad to see such good people struggling. I wish the royal family would do more for the British people. God bless them.

[@stephanblack4558]

I feel bad for the true residents of Blackpool, as businesses do not put money back into the town, all local councils see is money, not helping the residents. I bet that the council members have big wages, company cars, all expenses paid for by Tax payers money, a big bonus at Christmas, a big party at Christmas all paid for by tax payer cash, big houses with subsidised mortgages from the tax payer, a closed shop union, clothing allowance, child care allowance, paid holidays, free travel on the transit system,. need I go on???.... get real people the council do not care about you unless it's voting time. dothefivedothefive dothefivedothefive does the council clear the snow off of your path? are you taxed on rubbish collection, do they fight for your rights on bedroom tax? do they lobby against the rising cost of food? No they fill their bank account with your money.

[@alxx1378]

The royal family uses a lot of peoples money, maybe its time to get rid of them.

[@e.3251]

Sorry to hear that, It's bad over here too in Florida U.S. 🦩 $317.00 dollars electric per month , (you can't live here without A.C.), just my electric bill. I have other bills, water, gas, car insurance,$107.00, ⛽ gasoline. rent , food .

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

You’d love it in Blackpool. Rarely do you need AC. The climate in winter is temperate.

[@loftyskies123]

hope youre safe from hurricane ian . stay safe

[@abeonthehill166]

We need to spend more money on Royalty and certainly more Ships that cannot even stop illegal migrants from France ! More aristocracy should be a great distraction ! This is the UK in the 21’st Century ……….

[@vanessabreganza4900]

I'm thankful I'm living a good respectable life in UAE, here the prices of general commodities are cheap, and cost of living is affordable to us middle class , and I'm saving too for my retirement ! Thanks to the govt for respecting human lives !

[@gerrittlighthart]

Respecting human lives? Tell that to the quarter million foreign laborers in the UAE who are treated like disposable slaves.

[@lisasmith9311]

Lived my entire life in poverty

[@Landis_Grant]

I am so glad I am retired in Canada with government pensions that are indexed to the cost of living increase.

[@Cody-zd2ye]

I'm a truck driver born in Blackpool.eveytime I drive along the m62 past Warrington I admire the amount of massive warehousing being built on the edge of the motorway and can't help thinking this should be happening on the m55 but it isn't. From buttonwood to Widnes thousands of jobs are being created.

[@jonh9561]

Hopefully jobs that people can make a reasonable living from.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Hi pal 👋

[@charlottetaylor4471]

That's the key point. The government says "unemployment is at its lowest for years", but what are the jobs? What are the salaries? Can people live comfortably on what they earn? NO. Zero-hour contracts, poor working conditions, lack of job security and stability. That is not real employment. It's an absolute con. The financial system/economy is a racket.

[@harrywestworth3558]

@@charlottetaylor4471 zero hour contracts during these times… it is truly hell

[@rogersmith8339]

@@charlottetaylor4471 You used the term "comfortably", but the problem today is people's expectations of what comfortably is. We have all had things far too good and cheap for far too long to be sustainable and it is all catching up with us now.

[@katiemiaana]

Why is this important? The queen died though? We need another interview about how long the queue is, in what ways the queen was kind. BBC and every other media outlet in this country over the past week showed their true colours. We now all know exactly where the power lies it’s not symbolic power if you control speech.

[@mervingoose1151]

second lady looks like shes starving all right !!!

[@FadGadget1]

Lovely piano music.

[@allykhan8594]

Coming from extreme poverty (family living on the muddy banks of a canal) under corrugated rusty steel, i find amazing that so many people while young, did not educate themselves to high levels, make sure have marriages for life, children in wedlock not rely on social housing but be property owners, enter trade or a profession. Have a moral standard to know keep their elderly parents with them to look after in old age. Many in the world do not have welfare, they have to struggle to get a better a life. It almost as if a mass of people complaining for more free money. Ever heard of Shantou city? makes 60% of the worlds toys in 1 city. Government didn't build it, it was gradual process of people who had nothing and wanted something by sweating for it.

[@antonichristian5845]

It's the governments fault for not making sure we have our own energy so that we can control our own prices not young people's or anyone else's. Even the middle and upper class are struggling with these prices, people who have worked all their lives still struggling. They utterly failed the people by not having any forethought or common sense. Yes people should be responsible and work hard but in this case it is out of their control.

[@tinasmith7630]

Oh how far u hav cme in the world!!!Just make sure u 💟 dosent lose compassion 4 them still strugglin. Not every1 has the strength 2get out of the cycle.

[@allykhan8594]

@@tinasmith7630 i give more charity a month than i spend on my children.

[@tinasmith7630]

@@allykhan8594 Gd 4 u!!! But dont judge ones still struggling!!!

[@allykhan8594]

@@tinasmith7630 i see with own eyes since child to adult. Reflection is unavoidable, the majority have end up welfare dependent as they don't wish to struggle and do right.

[@hayleydryden8358]

Always money for wars and weapons..

[@reducepricroryhrywtby]

It's not the average person's fault, everyone I know is losing weight even kids, a government that let's kids suffer is disgusting ( letting kids, elderly have less food, heating)

[@mogznwaz]

There is a massive shortage of skilled and unskilled workers. If you’re too useless to get a job or go to school then not much will help you. As the piece says people escape go Blackpool because they have problems - well sort your effing problems out and make better choices. The only people I think should get supported are the genuinely disabled and the elderly.

[@happyapple4269]

They need a new mp. He is awful.

[@martinjay3570]

I remember Blackpool being a respectable place to live ,unfortunately now it's full of drug addicts ,Benefit scroungers and people with no ambition to get on in life .