Shaping the future: Barnsley 2040 - Barnsley residents invited to have their say on the borough's long-term vision

People across Barnsley are being invited to share their ideas through Shaping the future: Barnsley 2040, a new programme exploring what matters most to residents and their ambitions for the borough. A survey launching on Monday 24 August will be the first opportunity to get involved.

This will kick-start a borough-wide conversation, helping to develop a long-term vision informed by the people, communities and organisations who all play a part in Barnsley's future.

Over the last decade, Barnsley 2030 has helped turn residents’ ambitions into action. The changes seen across the borough, including health services available at the Alhambra and The Glass Works, and free bus travel for under 18s, are a result of people telling us what matters to them and working together to make it happen. Barnsley 2040 will build on those achievements and help inform the borough’s direction for years to come.

The survey is the first opportunity for people to share their aspirations, what they value about Barnsley today and what they would like to see in the future. All the feedback received will help inform Barnsley 2040 and identify the priorities that matter most to local people. It marks the start of a wider conversation, with more opportunities to get involved and share views over the coming months.

The survey opens on Monday 24 August and will remain open until Sunday 20 December.

Councillor William Brown, Co-Chair of the Barnsley 2030 Board and Leader of Barnsley Council, said:  “Barnsley 2040 is our chance to shape the future of our borough together and set out the kind of place we want Barnsley to be for the next generation.

"We want residents, businesses, community groups and partners to be part of that conversation. Your ideas and ambitions will help us understand what matters most, where the biggest opportunities are and how we can build on Barnsley’s strengths.

"Whether you live, work, study, invest or spend time here, now is the time to have your say and help shape the next chapter for Barnsley.”

Dawn Lawson, Co-chair of Barnsley 2030 Board and Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Strategy, Inclusion and Change for South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted to be working with partners and local communities across the whole borough to help us shape the future direction and ambition of Barnsley.

“It is important that we hear from all of our local communities, so we can ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, and that people see themselves reflected in the ambitions for the borough.

“As a Barnsley resident myself I would like to encourage as many people as possible to take part in our upcoming shaping the future conversations. By having your say and sharing your views we can make sure that Barnsley 2040 reflects and represents as many communities, generations and different groups as possible.”

Residents can complete the survey online or complete a paper copy at a local library or Family Hub.