COUNCIL tenants whose homes are deemed to be too large for their needs will be asked to move to more suitable accommodation under new plans.

The updated tenancy policy which was approved by Barnsley Council’s ruling cabinet members earlier this month includes widening the use of five-year flexible tenancies for larger homes of over four bedrooms.

However, tenancies will be reviewed six months before the end of the term and if the occupants’ circumstances are found to have changed such as a family may no longer needing a significantly larger or adapted property they will be asked to move.

For example, this could include a large family whose children have left, leaving a single person or a couple in a sought-after home.

Council bosses say it will make the best use of the most scarce property types and one that’s generally required by growing families as well as ensuring that housing meets needs.

A report said: “The tenancy strategy has been reviewed every five years, to date, to ensure it remains in line with the latest regulatory changes and policies. Past tenancy strategies were approved in 2013 and 2019.

“The policy sets out the length of terms of flexible tenancies, and the circumstances in which a further tenancy on the termination of the existing tenancy, or end the flexible tenancy will be granted.

“Social housing is an essential and valuable resource for vulnerable people; this may be for life or for a time-limited period when needed.

“The demand for social housing in Barnsley continues to outstrip supply there is a clear need to make best use of the housing stock for those that need it most.”

The number of households waiting for a council house in Barnsley has been significantly reduced recently, according to the council.

A total of 7,762 households waiting for a home this time last year but 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.

However, with schemes such as Right to Buy, a surge in applications has been recorded after a rule change under the Labour government late last year.

Barnsley Council typically processes around 23 applications per month but received 266 applications between October 30 and November 21.

Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, added: “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 last month, the total number of people on the housing register has significantly reduced to 5,279.”