The Council of Doncaster Council was scheduled to consider a range of important matters, including the Youth Justice Plan for 2026/27 to 2028/29, motions on protecting communities from uncontrolled HMO development and street lighting columns, and the restoration of Doncaster Lakeside. The meeting was also scheduled to address the appointment of a new Chair for the Audit Committee and independent members to the same committee, alongside discussions on special responsibility allowances for Member Champions.

Youth Justice Plan 2026/27 to 2028/29

The Council was scheduled to consider the statutory Youth Justice Plan for 2026/27 to 2028/29. This plan outlines the work of the Youth Justice Service (YJS) in Doncaster, aiming to prevent offending by children and young persons. The report highlighted the service's effectiveness in meeting the needs of children and families, with positive feedback from parents and children. The plan detailed strategies for reducing re-offending rates, with a focus on early intervention and evidence-based practices. It also addressed resourcing, performance against previous plans, governance, and partnership arrangements. The report indicated that the successful implementation of this plan was expected to contribute to an overall reduction in youth offending and make communities safer.

Protecting Doncaster Communities from Uncontrolled HMO Development

A motion was scheduled to be considered regarding the protection of Doncaster communities from uncontrolled Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) development. The motion noted that small HMOs, typically occupied by three to six unrelated people, fall under Use Class C4 and can often be converted from dwelling houses without requiring planning permission. This process bypasses consideration of their impact on the community, including parking, waste, residential amenity, and the cumulative concentration of HMOs. The motion proposed that the Council establish the evidence necessary to determine whether further Article 4 protection should be introduced across Doncaster, which would allow for greater oversight of proposed conversions.

Motion: Street Lighting Columns and Community Decorations

The Council was scheduled to consider a motion concerning street lighting columns and community decorations. The motion noted that while many towns and cities permit seasonal and commemorative items on street lighting columns, Doncaster Council no longer routinely permits such attachments due to concerns about structural suitability. The motion highlighted that parish and town councils face additional financial burdens for structural testing and are encouraged to contribute to the replacement of lighting columns with stronger units. The Council was scheduled to review its policy, publish evidence on column suitability, explore borough-wide infrastructure upgrades, and work collaboratively with parish and town councils to establish a fair process for seasonal decorations.

Motion: Restoration and Future Management of Doncaster Lakeside

A motion was scheduled to be considered regarding the restoration and future management of Doncaster Lakeside. The motion noted concerns about the deteriorating condition of the lake and its surroundings, including failing structures, accumulated litter, unpleasant odours, and water quality issues. It highlighted that Doncaster Lakeside has the potential to be a high-quality visitor destination and a focal point for recreation and wildlife. The motion requested that the Elected Mayor and Cabinet arrange a comprehensive structural and environmental condition assessment of the lake and its surroundings, publish the findings, and present a costed and phased Lakeside Restoration and Management Plan.

Appointment of Chair of the Audit Committee

The Council was scheduled to consider the appointment of a Chair for the Audit Committee for the remainder of the 2026/27 Municipal Year. This followed the resignation of Councillor Jason Charity from the position. The report indicated that nominations were sought from Group Leaders, and any further nominations received prior to the meeting would be reported orally. The appointed Chair would also serve as the Council's member representative on the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority's Audit, Standards and Risk Committee.

Appointment of Independent Members to the Audit Committee

The Council was scheduled to consider the appointment of two co-opted, non-voting, Independent Members to the Audit Committee. This followed a decision to increase the number of independent members from one to two, in line with best practice guidance from the Redmond Review. The report provided summaries of the background, skills, and experience of the two proposed candidates, Graham Newbould and Ian Harmer, who were recommended following a recruitment and interview process. The Council was also scheduled to express gratitude to the outgoing Independent Member, Dr Stuart Green.

Special Responsibility Allowances – Member Champions

The Council was scheduled to consider whether a Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) should be payable to Members appointed as Member Champions. The report noted that the Mayor had appointed a Member Champion for Nature Recovery and Farming and proposed further appointments, including an Armed Forces Community Champion. The Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) had reviewed the role descriptions and benchmarking data and recommended an SRA of £1225 per annum for each Member Champion, subject to annual index-linking. The IRP also requested a review of this SRA after 12 months of the roles being established.

Questions from Elected Members

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to be dedicated to questions from elected members to the Executive and Chairs of Committees. These questions covered a wide range of topics, including:

• Doncaster Sheffield Airport: Questions were scheduled regarding the justification for spending on gym equipment at the airport, updates on outstanding decisions affecting its reopening, and the timetable for future developments.
• Youth Services: A question was scheduled regarding support for the Balby off the Blox youth group.
• Council Budget and Savings: A question was scheduled concerning measures in place to ensure expenditure stays within budget and identify potential overspends.
• Doncaster Lakeside Service Charges: A question was scheduled requesting a reconciliation of charges, expenditure, and reserve movements related to Lakeside service charges.
• Askern Railway Station: A question was scheduled regarding the Mayor's current position on reopening Askern railway station.
• Grass Cutting and Grounds Maintenance: A question was scheduled concerning the budget, expenditure, and savings related to grass cutting and grounds maintenance.
• Bus Lane Access for Motorcycles: A question was scheduled regarding the criteria for motorcycle access to bus lanes and a potential borough-wide review.
• Fly Tipping: A question was scheduled concerning measures to tackle fly-tipping and bring culprits to justice.
• Illicit Cigarettes and Vapes: A question was scheduled regarding action to address minimarkets selling illicit cigarettes and vapes, and their links to organised crime.
• Barbershop Regulations: A question was scheduled concerning checks on barbershops to ensure they meet hygiene and regulatory requirements.
• Council Car Park Parking: A question was scheduled regarding the revenue achieved from the first hour free parking initiative and its impact on the city centre economy.
• Hatfield Water Park: A question was scheduled concerning expenditure on accommodation and development at Hatfield Water Park and its current use.
• Learning Disability and Autism Strategy: A question was scheduled regarding the timeline for updating the Council's Learning Disability and Autism Strategy.
• Illegal Parking: Questions were scheduled regarding enforcement on Copley Road, Netherhall Road, and East Laithgate, and the reasons for persistent illegal parking.
• Construction Traffic Management: A question was scheduled concerning monitoring and enforcement arrangements for responsible management of construction traffic.
• Green Flag Parks: A question was scheduled regarding the continued maintenance of Green Flag parks to the required standard.
• Serious Violence in Balby South: A question was scheduled regarding awareness of and steps being taken to address a rise in serious violence in Balby South.
• Parking Bay on A19: A question was scheduled concerning the construction of a parking bay on the A19 and its procurement process.
• Roadworks and Environmental Impact: Questions were scheduled regarding the management of temporary traffic lights and roadworks and their environmental impact.
• Charitable Work by Councillors: A question was scheduled regarding whether councillors should undertake further charitable work to improve public health.
• Memorial Stonemason Registration Fee: A question was scheduled concerning a new registration fee for memorial stonemasons and the lack of consultation.
• Bereavement Services: A question was scheduled regarding the pressures on bereavement services and the impact of budget decisions.
• Traded Services and Traffic Controls: A question was scheduled regarding potential savings in traffic control services.
• Cooling Measures in New Build Homes: A question was scheduled regarding the inclusion of cooling measures in new build homes and the Local Plan review.
• Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme: A question was scheduled seeking an update on the HAF Programme and additional Council funding for summer activities.
• Access to Balcony for Public Meetings: A question was scheduled regarding the policy on public access to the balcony for meetings and a request for a public apology for denied access to a previous Planning Committee meeting.
• Edlington Leisure Centre: A question was scheduled regarding the delay in demolition and a request for a clear timetable for the project.
• Doncaster Business Innovation Centre (DBIC): Questions were scheduled regarding an OS1 Priority Search lodged by the Council and whether an independent review into the discharge of duties by directors had been commissioned.
• Doncaster Sheffield Airport Electrical Supply: A question was scheduled concerning the budgeted cost of an additional grid supply for the airport.
• Ex-Gratia Payments: A question was scheduled regarding the number of ex-gratia payments made, who can authorise them, and the existence of a written policy.
• Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing: An announcement was scheduled regarding ongoing concerns about taxi and private hire vehicle licensing, out-of-area working, and the need for national standards.
• Water Safety: An announcement was scheduled addressing the recent wave of water-related fatalities and the need for action on water safety education.
• St Leger Stakes 250th Anniversary: An announcement was scheduled regarding preparations for the 250th anniversary of the St Leger stakes.
• Charity Football Match: An announcement was scheduled highlighting a charity football match that raised money for Mental Health FC CIC.

Minutes of Joint Authorities

The Council was scheduled to receive minutes from various Joint Authorities, including the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority, South Yorkshire Pensions Authority, and the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel.