BARNSLEY Council bosses have vowed to back the night-time economy in the town - and plans have been submitted to the government to release funding for an extra boost.
Earlier this year, business rates were slashed for selected businesses once again in the council’s budget.
With mounting pressure on local venues, landlords have called for more support from the government but have generally been positive about the council’s work.
Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “We know that a lot of businesses in the hospitality sector are finding life increasingly difficult with many of the contributing factors out of their control.
“That’s why we provided 100 per cent business rate relief in 2025/26 for qualifying retail, leisure and hospitality businesses to help safeguard jobs and protect the vibrancy of our high streets, and I’m delighted to say we’ve extended that support package for another year in our budget for 2026/27 and are the only council in the country providing this level of support.
“Meanwhile, our town centre was recently awarded Purple Flag status for a seventh consecutive year, meaning it offers a safe and vibrant atmosphere for revellers.
“Our staff work hard with our partners in the public and private sector to put a range of safety protocols in place, including the Licensing SAVI and Ask for Angela initiatives as well as the nightlife marshals and the safety bus.”
Paul McNicholas, who owns a number of venues on the Arcade, praised the council’s support but feels many venues have been left with their ‘hands tied behind their backs’ due to safety measures such as barriers on the pavement.
The council has confirmed consultation for bollards - instead of the barriers - will begin later this month.
Coun Franklin added: “Feasibility assessments for the installation of hostile vehicle mitigation measures on Wellington Street and the Victorian Arcade are to begin in 2026/27, and a ten-week consultation about a new policy for pavement licensing will start on March 27.
“Many of these safety features have been paid for by phase one of the Pride in Place programme, and they all help to make the town centre’s evening and night-time economy a success, as does our continued investment into the area.
“We’ve submitted a ten-year vision and four-year investment plan to the government for the next phase of Pride in Place, which will bring £19.5m to Barnsley over the next decade, with projects that include community safety measures to support the evening and night-time economy within the town centre.
“We’re also continuing to invest in our Principal Towns to ensure that they’re welcoming places and the businesses there, which are the beating heart of our high streets, can thrive - one of the missions from our Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy.”
Carrie Sudbury, chief executive at the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, praised the council’s work on business rates.
She added: “Businesses in the leisure, hospitality and retail sectors have played a transformational role in the regeneration of Barnsley’s town centre - the net result of which is job creation, entrepreneurship and a boost to the local economy through the thousands of visitors attracted to the town each week.
“Yet against this backdrop, businesses are facing uncertain futures.
“The triple whammy of rising cost pressures, cuts to business rate relief and employer National Insurance increases have forced some to place recruitment plans on hold, whilst others are facing the stark reality of redundancies or survival.
“When the Chamber relayed the very real concerns of our members, Barnsley Council listened and responded.
“We welcome and fully support the measures introduced by Barnsley Council which offer some vital relief to some, as well as giving businesses the confidence to continue investing in the town.
“I hope other areas across the UK will follow the example of the progressive and collaborative work being delivered in Barnsley.”
