Blackpool Council refutes claims it is selling off key assets to pay off debts

Blackpool Council has hit back at claims it is considering selling off assets such as famous landmarks to pay off debts.

The authority was responding after Cllr Paul Galley, the leader of the council’s Conservative group, said various people had raised concerns to him about council plans.

He said growing concern was sweeping across Blackpool as the council prepared, for the first time, to sell publicly owned assets in “a desperate attempt to plug a looming £5 million budget gap”

He said even iconic Blackpool Tower could potentially be placed on the disposal list.

But the council, which is set to announce its latest budget, has rubbished the comments and says it has no intention of selling key assets.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, accused Cllr Galley of “spreading alarmist speculation”.

C;lr Galley said: “Residents are deeply alarmed. When a council announces plans to sell millions of pounds worth of assets, people inevitably begin asking what exactly is on the table.

“The fear is that years of financial mismanagement have led to a situation so dire that even the town’s most treasured heritage sites may no longer be safe.

“Blackpool Tower is not just a tourist attraction; it is the very symbol of the town’s identity, history, and pride. The prospect that it could be sold off to cover short-term budget shortfalls has sparked anger, disbelief, and sadness among locals who see it as part of their cultural inheritance, not a disposable commodity.

“Whether or not the Tower itself is included in any asset disposal programme, the fact that such speculation is now being seriously discussed shows just how stark the situation has become. Many residents are asking how Blackpool reached a point that selling off its heritage is even being considered, and what safeguards are in place to prevent irreversible damage to the town’s future.”

But Cllr Williams said: “The body responsible for making budget decisions for Blackpool is the democratically elected council. The budget council meeting will discuss all aspects of the town’s finances for the next 12 months – offering transparency, clarity, and accountability.

“As we always do, we will balance our budget. We continue to face significant financial pressures which need prudent planning, but we are committed to protecting the services that matter most to our residents.

“We now have a final Local Government settlement which puts us in a better position than we were. We still have some shortfall but have found the necessary savings without cutting back on services or reducing staff numbers. Our total figure including funding for children’s services is still being reviewed by central government, though.

“As regards the future of Blackpool Tower, we last year brought the Tower under the management of Blackpool Tourism Ltd, the council’s wholly owned company – demonstrating our commitment to protecting the resort’s heritage, pride and identity.

“Spreading alarmist speculation may generate headlines but it doesn’t solve financial challenges, protect services, or help residents. We will continue to act prudently, transparently, and in Blackpool’s best interests.”