26/01/2026: Statement on the Centre for Cities report which highlights Barnsley residents’ disposable income growth

Cllr Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “We’re pleased to see the Centre for Cities recognise that Barnsley’s impressive rate of economic growth over the last decade has rivalled London. 

“It’s a huge achievement to see Barnsley highlighted as among the 11 top-performing places nationally, especially given the economic challenges and hardships we’ve faced in recent generations. It’s testament to years of work by the council and our many partners to help ensure Barnsley’s economy continues to grow.

“While it’s very encouraging to see that on average Barnsley residents’ disposable income growth of 5.6% is almost double the growth seen on average across the rest of the country, we’re all too aware that not everybody will be feeling that.

“That’s why we continue to do all we can to support local people, such as our help for families with the cost of school uniforms and free bus travel for young people. More Money in Your Pocket is our campaign and website which helps all residents find out about the range of local help that's available to them. 

“We won’t let up on our ambitions for a Growing Barnsley. There’s so much more we want to achieve as we establish Barnsley as the UK’s leading digital town and a National Centre of Digital Technologies, fostering digital skills and attracting jobs and investment in our borough. We’re also working with the logistics and manufacturing sector to help fuel job creation and innovation.

“We’re also striving to unleash the untapped talent within our communities through Pathways to Work, which is helping reduce economic inactivity by unlocking more employment opportunities for those who are currently frozen out of our economic growth. We want them to be able to share in our borough’s prosperity.”