Statement from Cllr Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council

“This policy statement is an important first step in realigning funding alongside need. It's very welcomed to see the government's intention to allocate a new budget based on deprivation, recognising the severe cuts and increased demands faced by the most deprived areas, like Barnsley, over the past decade.

“As chair of the Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities (SIGOMA), I’ve been urging the Government to take notice of the fundamental issues with local government funding and pushing for changes to the system. It’s good to see that the Government are listening to us.

“Details such as the recovery grant and commitment to resetting the business rate system is a promising signal that the new government intends to make the system fairer and more sustainable. The additional investment in early help and prevention will also help begin the process of addressing systemic issues in Children’s Social Care.  

“I look forward to more details in the settlement and working closely with the government as they bring forward more significant reforms to the local government finance system in time for the multi-year settlement in 2026/27.

“Barnsley people deserve to live good lives in a place of possibilities. Our focus in Barnsley is to deliver excellent services while investing in the borough, and we’re committed to making this happen.”

Read the Local government finance policy statement 2025 to 2026 on the Government's website.