BARNSLEY Council’s new leader has confirmed ‘saving plans’ will be explored after documents revealed the local authority’s on course to record a funding gap of almost £24m.

A Freedom of Information request reveals the council’s predicted blackhole by the end of the 2027/28 financial year could stand at £11.6m, which is forecast to grow to £23.3m by 2028/29.

Former cabinet members last met to discuss the council’s financial plight last month, after it was revealed that four out of five directorates went overbudget.

Councillor William Brown, the new Reform leader of the council, said his team would look at plans to ensure the council’s financial stability.

He said: “Barnsley Council’s current medium-term financial strategy was approved in February 2026.

“The published papers outlined the budget pressures for the next three years.

“We know that increased demand from children and adult social care is having a significant impact on council finances across the country.

“We’ll be working with officers at the council to understand budget pressures and saving plans to ensure the council remains financially sustainable.”

As of December 31, the average weekly cost of youngsters’ residential placements was £8,300 - equivalent £500,000 per child per annum - compared with £7,400 per week in quarter one, which is a 10.8 per cent average weekly cost increase.

Within the residential placements cohort, there were 24 children placed in high-cost placements, costing over £8,000 per week during the quarter, with the average cost being £11,561 per week.

In contrast, as of quarter one there were 18 children in high-cost placements at an average of £11,130 per week, a 33 per cent

increase in the number of children in these types of placement.

Wendy Popplewell, executive director for core services, said the council’s position was not unique and that bosses keep a ‘close eye’ on the situation.

“Most of the expected overspend is due to increasing demand and rising costs in adult and children’s social care - this is not unique to Barnsley as councils across the country are facing the same pressures.

“We have a strong history of managing finances responsibly.

“When setting the 2025/26 budget, we planned ahead by setting aside funding to help manage these pressures, ensuring the most vulnerable people in our borough continue to be supported.

“Our services are already taking steps to reduce these pressures.

“In children’s services, this includes helping children stay safely with their own families wherever possible, rather than needing to enter care.

“Where this is not possible, we are strengthening local care.”