Information sharing in Blackpool

In partnership with the Public Services Transformation Network and New Economy, we have been working with Blackpool to identify information sharing issues within its Transience Programme, which piloted in the South Beach area of Blackpool.

Background
Blackpool has a significant transient population, with approximately 8,000 people moving into and away from the area annually. This equates to over 5% of the population. In response, Blackpool’s coastal resort legacy has led to the conversion of a substantial number of small guesthouses into flats and houses in multiple occupation (HMO), particularly in the South Beach area of the town. These offer substandard accommodation but have become a housing choice of last resort for people with limited options.

The dominance of these HMOs has led to intense concentrations of deprivation, and an environment that fosters poor health, crime, welfare dependence and lack of opportunity. This in turn has led local service providers to commit significant, multi-agency resources in response to acute health, social care, educational and employment needs, as well as to dealing with the resulting crime and anti-social behaviour.