The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee of Doncaster Council met on Wednesday 12 August 2026. The meeting was scheduled to discuss the Youth Justice Plan for 2026/27 to 2028/29 and the council's work plan.

Youth Justice Plan 2026/27 to 2028/29

A key item scheduled for discussion was the statutory Youth Justice Plan for 2026/27 to 2028/29. This plan outlines the work of the Youth Justice Service (YJS) in Doncaster, with the aim of preventing offending by children and young persons. The report highlighted that the YJS offer in Doncaster has been effective in meeting the needs of children and families, with positive feedback from parents and young people. The plan detailed the YJS practice model, which is based on Child First principles, and the specialist support available to children and families. It also noted successes in achieving Turnaround programme targets, which aims to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour amongst those on the cusp of the criminal justice system, with very low re-offending rates. The EPIC Hub, established in conjunction with partners, was also mentioned as a response to youth-related anti-social behaviour concerns, providing a safe space for children to engage in constructive activity. The report indicated that the YJS is measured against a range of key performance indicators, with strong performance in preventing and diverting children from the Criminal Justice System. The plan also set out resourcing, value for money, performance against the previous year's plan, structure, governance, partnership arrangements, and risks to future delivery for the service. The report recommended that the Overview Scrutiny and Management Committee consider the Youth Justice Plan before it is submitted to Cabinet and Full Council.

Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan and Council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions

The committee was also scheduled to review the Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan for 2026/27. This plan outlines the proposed scrutiny activities for the upcoming year. Additionally, the Council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions was presented for information. This plan details significant decisions expected to be made by the council's Cabinet, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Portfolio Holders, or Officers over the next four months. These decisions are defined as those likely to result in significant expenditure or savings, or those with a significant impact on communities across two or more wards. The Forward Plan for September to December 2026 indicated several key decisions, including the endorsement and adoption of the City of Doncaster's Road Safety Strategy, the Quarter 1 2026-27 Finance and Performance Report, and the approval of the Youth Justice Plan 2026/27. Other items included a refreshed Youth Strategy, the renewal of an Alleygate Public Spaces Protection Order, and the Quarter 2 2026-27 Finance and Performance Report.