This week in Doncaster:

Parish Council Support and Election Updates

The Elections and Democratic Structures Committee convened to address key electoral matters, including support for a parish council and updates on recent and upcoming elections.

Temporary Appointments to Moss and District Parish Council

To ensure the Moss and District Parish Council could function effectively, the committee considered a report recommending the temporary appointment of ward councillors.

• Quorum Crisis: Following the May elections, only two of seven parish councillor seats were filled, leaving the council unable to make necessary appointments.
• Ward Councillor Support: Councillors Francis Jackson, Vicky Lawson, and Gerald Squire from the Norton and Askern Ward were recommended for temporary appointment to establish a quorum.
• Ensuring Representation: This intervention aims to enable the Parish Council to represent local residents effectively by co-opting new members.

Election Activity and Updates

The committee received a comprehensive update on recent elections and preparations for upcoming by-elections.

• May Elections Overview: The report detailed the results of the Mayoral, Local Government Ward Councillor, and Town and Parish Councillor Elections held on May 1, 2025.
• Turnout: The Mayoral election saw a 32.27% turnout, with Ros Jones of the Labour Party being elected Mayor for Doncaster.
• Hatfield Town Council By-Election: A by-election for a Hatfield Town Council councillor for the Dunscroft ward is scheduled for July 24, 2025, with three candidates vying for the single vacancy.

Register of Electors and Annual Canvass

The committee also received an update on the Electoral Services Team's work related to the Register of Electors and preparations for the Annual Canvass¹.

• Annual Review: The Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) is required to conduct a full annual review of the Electoral Register to ensure accuracy.
• Data Matching: The council is in the early stages of the annual canvass, using national data matching to identify properties where information may have changed.
• Postal Vote Reapplication: Electors who need to renew their postal vote applications must do so by January 31, 2026, due to the Elections Act 2022.

Youth Justice Plan Focuses on Prevention and Rehabilitation

The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee convened to discuss the Youth Justice Plan 2025/26, the Statement of Licensing Policy 2026, and other key items.

Youth Justice Plan 2025/26

The committee considered the statutory Youth Justice Plan 2025/26, which outlines the work of the Youth Justice Service (YJS) in Doncaster.

• Effective Services: The report pack stated that the Youth Justice Service offer in Doncaster continues to be effective in meeting the needs of children and families.
• Anti-Social Behaviour Programme: The Youth Justice Service has launched a new anti-social behaviour (ASB) Virtual Reality programme via the Prevention Service, EPIC.
• Harmful Sexual Behaviour: The report pack noted an increase in the prevalence of harmful sexual behaviour (HSB), particularly amongst boys, and that the council provides an in-house HSB service to respond to this issue.
• Buddi Tag System: The YJS is trialling a Buddi Tag system to track young people, with their permission, as a response to dealing with Child Criminal Exploitation² and the prevention and detection of crime.
• No Custodial Sentences: The report pack stated that no child had received a custodial sentence over the past year.

Statement of Licensing Policy 2026

The committee was scheduled to note and consider the adoption of the Statement of Licensing Policy 2026 – Licensing Act 2003, following its 5 yearly review.

• Licensing Objectives: The policy addresses the four licensing objectives set out in the Licensing Act 2003: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.
• Consultation Responses: Three relevant responses were received during consultation, which are summarised in Appendix A - Consultation Responses Licensing OSMC 170725.
• Revised Policy: The revised policy, showing the changes made to the current version, is attached as Appendix B - Revised Policy With Tracked Changes OSMC 170725 to the report. A summary of the amendments is attached as Appendix C - Summary Of Changes Licensing OSMC 170725.

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

The committee was scheduled to review its work plan for 2025/26 and consider the council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period August 1 to November 30, 2025.

Upcoming Meetings

• Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Thursday 24 July 2025 to discuss the Doncaster Youth Council's work plans, the council's statutory duties and priorities for children, young people and families, and the panel's work plan for the coming year.
• Audit Committee on Thursday 24 July 2025 to discuss an update on covert surveillance, the committee's prospectus, and the unaudited statement of accounts.
• Planning Committee on Tuesday 29 July 2025.
• Regeneration & Housing Overview & Scrutiny Panel on Tuesday 29 July 2025.
• Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) on Thursday 31 July 2025.
• Communities and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Thursday 31 July 2025.

This week in Doncaster:

Union Flag Motion Sparks Debate

A motion to fly only the Union Flag on council property, proposed by Councillor Jason Charity and seconded by Councillor Karl Hughes, was scheduled for discussion at this week's Council meeting. The motion argues that displaying other flags undermines the Council's duty to serve all residents equally and risks politicising civic spaces. This proposal has already drawn criticism from some residents who view it as divisive and insensitive to Doncaster's diverse communities. The outcome of this motion could significantly alter the visual landscape of council buildings and public spaces, potentially impacting community relations.

Police Raise Concerns About Doncaster Convenience Store

The Licensing Sub-Committee met to discuss a summary review of the premises licence for Kubus, a convenience store on High Street, following an application by South Yorkshire Police. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

• Police Concerns: The police cited concerns around the prevention of crime and disorder, linking the premises to the handling of stolen goods, the supply of prescription medication, and illicit tobacco.
• Failed Test Purchase: Following a previous suspension of the licence and removal of the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), a test purchase resulted in the unauthorised sale of alcohol.
• Licensing Options: The sub-committee considered options ranging from modifying the licence conditions to revoking the licence entirely.

The decision made by the Licensing Sub-Committee could have significant implications for the business and the local community, potentially impacting access to goods and services, as well as addressing concerns about crime and disorder.

Other Matters

• The Council meeting scheduled for July 10, 2025, was set to address public questions on issues ranging from pedestrian safety on Jossey Lane to concerns about empty retail units in Doncaster's Corn Exchange.
• The Council meeting scheduled for July 10, 2025, was set to receive the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2024/25, highlighting the work of the council's Overview and Scrutiny function.

Upcoming Meetings

• Elections and Democratic Structures Committee on Tuesday 15 July 2025 to discuss election activity, registration activity and the temporary appointment of members to Moss and District Parish Council.
• Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee on Thursday 17 July 2025 to consider the Youth Justice Plan, and the Statement of Licensing Policy, as well as reviewing their work plan and the council's forward plan.
• Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Thursday 24 July 2025.
• Audit Committee on Thursday 24 July 2025.

This week in Doncaster:

Planning Committee Greenlights Controversial Housing Developments

The Planning Committee convened this week to decide on several key planning applications, with decisions made on proposals for new housing developments in Barnby Dun and Balby, and changes of use for properties in Armthorpe and Hatfield.

Hatfield Lane Development Approved Despite Objections

The committee approved a full planning permission application for the erection of 150 dwellings on land north of Hatfield Lane, Barnby Dun, despite numerous objections from local residents.

• Education Contribution Secured: The applicant, Stonebridge Homes, has agreed to an education contribution of £605,509 to support capacity improvements at Barnby Dun Primary Academy and Hungerhill School.
• Affordable Housing Provision: The development includes 23% on-site affordable homes.
• Public Concerns: Objections raised by residents related to the impact on public services, traffic, infrastructure capacity, flood risk, loss of green space, and residential amenity.

The approval of this development could lead to increased pressure on local infrastructure and services, despite the financial contribution from the developer.

Balby Housing Development Gets the Go-Ahead

The committee also approved a full planning application for 186 residential units off Alverley Lane, Balby.

• Affordable Housing and Biodiversity Net Gain: The development includes a legal agreement to secure affordable housing, biodiversity net gain, green belt compensation, and bus stop improvement works.
• Traffic Concerns: The development will require the provision of a signalised junction and a commuted sum for maintenance of signals.
• Local Opposition: The report pack noted 72 objections, 2 representations and 1 letter of support for the application.

This decision could significantly alter the character of the area, with potential impacts on traffic and local amenities.

Children's Care Homes Approved in Armthorpe and Hatfield

The Planning Committee also approved change of use applications for properties in Armthorpe and Hatfield to be used as children's care homes.

• Armthorpe Application: The application for 84 Sargeson Road, Armthorpe, is for a change of use from a residential dwelling to a children's care home, accommodating up to three children.
• Hatfield Application: The application for 21 Saxon Avenue, Hatfield, is for a change of use from a residential dwelling to a residential institution for up to three children, with a proposed garage conversion into habitable space.
• Local Concerns: Both applications received objections from local residents, raising concerns about amenity impact and parking.

These decisions could provide much-needed accommodation for children in care, but also raise questions about the impact on local communities.

Dementia Strategy Progress Highlighted, Future Plans Considered

The Health and Adults Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel met to discuss progress on Doncaster's dementia strategy and to review their work plan.

• Achievements Noted: The panel noted achievements of Doncaster's last Dementia Strategy, including the implementation of new services like Mindset and Keep In Mind, and the launch of a dementia directory booklet.
• Areas for Improvement: The panel acknowledged that diagnosis wait times were too long, and that people were waiting a while to receive care and treatment following diagnosis.
• Future Strategy: The Dementia Partnership Board is proposing to co-produce a further strategy to build on recent improvements and address remaining areas for development.

The panel's discussion highlights the ongoing efforts to support people living with dementia in Doncaster, but also the challenges that remain in providing timely and effective care.

Other Matters

• The Unknown committee met this week, but no video of the meeting was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

• Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday 08 July 2025 to review the premises licence for Kubus, a convenience store located at 30 High Street, Doncaster, following an application from South Yorkshire Police. You can find more information here.
• Council on Thursday 10 July 2025 to consider a motion relating to the flying of the Union Flag on council property, and to review the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2024/2025. You can find more information here.
• Elections and Democratic Structures Committee on Tuesday 15 July 2025. You can find more information here.
• Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee on Thursday 17 July 2025. You can find more information here.

This week in Doncaster:

Council Approves Adult Skills Funding Boost

The Doncaster Council Cabinet approved an additional £640,000 in Adult Skills Fund (ASF)[^1] allocation for 2025/26, supplementing the existing £814,000 budget. The decision was made at the Cabinet meeting on June 25, 2025.

• Enhanced Services: The funding will enhance the Adult, Family, and Community Learning (AFCL) Service, adding wraparound services like pastoral support and outreach.
• Improved Delivery: The funding aims to improve service delivery in Skills for Life, Creative & Digital, Family Wellbeing & Volunteering, and Sector Skills.
• Local Impact: Councillor Sue Farmer, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, explained that the additional funding had been secured after successful lobbying by the City of Doncaster Council (CDC) and that the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) had formally approved an additional £1 million for the Doncaster area, with £640,000 being granted to CDC for the academic year 2025/26.

This decision could mean more opportunities for adults in Doncaster to gain valuable skills and improve their employment prospects.

Finance Report Reveals Overspend in Adult Social Care

The Cabinet reviewed the 2024-25 Quarter 4 Finance and Performance Improvement Report, highlighting a balanced year-end position with a £1.1 million overspend funded from earmarked reserves[^4]. The decision was made at the Cabinet meeting on June 25, 2025.

• Adult Social Care: A £7.6 million overspend in Adults Social Care was reported due to increased demand for care homes and supported living.
• Homelessness Costs: The council also faced a £1.1 million overspend in homelessness costs.
• One-Off Funding: Additional one-off funding requirements included £1.32 million for Doncaster Culture & Leisure Trust (DCLT) to offset income losses due to closures and maintenance, and £0.30 million for a Local Plan[^3] review.
• Performance Highlights: The report detailed performance against the council's 'Great 8 Priorities'[^5], including retrofitting 555 homes to improve energy efficiency and securing additional funding for the Adult Skills Fund.

This overspend in Adult Social Care could mean increased pressure on services for vulnerable adults in the future.

St. Leger Homes Performance Noted

The Cabinet noted a report on the performance of St. Leger Homes of Doncaster Limited (SLHD) for Quarter 4 / financial year ended 31 March 2025. The decision was made at the Cabinet meeting on June 25, 2025.

• KPIs: The report indicated that 17 of the 41 agreed KPIs were met or within agreed tolerances.
• Tenant Satisfaction: Tenant Perception Survey TSMs showed improvements in eleven of the twelve measures compared to the previous year.
• Areas for Improvement: Areas needing improvement included void rent loss, the time taken to re-let properties, and electrical safety certificate compliance.
• Positive Comparison: Councillor Glyn Jones, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Environment, Housing and Safer Communities, noted that while some KPIs presented challenges, SLHD's performance compared favourably with other housing providers.

Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee Scheduled to Discuss Finance and Performance

The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss the council's financial and performance reports, St Leger Homes of Doncaster's performance, and the committee's work plan for the coming year. The meeting was scheduled for June 26, 2025. No video of the meeting was provided.

• Finance and Performance: The committee was scheduled to consider the City of Doncaster Council's 2024-25 Quarter 4 Finance and Performance Improvement Report, including overspends in Adults Social Care and Homelessness.
• St Leger Homes: The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the performance and delivery of St Leger Homes of Doncaster Limited (SLHD) for Quarter 4 of 2024-25, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and tenant satisfaction measures (TSMs).
• Work Plan: The committee was scheduled to approve its work plan for 2025-26 and consider the council's forward plan of key decisions.

Upcoming Meetings

• Planning Committee on Tuesday 01 July 2025 to discuss planning applications for residential developments in Barnby Dun and Balby, and changes of use for properties in Armthorpe and Hatfield. You can find more information here.
• Health and Adults Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Thursday 03 July 2025 to consider progress and next steps for Doncaster's Dementia Strategy. You can find more information here.
• Council on Thursday 10 July 2025. You can find more information here.
• Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday 08 July 2025. You can find more information here.