The Cabinet of Doncaster Council met on Wednesday 15 July 2026 to discuss an environmental crime enforcement contract with Sheffield City Council and to note previous decision records. The meeting confirmed the council's intention to enter into a shared services agreement with Sheffield City Council for environmental crime enforcement, building on existing successful partnerships.

Environmental Crime Enforcement Contract (Sheffield)

The Cabinet approved the proposal for Doncaster Council to enter into a contract with Sheffield City Council to provide environmental enforcement services, specifically targeting dog fouling and littering within Sheffield's boundaries. This contract will be delivered by Doncaster Council's contractor, Waste Investigations Support & Enforcement Ltd (WISE), and will leverage Doncaster's existing expertise and infrastructure.

The decision to approve the contract was made by the Cabinet. The report presented to the Cabinet highlighted that this new contract would not directly impact Doncaster citizens but would result in the retention of associated administration fees by Doncaster Council. These fees are expected to cover the overhead costs of managing the Sheffield contract and generate a modest surplus, contributing to the wider service overheads within Doncaster's Regulation and Enforcement department.

The report emphasised that the primary objective of this initiative is to drive behaviour change and improve the environment, rather than solely generating income. It was noted that as enforcement becomes more effective and compliance improves, a reduction in offences, and consequently operating surplus, should be anticipated. The contract is designed to provide a consistent and visible enforcement presence across South Yorkshire, aiming to improve cleanliness, enhance civic pride, protect wildlife, and create safer, more enjoyable environments.

The council has a strong track record in environmental crime enforcement, having successfully managed similar contracts with Rotherham, North Lincolnshire, and North East Lincolnshire for the past eight years. Doncaster Council operates a bespoke debt management system for processing Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs), with a high payment rate and successful court pursuits. The new contract with Sheffield will be independently resourced by WISE and will operate in addition to current enforcement capacity, ensuring no reduction in service levels for existing partner authorities.

The recommended option was to accept the delegation of powers from Sheffield City Council, approve the shared services agreement, and vary the existing contract with WISE to accommodate the new service. An alternative option to refuse the request was considered but not recommended. The report stated that the recommended option is likely to be commercially beneficial for Doncaster Council and that the addition of one Process Officer, funded through the contract's revenue, will ensure adequate resourcing without impacting existing service standards.

The report also detailed the legal implications, noting that local authorities can delegate enforcement functions and that Doncaster Council's Constitution allows for the acceptance of such delegations. The arrangements are permitted under the Procurement Act 2023. Financial implications indicated that all enforcement work would be undertaken by WISE, with Doncaster Council managing and administering the contract. Human Resources implications noted the need to establish and recruit to a temporary Process Officer role.

Decision Record Forms from the meeting held on 17th June, 2026, for noting

The Cabinet also noted the Decision Record Forms from the meeting held on 17th June 2026. This item was for noting and did not involve any new decisions being made at this meeting.