1. Balancing housing markets 

We are confronted by a combination of weak or failing housing markets in some parts of the borough whilst elsewhere (but especially in the rural west of the borough) markets have over heated with the result that housing for many is now unaffordable, despite the general downturn in the housing market over recent years.

Housing regeneration activity has taken place over the last 10-years or so to strengthen some of the weaker markets in the borough. The Housing Market Renewal Programme in the Dearne Valley and the Green Corridor Programme in the North East of the borough have helped to improve housing conditions and local environments. Likewise, the regeneration of housing in Grimethorpe and Kendray has been a central plank in the strengthening of those communities. Our ability to deliver our original ambitions for housing regeneration have had to be scaled back given the reduction in public expenditure that has already taken place (and with more forecast). However, regeneration activity is still taking place and planned for areas of New Lodge, Worsbrough, Thurnscoe and Goldthorpe.  

In many other parts of the borough, housing demand exceeds the supply of housing which has led to increasing problems of affordability for many. There is a need to increase the supply of new homes, including affordable housing to rent or buy. The main source of new affordable housing has for many years been provided through Housing Association developments but this was supplemented by a programme of 5 new-build council house schemes in 2010/11 which has seen the construction of 76 new homes, the first new council housing in the borough for a generation.

Another source of new affordable housing is through private sector housing developments. The council introduced its Affordable Housing Policy (in January 2007) and this requires that affordable housing be provided on private sector housing developments above a certain size. By increasing the provision of affordable housing more people will be able to obtain a home of their own and for some, take the first steps into home-ownership.

Barnsley, within the context of the Leeds City Region and the South Yorkshire sub-region, acquired Housing Growth point status in 2008. The council's planning framework will facilitate an increase in the supply of housing in the borough up to 2026 to meet forecast household growth. The new housing will meet a range of housing needs and aspirations and will help to underpin the economic growth that is required in the borough.

2. Ensuring quality in housing provision

The Decent Homes programme (which is managed by Berneslai Homes on behalf of the council) was completed in December 2010. Under this programme some 13,500 council houses have been improved. The Decent Homes standard as been replaced with a local variant called "the Barnsley Homes standard"; the council will continue to invest in the repair and improvement of council housing to ensure that all council homes are maintained to this new standard. Housing Associations have their own arrangements for ensuring that their properties meet the Decent Homes standard.

In the private sector there are pockets of poor quality, often older housing which do not meet modern standards and especially so at the bottom end of the private rented sector. The council can provide some advice for private sector landlords to improve the conditions of the accommodation that they provide and also provides a regulatory function to ensure that housing conditions in the private sector meet minimum legal standards for private rented accommodation.

Growing concerns in recent years about environmental sustainability and global warming have resulted in an increased focus on the energy efficiency of housing. The council participates in and helps to fund a number of schemes that provide assistance to householders to enable them to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, although the reach of some of these schemes has been curtailed as a result of recent cuts in public expenditure.

The quality of new housing is in large measure determined by good design. Housing officers work closely with colleagues in Planning Services to ensure that new housing is built to good design standards.

3. Fair access to housing

It is important that the more vulnerable and often marginalised members of our communities also have access to good quality housing, sometimes of a more specialist nature, that promotes their independence.

The housing needs of older people, (who are growing as a proportion of the borough's population) is perhaps the most obvious example of the requirement for more specialist housing provision. An extra care housing complex for older people was opened in Kendray in 2006, a second was then opened in Royston, and a further two have recently been completed in Goldthorpe and Hoyland. Berneslai Homes and housing associations also provide a range of specialist accommodation for older people within the borough.

Disability can often give rise to a particular set of housing needs. The council may be able to provide assistance to convert existing homes in the private sector through its Disabled Facilities Grant programme. Berneslai Homes run a similar scheme for council tenants, whilst housing association tenants should contact their landlord for further information.

There are, of course, other vulnerable members of the community, who need assistance to secure good quality housing and associated support services. We work closely with colleagues in Supporting People (Adult Social Services) and the Housing Association movement to ensure that their housing needs are identified and met in such a way as to maximise independent living.

4. Providing excellent council housing services

The management and maintenance of council housing is provided by Berneslai Homes on behalf of the council. Berneslai Homes is an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) which was set up in December 2002. The 19,000 council homes that Berneslai Homes manages are still owned by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.

Although the council is no longer directly responsible for the day-to-day council housing service, it works closely with Berneslai Homes and monitors their performance to make sure the services they provide are of good quality and value for money. In 2009 Berneslai Homes was awarded a three stars excellent rating with excellent prospects for improvement by the Audit Commission following an inspection. We continue to work in partnership with Berneslai Homes and their tenants and leaseholders to ensure that service delivery remains at a high standard.