Authority to research impact of repair cuts

The investigation was launched by the authority’s Scrutiny Commission yesterday, in the light of reductions in the cash available to maintain and improve housing in the town.

A spokesman for Barnsley Council said: “A lot of progress has been made in recent years to upgrade housing in the borough, which has helped improve the quality of life for many Barnsley people.

“But the commission fears this might be at risk because of budget cuts, and is especially worried those whose homes still need improving will miss out.

“The commission wants to find out just how big these cuts are going to be and what is going to be done to reduce their impact on Barnsley’s different communities.

“To get answers, the commission members will speak to experts and those who run public housing in the borough.

“In particular, they want to find out what the current state of Barnsley’s housing stock is and where there are still problems.

“The commission wants to hear from witnesses what they think will be the impact of financial reductions, what improvements will now not be made and which communities are likely to be worst affected.

“The commission wants to find out what will be done to make sure communities and individuals in greatest need get the repairs and improvements they require.

“Commission members are especially keen to see whether more can be done to attract private sector finance to fund repairs and improvements to Barnsley housing.

“The commission also wants to discuss with local people what they think, and hear from those communities which will not get the improvements originally planned.”

Barnsley Council also wants people to contact the authority on 01226 773064 if they wish to get involved in the investigation.