BARNSLEY has been hit harder than anywhere else in the country by government spending cuts which equate to an average of £688 per person in the town, according to new research.
A study by charity Centre for Cities has revealed Barnsley Council’s day-to-day spending has reduced by 41 per cent since 2009 - the heaviest drop in the country. That means a reduction of £688 per person.
Barnsley Council dedicates the largest share of its budget to social care - but stretched resources elsewhere are making this harder to sustain, with the council making ‘tough decisions’ such as increasing council tax this year.
“Our current, sound financial position might make it sound like it’s been an easy process for us it hasn’t,” Barnsley Council chief executive Diana Terris and council leader Coun Sir Stephen Houghton said in a joint statement.
“Government budget reductions have forced us to make tough and unpopular decisions such as changing the way we deliver our services and increasing council tax for our residents.
“It’s a tough position to be in, but our focus has always been on improving services for all of our residents. The need for adult and children’s social care is still growing at the same time as government funding continues to reduce, but we’re committed to looking after our most vulnerable residents.”
Diana and Coun Houghton admitted the findings were ‘not a surprise’ - with the council budget being reduced by £107m and jobs cut by almost 40 per cent.
“Since 2009/2010, we’ve been dealing with the reality of government budget reductions and unequal national funding on a daily basis,” they continued.
“To keep Barnsley Council delivering services, we’ve had no choice but to rise to this challenge and through our forward planning, innovation and drive we’re in a strong financial position with a balanced budget. There are not many local authorities that can say this, and it’s a testament to our staff and our residents in their work to give Barnsley a brighter future.
“We’ve got some high and strong ambitions for the people of Barnsley and for the borough itself. Our economic regeneration agenda is second to none, with huge developments in the town centre and a focus on creating jobs for the future, with new business developments along the M1 corridor. Despite our schools being historically underfunded by government, we’re closing off the gap between Barnsley’s pupils and the national averages.
“We don’t know what the future holds, but we can assure our residents and business that we continue to push back against the government budget reductions that are being imposed on us along with the fair funding review to get the best outcomes for Barnsley.”
Barnsley Central MP and Mayor of South Yorkshire Dan Jarvis said Barnsley Council should be ‘commended for its ongoing commitment to protecting front line services’ in the face of austerity prescribed by national government - but warned of the unsustainability of this situation.
“This damning report highlighting the catastrophic impact of austerity on Barnsley shows why we urgently need a better deal for our region,” he added.
“For too long, northern towns like ours have been left behind by central government. The damage done by years of under-investment is now plain to see.
“We urgently need an economic settlement that tackles regional inequalities, not underpins them.
“That is why this week, I met with government ministers to discuss the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and how we can better support our regional economies.”
Barnsley East MP Stephanie Peacock said: “It’s an absolute disgrace to hear that Barnsley has been hit worse than any other town or city in the country by this callous government’s obsession with austerity.
“From resources needed for cleaning streets and filling potholes, to social care and homelessness support, reductions of over 40 per cent in local council funds have had a devastating impact on the lives of people here in our community, and it’s Tory cuts that are to blame.
“Combined with the chronic underfunding of our health services, damaging cuts to local policing, and continued policy of austerity that has left the public services many depend on in crisis, these figures are simply further evidence of this Tory government’s continued neglect of people here in Barnsley.”
