THE number of households waiting for a council house in Barnsley has been significantly reduced.

Figures from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government show there were 7,762 households waiting for a social home from Barnsley Council as of March 2024.

This was a rise from 6,725 a year earlier and the highest figure since 2009, when there were 7,804 people waiting.

However, it’s now down to just over 5,000 thanks to a new scheme which has cut people - many who live out of the borough and had submitted long-term expressions of interest - off the list.

Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, told the Chronicle: “Back in April 2024, we implemented a new lettings policy, which aims to improve the allocation of council stock within the borough, better meet housing needs, fulfil the needs of applicants and optimise the use of our resources.

“As a result of this policy, based on the latest data from January 9 2025, the total number of people on the housing register has significantly reduced to 5,279.”

Council bosses have also started work on a new build and acquisition programme which will see more than 200 homes added to the council’s housing stock over the next four years.

“In addition to already ongoing work, a £43m new-build and acquisition programme, which was approved by the cabinet last summer will bring around 220 homes into council stock over the next four years,” he added.

“We are also continuing to lobby the government for more funding to be able to provide safe and secure homes to our residents.”