The Cabinet of Doncaster Council met on Wednesday 14 January 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including support for carers, adult social care, school admissions, council tax, the borough strategy, regeneration projects in Mexborough and Waterdale, and the disposal of council assets. Key decisions included the approval of Doncaster's Carers' Journey 2026, the adoption of Your Care and Support: Doncaster's Adult Social Care Local Account 2026, and the setting of the Council Tax Base for 2026/2027.

Doncaster's Carers' Journey 2026

The Cabinet approved Doncaster's Carers' Journey 2026, a co-produced strategy aimed at improving support for unpaid carers. The document, developed with input from council officers, Team Doncaster partners, and unpaid carers themselves, reviews achievements in 2025 and outlines plans for 2026. It is structured around six themes identified by carers: Identification, Recognition, Information and Advice, Rights, Connection, and Independence and Wellbeing. Councillor David Nevett, Cabinet Member for Adults, Wellbeing and Culture, highlighted the importance of this strategy, and Debbie Osborne shared her lived experience as a user of Doncaster's Adult Care Services, praising the council's co-production approach and emphasizing the need for continued improvement, particularly in mirroring the support offered to carers in children's services within adult services. Cabinet members acknowledged the valuable work undertaken to support residents and enable independent living.

Your Care and Support: Doncaster's Adult Social Care Local Account 2026

Cabinet approved Your Care and Support: Doncaster's Adult Social Care Local Account 2026. This annual report, while not mandatory, reviews the previous year's performance and outlines priorities for the coming year. It was co-produced with individuals who have lived experience of care and support in Doncaster, under the guidance of the 'Making it Real' Board. The account highlights strengths in Doncaster's adult social care provision and identifies areas for development, drawing on both data and personal testimonies. Councillor David Nevett presented the report, emphasizing its co-produced nature and the priorities identified for 2026, which aim to increase satisfaction for both service users and the workforce, and ensure more sustainable use of resources by preventing, reducing, and delaying the loss of independence. Helen Stirland, a lived experience expert, shared her positive experiences with co-production, noting the support received that enabled her to live independently. Cabinet members thanked service users for their input, reinforcing the importance of collaborative working.

School Admissions Arrangements for 2027/2028 Academic Year

The Cabinet approved the school admission arrangements for the 2027/2028 academic year. Councillor Sue Farmer, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Education and Skills, presented the report, which detailed the statutory requirements for co-ordinating admission arrangements for primary and secondary schools and sought approval for the admission arrangements for community schools. The co-ordinated arrangements aim to provide equal opportunities for parents to apply for school places through a council-coordinated process. The report highlighted the high percentage of online applications and the consistently high rates of pupil preferences being met, with 98% of secondary and 99% of primary school applicants receiving an offer for one of their preferred schools.

Calculation and Approval of the Council Tax Base for 2026/2027

Cabinet approved the City of Doncaster Council's Council Tax Base for the 2026/2027 financial year, setting it at 89,231 Band D equivalent dwellings. Mayor Ros Jones, leading on Budget, Policy and Economic Development, introduced the report, explaining that this calculation is a statutory requirement under the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012. The Council Tax Base is crucial for determining the level of Council Tax payable by residents and is also used by precepting authorities such as the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and South Yorkshire Police, as well as local parish councils, to set their own financial requirements. The approved figure represents an increase of 1,147 Band D equivalent dwellings compared to the previous year. The report also detailed the proposed Council Tax Base for each parish within the borough.

Approval of the Borough Strategy (Doncaster Delivering Together) Mid-Point Refresh

Cabinet agreed to present the refreshed Doncaster Delivering Together (DDT) City Borough Strategy to Full Council for approval on 22nd January 2026. Mayor Ros Jones presented the report, outlining the mid-point refresh of the 10-year strategy. The DDT strategy, which is a statutory plan within the Council's Constitution, aims for Thriving People, Places and Planet. The refresh acknowledges significant progress made since its launch in 2021, including attracting £1.2 billion in investment, transforming cultural infrastructure, and increasing physical activity. However, it also addresses persistent challenges such as high child poverty, crime rates exceeding regional averages, and skills gaps. The refresh aims to refocus efforts for the remaining five years of the strategy, building on achievements and adapting to new opportunities and challenges. Cabinet noted that the refreshed strategy will inform the Council's Corporate Plan, with specific actions for 2026/27 to be identified.

Development Proposals for Retail Units, Mexborough Market and the Multi-storey Car Park (MSCP)

Cabinet approved proposals for the regeneration of key areas in Mexborough, including retail units, the market, and the multi-storey car park (MSCP). Deputy Mayor Councillor Glyn Jones, Cabinet Member for Environment, Housing and Safer Communities, presented the report, which detailed plans to utilize £1.78 million from the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) Round 3. The approved plans include leasing and refurbishing retail units in York Square to accommodate market traders, repurposing the existing Market Hall for commercial or community use, and demolishing the MSCP to create a surface car park. These initiatives aim to enhance Mexborough's public offer, improve commercial viability, reduce asset maintenance liabilities, and address concerns regarding blight and anti-social behaviour associated with the MSCP. Cabinet members welcomed the unprecedented level of investment and improvements planned for Mexborough, with Mayor Jones thanking local councillors for their support.

General Fund Capital Receipts Programme

Cabinet approved a three-year property asset disposal plan, which includes sites listed in Appendix 1 of the report. Councillor Glyn Jones presented the report, outlining the council's intention to dispose of surplus assets to encourage new development, create jobs, and generate vital capital funding for the Council's Capital Programme. The plan aims to support the Council's Capital Programme over the next three years. Cabinet also noted the allocation of surplus assets for nature recovery opportunities, aligning with the council's environmental objectives and the Mayor's commitment to tackling the climate and biodiversity emergency. Delegated authority was granted to the Property Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Housing and Safer Communities and the Chief Financial Officer, to approve the terms of disposal for sales exceeding £1 million, ensuring they achieve best consideration.

Approval to Procure a Developer for the Regeneration Scheme for Waterdale and Colonnades

Cabinet authorized the procurement of a developer to deliver a regeneration scheme for the Waterdale and Colonnades areas of the city centre. Mayor Ros Jones introduced the report, which builds upon a previous Cabinet approval to enter into a lease for the Waterdale site. The regeneration scheme aims to address derelict land and vacant units in these underperforming areas, effectively connecting the regenerating Civic and Cultural Quarter with the City Gateway area at the rail station. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance the city centre's appearance, feel, and vibrancy, driving footfall and supporting the local economy. The procurement process will involve a phased approach through 'Gateways' to manage financial risks, with Gateway 1 focusing on survey and design work. Cabinet also approved the budget to fund this initial stage from Community Regeneration Partnership (CRP) funding. Councillor James Church commended the report, highlighting the opportunity for economic growth and support for residents and businesses.