At this time of year, I always tend to look back and reflect on the good things happening in Barnsley, and 2025 is no different.
We continue to see Barnsley grow and the council go from strength to strength. Of course, nothing is perfect and I know there are areas we can still improve. Nonetheless our borough’s direction is the right one as local people, and our local and national partner agencies tell us.
Of course we’re living a world that seems full of uncertainty, but we’ve seen some real positivity across our borough.
We’ve introduced a comprehensive business support package, including 100 per cent business rate relief for qualifying retail, leisure and hospitality businesses, helping safeguard jobs and keep our high streets vibrant.
The Seam Digital Campus development is well underway, with the construction of the Yorkshire Roses and public realm which will be completed in 2026.
About £300m has been invested in regeneration projects such as Principal Towns programme, Goldthorpe Towns Fund and business park investment, all helping to create a sense of pride in local areas, while helping to boost the economy and jobs.
Helping people to live better lives
Our £17.3m highways programme has delivered much needed repairs to our roads across the borough. Through the Love Where You Live programme, we’ve invested £3.5m in community clean-ups, parks, and green spaces, supporting projects that tackle local priorities and enhance neighbourhood pride. Health on the High Street is making vital health and wellbeing services more accessible, with Barnsley Hospital now offering outpatient services alongside a retail and leisure offer at the Alhambra Shopping centre. We’ve also provided cost of living support, including council tax reductions, £100 vouchers for over 20,000 residents, and partnerships to reduce water bills for eligible households.
Our Great Childhoods Ambition has been the driving force behind investments that families can see and feel the benefits of in real time. We’ve invested £2.8m in school uniform vouchers and year 11 support packs.
The Barnsley MiCard scheme has enabled over 500,000 free bus journeys for under-18s to date, connecting young people to education, employment and leisure opportunities. Exciting new facilities like Base71 Youth Zone and the Youth Activity Park are on the way, alongside upgrades to the YMCA and the development of NAVE for Barnsley Youth Choir.
As we move into 2026, the council remains dedicated to regeneration, investment, and innovation. With new facilities, expanded health services, and ongoing improvements to public spaces, we’re committed to making Barnsley a vibrant, welcoming place. I want to keep that positive direction going.
But there are people who do not. Their alternative of turning Barnsley into a place of suspicion, mistrust and fear will only drive away business and our young talent. It will provide a very different future for our children and grandchildren.
It would damage Barnsley’s reputation to the rest of the world and that is never good. So, we as a place will have some big decisions to make. However, that is for another day.
For now, let’s keep backing Barnsley and our young people especially, they have so much talent and we need to make the most of them.
So, many thanks to all of you for your help and encouragement, and for helping to make Barnsley the great place that it is.
Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.
