Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, GB

Barnsley Metropolitian Borough Council, GB leads multi-council development of open-source IMS

Council officials began in-house development of Local Gov IMS in 2017. This system centralizes and simplifies accounting functions across council departments. Project leaders began a discovery process for partner councils in 2019 after recognizing common needs across local authorities. Alpha-phase involvement by Dorset and Huntingdonshire councils broadened the system's applicability. An ongoing beta added Lewisham and published source code for experimentation by other councils.

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Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, GB

United Kingdom

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Dorset Council, GB

United Kingdom

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Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, GB brings Low Carbon Standard to life with new development

Council officials approved a 16-home affordable housing development in Bolton-upon-Dearne that adheres to the low-emission standard. Each home features solar panels and an on-site battery for excess energy storage. Features like air-source heat pumps, triple-glazed windows, and well-insulated exterior walls maintain resident comfort at minimal expense. Residents also benefit from full-fiber broadband and technical assistance from council-owned Berneslai Homes.

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Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, GB

United Kingdom

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, GB expands Principal Towns program for COVID-19 support

The £5 million program initially offered grants for storefront improvements in five towns and 10 shopping centers. Shop owners applied for 20% council funding of window, signage, and shutter upgrades up to £4,000. Principal Towns also offered grants for new businesses in Goldthorpe and security funding for shops in Hoyland and Thurnscoe. Borough officials allocated £1.5 million to support businesses during COVID-19 with digital skill-building and public space improvements.

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Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, GB

United Kingdom

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, GB reinvests solar revenues into community energy project

The borough and Energise Barnsley funded a 310-property solar investment in 2013 with a feed-in tariff scheme (FITS). Revenue from sales of excess energy created by council buildings repaid original project costs and will fund solar array installations for 1,000 council homes. Council officials will evaluate fuel poverty among residents and select homes in greatest need of low-priced energy. This program also trains local contractors in the growing field of solar installation.

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Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, GB

United Kingdom

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, GB adds first tiny forest in carbon reduction effort

A 600-tree forest at Brickyard Ponds in Goldthorpe will be planted on a lot the size of a tennis court. The Goldthorpe Tiny Forest will be 30 times denser and grow 10 times larger than a standard forest. Council officials are recruiting volunteers to manage the forest for the first three years of growth. The borough approved the tiny forest to improve air quality, educate the public on sustainable design, and work toward a net-zero emissions goal by 2045.

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Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, GB

United Kingdom

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, GB partners with DrinkCoach to address excessive drinking

Borough residents concerned about their drinking habits start by filling out a 10-question survey. Completed surveys lead to targeted advice along with recommendations for local counseling services. Qualifying respondents receive up to six free online counseling sessions through the DrinkCoach platform. This program helps Barnsley officials reduce local health costs related to alcoholism while empowering residents to improve their well-being.

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Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, GB

United Kingdom

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, GB encourages active residents with Febru-welly campaign

The month-long effort with Good Food Barnsley motivates locals to mix indoor and outdoor activities for better physical and mental health. Social media posts of outdoor activities with #BarnsleySplash are promoted by the council. A digital activity book guides families throughout craft projects, recipes, and puzzles. Good Food Barnsley also hosts a creative writing competition asking kids to share their rainy day stories.

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Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, GB

United Kingdom