The Council meeting scheduled for 22 January 2026 was set to cover a wide range of strategic and operational matters for Doncaster. Key discussions were planned around the refresh of the Doncaster Delivering Together City Borough Strategy, the annual report from the Director of Public Health focusing on LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing, and the proposed diary of meetings for the next two years. Additionally, the council was scheduled to consider appointments for committee chairs and vice-chairs, and receive an update on the activities of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee.

Doncaster Delivering Together City Borough Strategy Refresh

A significant item on the agenda was the proposed refresh of the Doncaster Delivering Together (DDT) City Borough Strategy for 2026-2030. This strategy, first launched in 2021, outlines the council's collaborative approach to improving the wellbeing of residents, places, and the planet. The refresh aims to update the strategy to reflect changes since its initial publication, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, cost-of-living pressures, and Doncaster's attainment of city status. The report detailed extensive engagement with residents, businesses, and partners, highlighting key themes such as safety, cleanliness, infrastructure, and access to services. The proposed refresh builds upon progress made, capitalises on new opportunities, and addresses emerging challenges, with a central mission of Thriving People, Places and Planet. The council was asked to approve the draft strategy, which will inform the Council's Corporate Plan for 2026-27.

2025 Director of Public Health Annual Report

The meeting was also scheduled to consider the 2025 Director of Public Health Annual Report for Doncaster. This year's report focuses specifically on the health and wellbeing experiences and needs of Doncaster's LGBTQ+ people and communities. The report highlights that LGBTQ+ individuals can face increased risks of social exclusion and poorer health outcomes. It details a process undertaken in 2023 to better understand these needs, including a health needs assessment, story circles with local residents, and a review of existing services. The report aims to inform the planning and commissioning of services and reflects on how Doncaster's Health and Wellbeing Strategy principles support the LGBTQ+ community. Recommendations include improving data collection on LGBTQ+ communities, progressing relational and trauma-informed working practices, and creating safe and inclusive communities beyond Pride Month.

Overview and Scrutiny Update

An update on the work of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee (OSMC) and its four standing panels (Children and Young People; Regeneration and Housing; Community and Environment; and Health and Adult Social Care) for the period May to December 2025 was scheduled for discussion. The report detailed activities such as policy review, performance monitoring, and pre-decision scrutiny. Key areas considered by the OSMC included the refresh of the Doncaster Delivering Together Borough Strategy, the South Yorkshire Airport City project, and the annual complaints and compliments report. The Children and Young People Panel reviewed statutory responsibilities, the Doncaster Youth Council's work plans, and the Families First Programme. The Regeneration and Housing Panel considered the Tenancy Strategy and Secure Tenancy Agreement review, while the Health and Adult Social Care Panel focused on dementia support, the Carers Journey, and the Adult Social Care Local Account. The Community and Environment Panel provided an overview of street scene and waste management issues, and the regional Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee's activities were also noted.

Proposed Diary of Meetings 2026-2028

The council was asked to comment on a provisional Diary of Meetings for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 Municipal Years. Agreeing this diary in advance provides members and officers with advance notice of meetings, aiding in the organisation of time and resources. The proposed diary aims to minimise meetings during peak holiday periods and maintains the frequency of Full Council and statutory committee meetings. Cabinet meetings were determined by the Mayor of Doncaster, and Full Council meetings were scheduled to occur six times per year, with an additional meeting in February for budget and council tax setting. The diary is accessible via the council's website to encourage public engagement.

Appointment of Chairs and Vice-Chairs of Committees

The meeting was also set to address the deferred item concerning the appointment of Members to serve as Chairs and Vice-Chairs on specific committees. Nominations had been received for positions including Chair of the Audit Committee, Chair of the Elections and Democratic Structures Committee, Vice-Chair of the Chief Officers Appointments Committee, and Chair of the Employee Relations Disputes Resolution Committee. The report noted that if multiple nominations were received for any position, a vote would be required.

Motions

Two motions were scheduled for consideration:

• IVF and South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board Motion: This motion, proposed by Councillor Gemma Cobby and seconded by Councillor Sue Farmer, noted the decision by the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (SYICB) to reduce IVF cycles from two to one for residents in Doncaster and wider South Yorkshire. It highlighted concerns about the disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups and the opposition from local councils and MPs. The motion resolved to request letters to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and the SYICB, seeking further funding, a national standard of three IVF cycles, and a review of ICB decision-making processes.
• Motion: Supporting Local Farmers, Food Security, Sustainable Land Use and Plan-Led Development in Doncaster: Proposed by Councillor Rachel Reed and seconded by Councillor Jason Charity, this motion acknowledged Doncaster's agricultural heritage and the pressures facing UK farmers. It emphasised the importance of food security, productive agricultural land, and the need to balance housing delivery with environmental protection. The motion resolved to affirm support for Doncaster's farmers, support local producers through council procurement, recognise food security as a material consideration in planning, and lobby the government for policies supporting farming and agricultural land protection.

Questions from the Public and Elected Members

A significant portion of the agenda was dedicated to questions from the public and elected members. Public questions were directed to Mayor Ros Jones on topics including the impact of the UK & US tech deal suspension on Doncaster, the compatibility of the Mayor's public statements with public life principles and the Equality Act 2010, potential taxpayer contributions to Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) during predicted losses, and a request for a detailed timeline of DSA deliverables.

Elected members posed questions to the Mayor and Cabinet Members on various issues, including:

• Support for local pubs and business rates.
• Pay parity for council employees and expenditure on agency staff.
• The closure of the public gallery during a Planning Committee meeting concerning a solar farm application.
• Progress on the demolition of Edlington Leisure Centre and construction of a new facility.
• Discrepancies between the Mayor's public statements and Civil Aviation Authority advice regarding DSA airspace approval.
• Concerns about potential night flights over residential areas near DSA.
• Decisions and actions related to the auction sale of the Doncaster Business Innovation Centre.
• The non-disclosure of contractual provisions linking council control of DSA to Peel's housing developments.
• Measures to improve school readiness and address disparities in Early Years Foundation Stage outcomes.
• Steps being taken to reduce SEND budget pressures.
• The possibility of rolling out the £1 swim scheme across Doncaster.
• Concerns regarding bus service rerouting affecting residents in Sandy Fields View, Carcroft.
• The timeframe for achieving pay parity for council employees.
• Details of potential projects funded by the £20m Pride in Place funding for Rossington and community involvement in decision-making.
• Free parking for local businesses during the Christmas period.
• Addressing persistent illegal parking in the city centre.
• Measures to tackle illegal vape and counterfeit cigarette sales.
• Reassurance regarding the development of a new Youth Hub in Wheatley.
• The strategy for Doncaster Markets and planned investment.
• Concerns about fly-tipping and the use of new government powers to tackle it.
• The provision of flood defences to maintain road access during heavy rain.

For Information and Not Endorsement

The meeting was also scheduled to receive minutes from various Joint Authorities, including the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board, South Yorkshire Pensions Authority, and Team Doncaster Executive.