Around 5,500 people on the waiting list for council housing in Barnsley
The local authority has acquired less than 100 new homes in the past three years
Barnsley Council housing bosses have acknowledged residents’ frustration as the demand for council properties far outstrips supply.
In the three years between April 2021 and the present, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (BMBC) has managed to acquire just 57 new homes, comprising 34 new builds and 23 existing properties for social rent.
However, more than 5,500 residents are on the waiting list for a council property, as Berneslai Homes – the council’s housing provider – receives around 5,000 applications for council properties every year. Despite efforts to meet this demand, the gap between available homes and those in need is only widening, leaving thousands of people in limbo.
Councillor Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture at BMBC, said the council fully understands the challenges facing local families and individuals in need of housing. “We want our residents and communities to have a safe and secure home that suits their needs and lifestyle,” he told the local democracy reporting service.
He pointed out that the council’s new build and acquisition strategy aims to accelerate housing growth over the next five years. “Through this strategy, we’re working to provide much-needed affordable housing and improve the quality of life for our residents,” he added.
The council aims to build or acquire 21,546 additional homes between 2019 and 2033, as set out in its local plan – including affordable housing on new build developments.
“Through our lettings policy, we aim to address supply and demand to make sure we support those in most need first. We also publish transparent information about waiting lists on the Berneslai Homes website which includes an interactive tool where people can work out their likely wait time,” added Coun Franklin.
Recent changes announced in the UK Government’s Autumn budget could have an impact on Barnsley’s housing strategy.
According to the budget document, which was published alongside the Chancellor’s speech, the government’s plan to reduce discounts on the Right to Buy scheme is expected to save councils £265 million in 2025-26, £280 million in 2026-27, and further savings in the years to follow.
The document stated that enabling councils to keep all the receipts generated by sales would help protect the existing stock of council housing and provide additional resources for building new homes.