DEMAND for council housing is significantly outstripping what is available in Barnsley - after it was revealed just 57 homes were added to the local authority’s stock in the last four years.
More than 5,500 residents are currently on a waiting list for a house, while Berneslai Homes - the organisation which runs the council’s 18,000-strong stock - receive about 5,000 applications a year.
Council bosses have expressed desires to acquire 211 new properties in the next five years - at a cost of £42.8m - having secured ruling cabinet members’ sign-off earlier this year.
The investment is intended to provide a range of new council-owned properties with Hoyland, Wombwell, Darfield, Penistone and Dodworth listed as areas with the highest need.
However, the gap between available homes and those in need is only widening currently, leaving thousands of people in limbo.
Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture at the council, said: “We want our residents and communities to have a safe and secure home that suits their needs and lifestyle.
“The council’s new-build and acquisition strategy aims to accelerate housing growth over the next five years.
“Through this strategy, we’re working to provide much-needed affordable housing and improve the quality of life for our residents.”
Barnsley is set to have 21,546 additional homes between 2019 and 2033, as set out in its local plan development blueprint - including affordable housing on new-build estates.
“Through our lettings policy, we aim to address supply and demand to make sure we support those in most need first,” Coun Franklin added.
“We also publish transparent information about waiting lists on the Berneslai Homes website which includes an interactive tool where people can work out their likely wait time.”
The waiting list - which topped 10,000 last year - has been cut dramatically thanks to the launch of a system which saw housing staff clear out-of-district and low-priority applications which have lapsed over time.
It’s estimated that those who are seeking a one-bedroom house will have to wait for a total of 585 days - the highest figure in the last decade.
Two-bedroom and three-bedroom properties are also similarly high - standing at 569 and 704 days respectively.
For one-bedroom properties, Monk Bretton, Athersley South and Mapplewell are among the most-sought after areas in Barnsley.
Berneslai Homes bosses have said that they receive on average 260 bids for each house they place on the market - while they only receive 50 bids for every flat.
“In terms of waiting list numbers prior to the review, 21 per cent of people were existing Barnsley Council (transfer) tenants, 79 per cent were new applicants, a mixture of people living in the private rented sector, homeowners, people who are homeless and people living with family and friends,” Coun Franklin added.
“The waiting list numbers had increased in 2023 before the review as the regular quarterly re-registration process had been paused.
“This process normally results in high numbers of cancelled applications for the lowest priority bands.
“There is a clear intent to build more homes to be managed by Berneslai Homes in the future.
“There are significant pressures on stock holding councils, and their housing revenue accounts, given the significant investments required to make sure that our existing homes remain decent, safe and comply with all regulatory requirements.”
