ONE in four council house tenants in Barnsley are living in a property which requires repair work, shocking new figures have revealed.
Berneslai Homes manage a total of 17,625 houses on the council’s behalf but a Freedom of Information request - seen by the Chronicle - confirmed 5,067 are awaiting a repair.
Almost 500 households have been waiting over six months for work to be carried out, while 35 have been waiting more than a year for Wates, Berneslai Homes’ contractor, to undertake needed repairs.
The housing provider’s performance was discussed by ruling cabinet members at Barnsley Town Hall on Wednesday, after an annual study was published.
At the year’s end, performance is rated based on whether annual targets have been achieved - denoted by green coloration - narrowly missed the target, denoted by amber coloration, or not achieved, denoted by red coloration.
Of the 32 objectives set, ten were reported as green, five were amber and 13 were red.
Once a letter of claim is received by Barnsley Council, Berneslai Homes’ relevant staff members are notified and properties are visited.
This visit must take place within 20 working days of a response and there is a 90-day period to action and complete the agreed repairs.
Wates signed a ten-year, £100m deal with the council in 2020.
The previous provider, Kier, had held the contract for ten years but a decision was taken to end the agreement following a tender process.
However, bosses said cash totalling £5.8m had been poured into improving the condition of homes across Barnsley in a year.
“One of the most important services we provide is the repairs and improvements service, where we continue to spend a large proportion of our budgets, in line with agreed priorities,” a statement said.
“Reacting to responsive repairs is an important part of the service, improving the condition of homes through investment and energy efficiency works reduces usage and repair costs longer term.
“In total retrofit energy efficiency measures were added to 56 homes, reducing energy use and reducing bills for tenants.
“In addition, 283 properties had solar PV installed via a project in partnership with the council and Energise Barnsley.
“We engaged with 10,456 tenants during 2024/25, gaining their feedback in a range of ways.
“We promoted to tenants how to complain and encouraged contact - during the year we had 1,202 stage one complaints and 284 stage two complaints.
“The main reasons for complaints were the long wait times for planned repairs and replacements and our ability to effectively communicate with tenants.
“As a result of feedback, we have continued to work with tenants to improve letters and communication.
“We will work together with the council, tenants and partners to continue to provide the best service possible and create great homes and communities in Barnsley.”
