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In 2013, Barnsley Council鈥檚 Stronger Communities programme shifted from traditional service delivery to a community partnership model. It actively involves communities and civil society organisations in designing, delivering, and reviewing services through devolved decision making.聽

To target resources in the most cost-effective way to meet local needs, the council increased community involvement, moving from 鈥渄oing things for鈥� to 鈥渨orking with鈥� residents and community groups.

Ward Alliances

Barnsley Council established 鈥榃ard Alliances鈥�, each with elected members and community representatives, a devolved budget and decision making powers. The ward alliances involved local residents and groups to inform local shared priorities and budget allocation. Their co-designed strategies across Barnsley have increased local buy-in and involvement. A Litter and Environmental Crime Plan for 2024 to 2030 was co-produced with community members and volunteers whose experiences informed the strategy, fostering shared ownership.

Outcomes

This shift to working with the local community has resulted in more communities engaging in local decision making, an increase in volunteer hours and in the number of local groups active in the area. The budget allocation powers within Ward Alliances have supported a range of local projects, and have empowered communities to come together, and feel united in a sense of pride in their area.聽聽

This community impact has contributed towards Barnsley Council鈥檚 national recognition, winning both the Local Government Chronicle鈥檚 Council of the Year title and the Municipal Journal Local Authority of the Year award in 2023, the only council to win both awards in the same year.