BARNSLEY Council will use almost £3m from next year’s budget to address a backlog of hundreds of ‘urgent’ housing repairs in its stock, it has been revealed.
Ruling cabinet members discussed a report on Wednesday which asked the council to release £2.8m from the housing revenue account for 2025/26, to enable works to be completed during the 2024/25 financial year.
The funding will primarily be used to address a backlog of works including adaptations, such as level access showers, stair lifts, and essential home conversions, which have been delayed due to budget constraints.
By bringing forward the funding, the council say the backlog of tenants waiting for repairs should be cleared, without the delays that would typically carry over into the next financial year.
To find the funding, Barnsley Council will reduce the ‘major voids’ budget by £650,000 which is used to repair empty properties before they can be rented out again.
A further £50,000 will be taken from the budget for the community refurb scheme, which offers work experience and training in brickwork, fencing, hard landscaping, and associated works.
A report states: “Berneslai Homes have identified key areas where, subject to funding, there is the opportunity to accelerate the delivery of accumulated works across two key areas during 2024/25 - reducing the amount of accumulated works being rolled over for completion in 2025/26.
“Being able to accelerate work that has accumulated ‘in year’ will ensure that our tenants receive outstanding works in a timely manner, in line with the repairs policy.
“This approach will also work to stabilise and reduce customer complaints and increase satisfaction.
“The proposal also aligns with the strategy that the council has asked Berneslai Homes to focus on when delivering accumulated works - ensuring that equipment and adaptations, and category one programmed replacements/planned repairs are completed as the highest priority.”
The proposals were approved at Wednesday’s cabinet meeting.
The report added: “Accelerating the release of funding requirements identified for 2025/26 will enable hundreds of households in Barnsley to benefit from repairs and adaptations being delivered at a quicker pace.
“Accelerating the delivery of works will result in fewer complaints, reduced/less compensation awards and higher customer satisfaction which, it is suggested, will reduce compensation awards in this area.”
Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “We want all our tenants to live in a safe, warm and welcoming environment and the £2.8m will enable us to carry out essential repairs and adaptations.
“The £2.8m will be brought forward from the 2025/2026 HRA (housing revenue account) resources to fund £1.5m in major adaptations and £1.3m programmed replacements.
“These additional resources will enable us to accelerate the completion of these works in the year reducing the amount of accumulated works rolling over for delivery in 2025/26.
“This will ensure a better service provision is provided for those tenants awaiting works.”
