The Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, 26th February 2026, was set to cover a wide range of significant financial and strategic planning matters for the City of Doncaster. Key discussions were expected to revolve around the approval of the Corporate Plan for 2026/27, the Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2026/27 to 2029/30, and the Capital Strategy and Budget for 2026/27 to 2029/30. The meeting also included the setting of the Council Tax for 2026/27 and the Annual Pay Policy Statement for the same year.

The agenda also featured a number of questions from the public and elected members, addressing issues such as Council Tax increases, systemic racism, the neglect of historic buildings, the progress of tree planting initiatives, waste and recycling service income, the Dedicated Schools Grant deficit, disability confidence certification, support for men's mental health initiatives, the impact of the UK & US tech deal suspension, the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, and the financial basis for the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board's decision to reduce IVF cycles.

Further items for discussion included the Doncaster Delivering Together (DDT) City Borough Strategy refresh, the Director of Public Health's Annual Report for Doncaster, appointments to committee chair and vice-chair positions, an update from the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee, and the proposed diary of meetings for 2026-28. The meeting was also scheduled to consider motions on supporting local farmers and food security, and on the reduction of IVF cycles.

Key Financial and Strategic Planning Documents for Approval

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the approval of crucial financial and strategic documents.

Corporate Plan 2026/27

The Corporate Plan for 2026/27 was presented for approval, outlining the Council's key priorities and planned actions for the year. This plan is intended to provide residents with a clear understanding of the Council's objectives and how its work will contribute to the longer-term Doncaster Delivering Together (DDT) City Borough Strategy. The plan details key Council activities aligned with the DDT 'Great 8' priorities and a series of internally focused actions, forming part of quarterly monitoring reports. The DDT strategy itself, refreshed to reflect progress, new opportunities, and challenges, is built around six interconnected Wellbeing Goals aiming for Thriving People, Places and Planet. The Corporate Plan details the Council's specific contributions to the DDT ambition for 2026/27.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget 2026/27 – 2029/30

The Mayor's proposals for the 2026/27 Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget were detailed, focusing on housing rents, the HRA budget itself, and a medium-term financial forecast for the HRA up to 2029/30. A key proposal was an increase in council housing rents by 4.8% for 2026/27, which would result in an average weekly rent increase of £4.39, bringing the average rent to approximately £95.93 per week. It was noted that Doncaster's social rents are the lowest in South Yorkshire and are expected to remain so after this increase. The report also outlined the budget proposals for the HRA, aiming for a balanced budget for 2026/27 and maintaining a reserve of £3.5 million. The report also detailed proposed fees and charges for 2026/27, including increases for garages and enclosed garden services, while freezing charges for district heating schemes.

Capital Strategy and Capital Budget 2026/27 – 2029/30

The Capital Strategy, outlining the principles and decision-making process for approving and monitoring the Council's capital programme, was presented for approval. This strategy aims to ensure alignment with Council priorities, support borough regeneration, and improve infrastructure and service operations, all within affordable financial limits. The proposed Capital Programme outlines an estimated £549.3 million of capital investment over the next four years, with £248.2 million planned for 2026/27. This investment is intended to stimulate growth and prosperity, with significant allocations for education, housing, infrastructure, leisure, and culture. The programme includes £216.0 million for social housing stock over four years, £60.4 million for road maintenance, and substantial investment in the station gateway, Mexborough town centre, and Stainforth.

The Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2026/27 – 2029/30

This report detailed the strategy for managing the Council's finances, aiming to optimise cash flow and secure effective arrangements for long-term funding. The strategy prioritises the security of investment funds and maintains a low-risk policy with relatively low returns. It was noted that the borrowing requirement would increase during the period, but the Council would remain under-borrowed against its total borrowing requirement to minimise costs. The report also outlined the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) policy, which is the Council's approach to debt repayment.

Revenue Budget 2026/27 – 2028/29

The Mayor's revenue budget proposals for 2026/27 to 2028/29 were presented, aiming for a balanced budget over the period and continued delivery of Council commitments. The budget reflects the ongoing financial challenges, with over 70% of spending focused on Children's and Adult's Services, including Public Health. The proposals include significant service pressures amounting to £18.7 million in 2026/27, increasing to £24.7 million by 2028/29. The budget also incorporates a Council Tax increase of 4.99% in 2026/27 (2.99% for Council Services and 2% for the Adult Social Care precept), generating £9.6 million. The report highlighted the welcome news of government funding for 90% of the Dedicated Schools Grant High Needs Block deficit.

Council Tax Setting and Statutory Resolutions 2026/27

This report detailed how the Council Tax is calculated and made recommendations regarding the City of Doncaster's Council Tax requirement for 2026/27. It proposed an increase of 4.99% for the City of Doncaster Council's element of the Band D Council Tax, bringing it to £1,801.15 (£1,200.77 for a Band A). This increase includes a 2.99% core Council Tax increase and a 2% Adult Social Care precept. The report also outlined the proposed Council Taxes for the Joint Authorities, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (Police and Crime Commissioner) and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority, resulting in an overall increase of 5.10% for Doncaster residents.

Annual Pay Policy Statement 2026/27

The Council's annual Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 was presented for approval. This statement details the Council's policies on workforce pay, particularly for senior staff and the lowest paid employees. It noted that the ratio between the highest employee salary (Chief Executive at £189,636) and the lowest employee salary (£24,413) remained at 7.77:1. The statement also highlighted the Council's commitment to reducing pay differences and increasing low pay, with projections indicating a further narrowing of the gap.

Annual Indexing of Members' Allowances

This report requested Council to confirm the arrangements for adjusting Members' Allowances annually, linked to the National Joint Council (NJC) pay award for local government employees. This index-linking aims to ensure allowances remain relevant and reflect rising living costs, promoting transparency and fairness. The proposal was to continue this arrangement for the period 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2030.

Questions and Announcements

The meeting was also scheduled to receive announcements from the Chair of Council, the Mayor, Members of the Cabinet, and the Head of Paid Service. Additionally, there were provisions for questions from the public and elected members.

Public Questions

Mr Doug Wright (Doncaster Your Party member) was scheduled to ask Mayor Ros Jones about the Council Tax increase in light of proposed government funding reductions and the Doncaster Reform Group's potential alternative proposals. Mr Tim Brown was also due to question Mayor Jones regarding her public statement I do not see colour in relation to the Council's handling of systemic racism and its impact on Black citizens, referencing the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Elected Member Questions

Councillor Rob Dennis was set to question Mayor Ros Jones on what more the Council can do to ensure historic city centre buildings, such as Denison House and the Georgian Pillared Houses, are maintained by their owners. Councillor Lee Sammut was to ask Mayor Jones about the progress of planting one million trees across the City of Doncaster. Councillor Ken Guest was scheduled to question Councillor Glyn Jones on income received from selling recyclable waste and its expected changes due to 'Simpler Recycling' legislation. Councillor Bob Anderson and Councillor Jane Kidd were to ask Councillor Sue Farmer questions regarding the Dedicated Schools Grant deficit and the Council's progress towards becoming a Level Three certified Disability Confident Employer, respectively. Councillor Rob Dennis was also to ask Councillor James Church about the Council's public health initiatives to improve men's mental health, referencing The POD Initiative.

Further questions without notice were to be directed to the Executive and Chairs of Committees.

Information and Not Endorsement Items

The meeting was also scheduled to receive information on the Annual Report on Council Motions 2025/26 and the Annual Report on Executive Decisions Taken Under Special Urgency (Rule 16) Provisions. Additionally, minutes from various Joint Authorities were to be received, 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.

It is important to note that this summary is based on the agenda and report pack provided and does not reflect any discussions, debates, or decisions that may have taken place during the meeting itself. The information status of the meeting was PENDINGCOUNCILPUBLICATION, meaning that the council had not yet published official minutes or outcomes.