Blackpool homeless will be looked after in lockdown

The funding, announced by the Prime Minister on Thursday, forms part of a new scheme to help local councils provide emergency beds.

Blackpool Council has dismissed reports some homeless people were being found accommodation at the Norbreck Castle Hotel in the town, but said its Housing Options team was working as normal to assist vulnerable people.

A spokesperson said the council worked “year-round (pandemic or no pandemic) to support, accommodate and offer help to those who wish to accept it – this has not and will not change.

“This process has not changed, and if anyone is homeless or at risk of homelessness, they should contact Housing Options for advice and assistance.

“Emergency accommodation will be provided if appropriate. A number of hotels are used occasionally in Blackpool to accommodate homeless people, but we do not normally share the names of hotels.”

During the first lockdown, the council found emergency beds for more than 400 people.

At the peak around 96 people were housed in 11 B&Bs and around 200 households were found permanent accommodation, with most (82 per cent) going into private rented homes, supported housing, back to their home towns or returning to their family homes thanks to the help of the council’s Housing Options team.

Facilities for the young homeless in Blackpool also now include the use of William Lyons House in Exchange Street as short term accommodation managed by Blackpool Coastal Housing.

Streetlife, which assists 18 to 25-year-olds, reopened its night shelter next to St John’s Church in November, with the number of beds reduced from eight to four to meet social distancing requirements.

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