ONLY three areas in the UK all in the south have seen their disposable income rise faster than in Barnsley, a new study has revealed.
A report from think-tank Centre for Cities has revealed that between 2013 and 2023, disposable income for residents has risen by 2.4 per cent on average.
However, in Barnsley it has risen by 5.6 per cent.
It’s the largest rise in the entirety of Yorkshire and the Humber.
And even above the average of the highest performing towns and cities across the entirety of the UK.
Only London, Worthing and Brighton all in the south saw their disposable income increase greater than that of Barnsley.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “The economy of South Yorkshire has been too small for too long.
“There’s not been enough jobs or opportunity, and people haven’t had enough money in their pockets. But with a long-term plan and huge ambition, we’re turning that around.
“The Centre for Cities report shows exactly how that work is already paying off.
“Barnsley and Doncaster are now two of the fastest growing places in the country, with local economic growth outpacing the national average and disposable incomes rising almost twice as fast over the past decade.
“Across the region, we’re focused on making sure South Yorkshire has a bigger and better economy.
“I want everyone growing up here to know that in South Yorkshire you can stay near and go far that you can build a great life close to the people and places you love.
“Each year Cities Outlook provides an invaluable snapshot of how places are changing.
“I’m pleased to see them now provide some supporting evidence to what we’ve known for a while that the approach we’re taking in South Yorkshire is paying off.”
Andrew Carter, chief executive of the think-tank, added: “It is understandable that the government has shifted its emphasis onto the cost of living in recent weeks, but ultimately it is stronger economic growth that raises household incomes. Without growth, cost-of-living fixes can only ever be temporary.
“Nationally, the last decade has delivered the same amount of growth in living standards as we typically experienced in a single year prior to 2008.
“In places like Warrington and Barnsley, economic growth has translated into higher household incomes and less deprivation.
“That isn’t accidental it is shaped by policy choices on skills, transport, housing, and support for businesses.”
Barnsley Council leader Sir Steve Houghton said it was pleasing to see Barnsley’s economic growth rate being recognised.
“It’s a huge achievement to see Barnsley highlighted as among the 11 top-performing places nationally, especially given the economic challenges and hardships we’ve faced in recent generations. It’s testament to years of work by the council and our many partners to help ensure Barnsley’s economy continues to grow.
“While it’s very encouraging to see that on average Barnsley residents’ disposable income growth of 5.6% is almost double the growth seen on average across the rest of the country, we’re all too aware that not everybody will be feeling that.
“That’s why we continue to do all we can to support local people, such as our help for families with the cost of school uniforms and free bus travel for young people. More Money in Your Pocket is our campaign and website which helps all residents find out about the range of local help that’s available to them.
“We won’t let up on our ambitions for a Growing Barnsley. There’s so much more we want to achieve as we establish Barnsley as the UK’s leading digital town and a National Centre of Digital Technologies, fostering digital skills and attracting jobs and investment in our borough. We’re also working with the logistics and manufacturing sector to help fuel job creation and innovation.
“We’re also striving to unleash the untapped talent within our communities through Pathways to Work, which is helping reduce economic inactivity by unlocking more employment opportunities for those who are currently frozen out of our economic growth. We want them to be able to share in our borough’s prosperity.”
