Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber Welcomes Barnsley Council’s £5 Million Support Package for Local Barnsley Businesses

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce fully supports Barnsley Council’s proposed £5 million support package, designed to safeguard jobs and protect the Barnsley high street.

Announced during today’s Council meeting, this vital scheme will provide 100% business rate relief for eligible retail, leisure, and hospitality businesses operating in Barnsley when the scheme goes live.

Set to launch on Tuesday 1 April 2025 and run until Tuesday 31 March 2026, this one-off reinvestment demonstrates a clear commitment to supporting the local economy from Barnsley Council.

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber welcomes these measures, which will provide much-needed relief and give businesses the confidence to continue investing in Barnsley.

Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive of the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber, said, “Businesses in the leisure, hospitality and retail sectors have played a transformational role in the regeneration of Barnsley’s town centre – the net result of which is job creation, entrepreneurship and a boost to the local economy through the thousands of visitors attracted to the town each week.

“Yet against this backdrop, businesses are facing uncertain futures. The triple whammy of rising cost pressures, cuts to business rate relief and April’s employer National Insurance increases have forced some to place recruitment plans on hold, whilst others are facing the stark reality of redundancies or survival.

“When the Chamber relayed the very real concerns of our members, Barnsley Council listened and responded. We welcome and fully support the measures introduced by Barnsley Council which will offer some vital relief to some, as well as giving businesses the confidence to continue investing in the town.

“I hope other areas across the UK will follow the example of the progressive and collaborative work being delivered in Barnsley.”

For more information visit www.barnsley.gov.uk