Reform UK - Barnsley, Pen*stone & Stocksbridge Branch

📢 Mayor’s luncheon costs cut to save taxpayers’ money.

As we welcome our new Mayor, Cllr Liam Hardcastle, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Michael Davies, we’re pleased to highlight the significant savings made on this year’s Mayor Making luncheon.

The original estimated cost, based on 100 guests and a two-course meal, was £2,475.

Through a number of sensible changes, the actual cost of this year’s luncheon was just £368.

✅ Councillors contributed £10 each towards their attendance.

👥 The Mayor’s guest allocation was reduced from 30 to 15 places.

🥪 A buffet was chosen instead of a formal two-course meal, removing the need for additional dinner service and reducing catering costs.

Mayor Cllr Liam Hardcastle said:

“I wanted this year’s Mayor Making luncheon to be respectful of taxpayers’ money while still providing an opportunity to celebrate this important civic occasion. By making a few common-sense changes, we’ve been able to reduce costs significantly and deliver better value for residents.”

These practical decisions demonstrate our commitment to cutting unnecessary expenditure while continuing to support the borough’s civic traditions.

📢 We are proud to introduce Reform UK Barnsley’s Cabinet Spokespersons and Cabinet Support Members, who will help lead our borough into a new chapter focused on transparency, accountability, and delivering for residents.

Cabinet Spokesperson Without Portfolio: Cllr Rachael Kay

Cabinet Support Member: Cllr Luca Turner

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Cabinet Spokesperson for Core Services: Cllr Martin Bancroft

Cabinet Support Member: Cllr Kay Hughes

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Cabinet Spokesperson for Adult Social Care and Integrated Health: Cllr Stan Bryan

Cabinet Support Member: Cllr Betty Barnes

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Cabinet Spokesperson for Children’s Services: Cllr Gary Hall

Cabinet Support Member: Cllr Vicky Jackson

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Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Transport and Communities: Cllr Paul Kelly

Cabinet Support Member: Cllr David Goddard

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Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Assets: Cllr Andy Cudworth

Cabinet Support Member: Cllr Rocky Laybourn

📢 Today marked our first Annual Council Meeting — we’ll shortly be announcing our new Cabinet Members as we begin delivering the change residents voted for.

🇬🇧 Today marks a historic day for Barnsley as we gather for the Annual Council Meeting, where our new Mayor will be sworn in and Reform UK Barnsley’s Cabinet Members will be announced.

For the first time in the council’s 52-year history since its formation in 1974, Barnsley will no longer be under a Labour administration. This is a moment that reflects the desire for change shown by residents right across our borough.

We are honoured by the trust the people of Barnsley have placed in us and fully understand the responsibility that comes with it. Our focus now is simple: delivering transparent leadership, protecting taxpayers’ money, improving local services, and putting Barnsley residents first.

Today is not just about a change in administration, it’s the beginning of a new chapter for Barnsley.

Thank you to everyone who supported us and believed change was possible 🩵

It was great to visit the Health on the High Street project today and see firsthand how it’s making it easier for Barnsley people to get the support they need, right in the heart of our town centre.

We’ll be working with officers to look at plans for the next stages of this project in the coming weeks.

📢 Reform UK Barnsley Leader pledges to work with SEND families to improve services.

Cllr William Brown, Leader of Barnsley Council, has responded to concerns raised in a recent article about SEND services in Barnsley, saying the council is committed to supporting children and families and continuing to improve services across the borough.

“Firstly, I want to thank parents and families who continue to speak up about their experiences with SEND services in Barnsley. While we recognise the achievements of Barnsley Council’s SEND team and the valuable work they deliver, we also understand the frustration and concern some families feel.

Our administration has only been in place for two weeks, but we are open to investigating concerns raised following the recent SEND inspection report and listening carefully to residents, parents, and professionals.

I would also like to personally invite Mr Wainwright to Barnsley Town Hall for an open and constructive discussion so we can better understand the concerns being raised and how we can work together to improve services going forward.

We are committed to ensuring every child and family receives the support, care, and opportunities they deserve.”

🇬🇧 This marks a new era for Barnsley with a council that not only listens to residents, but actively works with them to improve local services.

Dad calls for investigation into Barnsley SEND inspection report An inspection of Barnsley’s support for children and young people with special needs and disabilities has sparked anger from parents.

🇬🇧 Meet our new Group Whip, Cllr Betty Barnes.

Betty proudly serves the people of Dodworth, Stainborough & Tankersley and takes on this role as Group Whip, where she will play a key part in supporting the team and helping to strengthen organisation and focus across the group.

Congratulations, Betty, on your appointment.

🇬🇧 Meet our new Group Secretary, Cllr Theresa Arnold.

Over the past year, Theresa has served as Branch Secretary, proving to be a real asset to the team.

We’re delighted to welcome her into this new role and look forward to the contribution she will continue to make.