I'm proud to highlight Blackpool’s homelessness charities and the £3m secured to support them

Blackpool’s vital homelessness charities and outreach workers have been praised in the House of Commons after local MP Chris Webb highlighted their lifesaving efforts during the current spell of severe cold weather.

Speaking during Business Questions on 8 January, Webb drew national attention to the scale of homelessness in Blackpool, where rates remain above the national average and a record number of rough sleepers were recorded last year.

He warned that freezing temperatures and harsh coastal conditions pose an acute danger to people sleeping rough, making the work of frontline services more critical than ever.

Webb told MPs he was “delighted” to have secured more than £3 million in funding to tackle homelessness in Blackpool, but stressed that immediate risks remain for those still without shelter.

He paid tribute to Blackpool Council’s outreach team and local charities Helping Hearts, Street Angels and Streetlife, describing their work supporting vulnerable residents as “invaluable” and often lifesaving during extreme weather.

Responding, Leader of the House, Sir Alan Campbell, praised Mr Webb’s work, saying:

“My honourable friend demonstrates once again not just that he's an effective constituency MP, but he recognises that there's much more work that needs to be done and he is a real champion for the fine town of Blackpool.”

Sir Alan also formally joined Webb in thanking the charities that provide support to those experiencing homelessness and confirmed the Government’s commitment to combatting homelessness, stating:

“We are committed to ending homelessness, making sure that everyone has a safe place to live, and our homelessness strategy aims to halve the number of people sleeping rough long term by 2029.”

Chris Webb said: “I’m incredibly proud of the dedicated homelessness and outreach charities here in Blackpool.

“Securing over £3 million to tackle homelessness last year was a vital step, but we must keep pushing for long-term housing solutions so everyone has the security and dignity of a safe home.”

He urged the Government to formally recognise the contribution of those organisations and to provide reassurance that long-term solutions were being prioritised, so that Blackpool residents can access safe, secure and affordable homes.

Following the debate, Webb said he was “incredibly proud” of Blackpool’s homelessness charities, urging residents to continue supporting them and to report rough sleepers to Blackpool Council as temperatures continue to plummet.