Cllr Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “The new government’s first Autumn budget provides direction on what the next few years will look like for councils and our communities.
“I’m pleased that the needs of councils have been recognised. This will help us focus on maximising the opportunities to drive Barnsley forward as the place of possibilities, although it’s clear that many challenges remain.
“Council finances are in an extremely difficult position. Both national and local governments need to make difficult decisions to help reverse years of financial decline and ensure resources are finally going to the right places.
“It’s good to see that issues that impact councils across the country, such as increasing demand in children's social care services and supporting SEND children and families, are starting to be addressed. There’s a long way to go, and significant reforms are needed in these areas to go alongside the investment, but it’s a step in the right direction.
“The funding announcements also help us achieve our local priorities for Barnsley.
“Our ambition to make great childhoods possible for all young people in Barnsley will be boosted by the expansion of government-funded childcare, supporting more parents to stay in and return to work. More investment into free breakfast clubs means our children can have a nutritious breakfast before they start their day of learning, and funding to continue the great work of Family Hubs supports a well-used service within our local communities.
“Our trailblazing Pathways to Work report has already set out a model to help people back into work and drive down inactivity. We eagerly wait to see if our approach is recognised in the Government’s Get Britain Working white paper and the £240 million investment. We’re hopeful that our region will be allocated funding to help our residents back into work.
“Over the coming weeks, we’ll be unpicking what this budget means for us as a council, but we know that there are areas which will impact our services and that will need careful consideration and future planning. For example, starting in April 2025, the government will increase the amount that employers contribute towards national insurance costs. Costs for the people we directly employ will be covered, but this will significantly impact the costs of our suppliers, including adult social care providers.
“At Barnsley, we have a track record of being bold, brave, and innovative. We have the same financial pressures as any other council, but our focus is on restoring our long-term financial stability. We face significant financial challenges with currently a £19 million gap in our budget, but we have a comprehensive, flexible plan to balance our budget and deliver efficiency savings. This will mean making difficult choices, but we’re focused on safeguarding front-line services and prioritising people who need the most support.”
