Housing

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• your income
  
• your outgoings
  
• your personal circumstances
  

• be the person responsible for paying the Council Tax bill (rented property or your own home).
  
• be on a low income - whether it's from paid work, benefits or a pension.
  
• and have between you and your partner
  
• less than £10,000 in savings if you're working age
  
• less than £16,000 in savings if you're pensionable age (unless you receive the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit)
  

• Your income and how this compares to other people in a similar situation.
  
• Your savings if you have any.
  
• The difference between any Council Tax reduction you receive and your payments.
  
• If your accommodation is suitable for your needs.
  
• If your property is empty, the reason it why can't be sold or let.
  
• If there is anyone in your household who is able to help you.
  
• Any loans or debts you may have.
  
• If it's reasonable that you could manage your money better.
  
• If you've tried to put the situation right yourself.
  
• If a major incident has occurred that has forced you out of your home.

• If you are behind with your rent, and need help to get back on track
• If you need help completing online applications for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support
  
• If you need help with your family budget
  
• If you need help with rent charges due to under occupation sometimes known as ‘bedroom tax’
  
• If you are having issues with Universal Credit
  

Damp and mould can seriously affect your health—especially for children, older adults, and people with existing conditions like asthma or bronchitis. It can also impact your skin, eyes, and mental wellbeing. If you're concerned it’s making you or your family unwell, contact your GP or 📞call NHS 111.

Need help? Our website has advice on dealing with damp and mould, including where to turn for support.

Worried about heating your home or paying energy bills?
Our Warm Homes team is here to help make your home warmer and more affordable.

• Tips to lower bills, manage fuel debt, and access fuel vouchers
  
• Help applying for grants for insulation and heating
  
• Guidance on council services and energy company discounts
  
• Referrals for mould and damp support, benefit checks, and income advice
  
• Carbon monoxide alarms and gas safety information
  

• A safe, working heating system you can control
  
• Smoke alarms on every floor
  
• Carbon monoxide detectors in rooms with solid fuel appliances

If you're homeless or worried about losing your home, the Housing and Welfare team is here to help. They offer tailored advice to help you stay where you are—or find alternative housing if needed
They can also connect you to specialist support, including help for young people, care leavers, and those facing domestic abuse.

If you're looking for a new place to live in Barnsley, there are several options to explore—whether you’re renting privately, through a housing provider, or looking to buy.

Renting a Council Home with Berneslai Homes
Berneslai Homes manage around 18,000 council properties on behalf of the local authority. They’re an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) that handles property allocation and housing services. You can find out how to apply and view available properties on their website.

• Synergy Housing (Together Housing Group)
• Yorkshire Housing
  
• South Yorkshire Housing Association
  
• Guinness Northern Counties
  
• Hanover Housing Association
  
• Habinteg Housing Association
  
• Acis Group
  
• Places for People

As the colder months approach, it's important to take steps to stay healthy and warm. Cold weather can affect anyone, but it can be especially challenging for young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with ongoing health conditions. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple things you can do to protect yourself and those around you.

Barnsley Council’s Keep Warm and Well leaflet is packed with practical advice and useful tips to help you, your family, and your community stay safe and well this winter.

• Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
• Use a firm, flat mattress in a cot or Moses basket.
• Keep the sleep space clear—no pillows, toys, or loose blankets.
• Sleep in the same room as your baby for the first 6 months.
• Keep the room at a comfortable temperature (16–20°C).
• Don’t smoke around your baby or in your home.