Barnsley Council reports rise in independent living and service performance

Barnsley Council’s most recent corporate performance review, covering the April to June 2026 period, highlights a range of improvements in adult social care, children’s placements, library activity, employment and cultural attendance. The data will be scrutinised at a Cabinet meeting scheduled for 7 October.

In adult social care, seven out of ten service users now finish re-ablement programmes without requiring ongoing support, a shift that helps residents stay in their own homes longer. At the same time, the number of people aged 65 and over entering long-term residential or nursing facilities has fallen to 115 per 100,000 residents, well beneath the council’s target of 200 per 100,000.

The report notes that 86.5 % of looked-after children are placed within a 20-mile radius of their family home, exceeding the 85 % benchmark. Keeping children closer to familiar environments is intended to preserve family ties, schooling continuity and community connections, which the council says supports better long-term outcomes.

Library usage continues to climb, with more than 184,000 visits recorded across both physical branches and digital platforms, surpassing the goal of 172,400.

Economic indicators show robust growth, as 390 new private-sector positions were created during the quarter, far outstripping the target of 168 jobs. Cultural attractions also performed strongly, with museums and outdoor heritage sites welcoming over 640,000 visitors in the first quarter, well above the 500,000 target.

Councillor Martin Bancroft, responsible for core services, welcomed the results, describing them as proof that council support is helping residents maintain independence and stay connected to their families and communities. He credited staff, partners and local residents for the achievements and noted that the upcoming Cabinet discussion will consider any areas needing further attention. The full performance report can be accessed through the council’s website under the Cabinet papers section.