Updates from Cabinet: Berneslai Homes Strategic Plan and HRA budget including rent increase

This week, Barnsley Council Cabinet members approved the updated Berneslai Homes Strategic Plan and Annual Business Plan, which details our key actions and areas of focus for the coming year.  

Continuing to build on the C1 rating from the Regulator of Social Housing, the plan emphasises our ongoing commitment to keeping tenants safe and warm, working closely with tenants to listen and respond to feedback, and increasing efficiency and effectiveness.
 
Members also discussed the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for the upcoming year - a budget which is an essential part of the council’s long-term housing strategy. The HRA budget outlines key investments in council homes, proposed rent levels, and a comprehensive housing capital investment programme for 2026/27.
 
Working together, we want to provide excellent customer service and maintain homes to the highest possible standard, making sure they are safe and warm. Click here to read more about how the council is investing to improve homes.

Cabinet members approved a provisional 4.8 per cent rent increase for council tenants over the next year. The proposed increase would work out at an additional £4.48 per week (52 weeks). We charge rent over 48 weeks which means the average weekly rent will be £105.98 per week. The report will also be presented to Full Council in February. 

Supporting you

The proposal is to increase rents by 4.8% in line with the Government’s current rent policy which will help us to maintain safe and legislatively compliant homes and help us to deliver many of the improvements tenants have been asking for.  

We know rent increases can be worrying, and we want to assure you that support is always available for those who need it. 

If you’re worried about money or having any problems paying your rent at any time of the year, please contact our Income Team who are here to help.

Our dedicated Tenants First team also offer specialist tenancy and family support including help with budgeting, claiming support, and employment and skills. Click here for more information on the range of support available to you.

Additionally, Barnsley Council offers residents a range of support and help managing your money, utility bills, food and housing, employment and skills. Visit the More Money in Your Pocket webpage for more information.  

Rent convergence update

The Government sets out how social rents should be worked out. This is called ‘formula rent’ and is for the property, it doesn’t include any service charges. Formula rent helps make sure similar homes in the same area charge similar rent levels - aiming to be affordable, transparent, and consistent.

Rent convergence is the Government’s plan to bring all social rents into line with a standard ‘formula rent’, so there’s more fairness and predictability regardless of your landlord or how long you’ve lived in your home.

Following government consultation, the full details of rent convergence remain unclear. There will be a further report to Barnsley Council Cabinet setting out the impacts should rent convergence become an option in the future and we’ll share more information with tenants when we’re able to.