Promises made and delivered
Today marks one year since my election as MP of Blackpool South. During my election campaign I made a number of pledges to you. I’ve kept my word, and while it will take time to deliver lasting change, here are some tangible steps I’ve taken towards building a better Blackpool.
FIGHTING THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS
I promised never to vote for anything that would make people in Blackpool poorer – and I’ve stuck to that. I wrote to more than 13,500 pensioners and invited them to surgeries, helping them claim benefits they were missing out on. My office became a Trusted Partner of Blackpool Food Bank, meaning we can offer direct help to those in crisis. I’ve donated over 1,100 tins of baby formula to families in need through my campaign for affordable infant milk. And I produced a report on the Impact of the Cost of Living on Childhood in Blackpool South that will inform the work of the Child Poverty Taskforce – ensuring Blackpool has a voice in government policy.
Cutting the ribbon at the new home of Helping Hearts – a charity I have worked closely with to support people and families in need throughout Blackpool.
TACKLING ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
When violent disorder broke out just a month after I was elected, I stood shoulder to shoulder with the police. Since then, I’ve worked closely with them to understand what happened – and to prevent it happening again. Soon, every neighbourhood in Blackpool South will have a named police officer – someone visible, local, and trusted. These officers will patrol when and where they’re most needed – tackling anti-social behaviour and helping restore trust. I’ve also partnered with local boxing clubs to provide young people with structure, discipline and a positive outlet through sport.
On a regular police walkabout with officers in the town centre
BETTER JOBS AND WAGES
I’ve worked with the government to deliver the biggest upgrade to worker’s rights in a generation. That means ending zero-hours contracts, ensuring wages reflect the cost of living and strengthening sick pay. Locally, I hosted Blackpool’s biggest ever jobs fair – connecting people with over 1,500 job opportunities across key industries. My jobs fair offered quality opportunities, apprenticeships and career progression – not just seasonal jobs. And it didn’t just set people up with work and abandon them. I linked job seekers with service providers and community partners – offering CV writing workshops, employability advice, mental health support, wellbeing services and education and training opportunities.
Opening Blackpool’s biggest ever jobs fair alongside employment minister Alison McGovern. Photo: Blackpool Gazette
OTHER PLEDGES DELIVERED
• Opened a constituency office in South Shore
• Hired local staff with lived experience of Blackpool’s challenges
• Donated 10% of my MP salary to local charities
• Prioritised being the most visible and accessible MP Blackpool has ever had
Tomorrow, 3rd May, I will host a Chat With Chris event at the Grand Theatre Studio, 11.30am-2pm, and I’d love you to come along to hear more about the work I’ve done over the last 12 months. Sign up here: tinyurl.com/ChatWithChrisWebb
