MORE households in Barnsley are being placed in temporary accommodation as new figures reveal house building in the borough has fallen short of the council’s target.
A report shows 141 households were placed in temporary accommodation between October to December 2025, a 17 per cent rise on the previous three months and well above the target of 115.
During the same time, just 132 new homes were delivered, compared to a target of 675.
Council officers warned a lack of long-term supported housing is making it harder to move people out of temporary accommodation, leading to longer stays in B and Bs and other short-term settings.
The report said wider national issues such as rising construction costs, labour shortages and delays linked to planning reforms are also slowing housebuilding.
The report said: “At a local level, issues such as constrained land availability, infrastructure capacity and community opposition to new development further complicate the picture.
“The cumulative effect is a slowdown in delivery at a time when demand for housing remains acute, exacerbated by demographic growth and affordability pressures.
“The council continues to adopt a proactive and positive approach to housing delivery.
“We are granting planning permissions in line with our adopted local plan and working to unlock complex sites that require additional intervention.”
Analysis by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) explores how the population could change over the coming years, with more older people living alone and fewer families with children.
A projection based on current trends and data from the 2021 Census suggests there could be 117,605 households in Barnsley by 2032, an increase of 9,308.
Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture said: “We need sustainable, quality housing so all residents can live in a home that’s right for them.
“As a council, we’re focused on long-term planning to address population growth, changing needs and economic challenges, aiming to build resilient communities with housing options for all.
“We continue to work with SYMCA and Homes England to maximise grant funding opportunities to accelerate housing delivery across the borough.”
