BARNSLEY Central MP Dan Jarvis has praised the government’s spending review - stating it will bring ‘real’ investment into the town.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has presented the government’s spending review, outlining a comprehensive plan to invest in the nation’s future.

In Barnsley, funding will include projects of education, child poverty and energy efficiency.

Three Barnsley schools, Shawlands Primary School, Summerfield Primary Academy, and Brierley CE Primary will receive funding for breakfast clubs.

From 2026, free school meals will be expanded to reach up to 13,590 children locally, part of a wider initiative lifting 100,000 children out of poverty nationwide.

While the council will receive a £1.5m Warm Homes Local Grant to support energy efficiency upgrades and low-carbon heating in low-income homes.

South Yorkshire will receive £1.5bn through the Transport for City Regions fund.

A further £350m will bring buses under public ownership across the region by 2027.

Dan said that the review marks a significant step in the government’s Plan For Change, aiming to build strong foundations, kick-start economic growth, and deliver better services for the public.

He added: “This spending review delivers real, targeted investment for South Yorkshire and Barnsley.

“It’ll fund better transport, warm homes, free school meals for thousands of children, and our first government-funded school breakfast clubs in Barnsley.

“It’s a clear sign that this government is serious about backing our communities and investing in Barnsley and our region.”