As of February 2025, it’s been said that around 24 million people are claiming benefits, including 13 million people of state pension age, 9.9 million of working age and 75,000 residents under the age of 16, receiving disability living allowance. However, there is one UK town where figures are incredibly high, with reports of one in four people claiming financial aid.
In north-west England, Blackpool, which is home to more than 142,000 residents, has an unemployment rate of around 65%, with a quarter of people claiming out-of-work benefits, such as universal credit, jobseeker’s allowance, and housing benefit. A map on Benefits Trap showed figures that revealed Blackpool and other areas including Birmingham, Liverpool, and Glasgow’s number of claimants between 2019 and 2024.
Central Blackpool is one of the worst impacted neighbourhoods not only in the town but the whole country. According to figures available on Benefits Trap, the neighbourhood has 50% of people claiming benefits – 30% due to sickness, 12% recieving job-seekers, and 8% for other reasons, such as caring.
The number of residents claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is also particularly high across the north-west seaside town, which was highlighted as the Labour government continues to go back and forth with its £5 billion disability cuts.
The cuts were announced during the lead up to the chancellor’s spring statement, with work and pensions secretary, Liz Kendall stating that the reform is needed to keep the the system in control.
However, it is claimed that more than 100 colleagues have signed a private letter that they cannot support the cuts, The Guardian reports.
The high level of claimants across Blackpool stems from the societal issues the town faces, which date back to when it was a thriving tourist destination.
During the 20th century, the town regularly saw high numbers of tourists visit. However, over time, the seaside resort became run down, resulting in its tourism industry declining.
Today, the town faces various challenges, including low wages, poor health, and high rates of child poverty. It has the lowest male life expectancy at 73 years old and is one of the most deprived towns across the nation.