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Major report outlining Barnsley's success in promoting social justice through citizen and community action.

Release | 28.09.17

The Centre for Welfare Reform has published a major report offering an independent evaluation and critical review of the work of Barnsley Council.

The report brings together data from multiple evaluations and a fresh analysis of publicly available data. It demonstrates:

This report has been written by Dr Simon Duffy, Director of the Centre for Welfare Reform. Dr Duffy commented:

"Barnsley's achievements are significant, because they are not based on another management fad or theory. Instead local leaders have been working hard, for over 12 years, to shift the balance of power towards local citizens, families and communities. None of this is easy, but the benefits have been very significant, especially when you consider the enormous pressure placed on local government by austerity.

"I particularly hope that this report will provide hope to those in the United Kingdom who still believe in social justice, fairness and the role of local government. Barnsley don't see themselves as a service provider; instead they aim to respect and strengthen local communities and raise people's expectations. Barnsley is a proud Northern town and it expects to achieve great things.

"This report is also relevant to the current debate on devolution. It demonstrates that the current balance of power is not neutral. Barnsley are losing out financially and politically, because power is centralised in London. Current discussions of devolution will not change this unless there is a more fundamental discussion about the financial and constitutional protections that places like Barnsley need."

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