This week in Doncaster:

City Centre Safety Measures Under Review: Public Spaces Protection Order Renewal

The Cabinet met on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, to discuss the proposed renewal of the Doncaster City Centre Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). This order, which is set to expire on 6 November 2026, plays a crucial role in managing anti-social behaviour (ASB) and ensuring the safety and vibrancy of our city centre.

The review follows extensive public consultation, which revealed strong support for continuing the existing prohibitions and introducing a new one to address the use of amplified equipment. The PSPO is a vital tool in the council's strategy to tackle issues such as begging, loitering, public drinking, drug use, and vandalism. Data from enforcement activities and partner agencies, including South Yorkshire Police, indicates that these issues persist and impact the quality of life for residents and visitors.

The proposed renewal aims to maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for everyone. The council's commitment to a Child First approach, as outlined in previous discussions regarding youth justice, also underpins the broader strategy to support individuals with complex needs who may be involved in ASB. The renewal of the PSPO is seen as a key element in this partnership approach.

The Cabinet will also consider a significant funding award of up to £60,000,000 from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for the Pride in Place (PiP) Phase 2 programme. This funding is earmarked for regeneration projects in Conisbrough North, Mexborough West, and New Rossington, aiming to empower local communities to drive change in their areas.

Read the full meeting details here.

Youth Justice Plan and Scrutiny Work on the Horizon

The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee met on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, to review the Youth Justice Plan and the council's scrutiny work programme.

Youth Justice Service Plan for 2026-2029

A key focus was the statutory Youth Justice Plan for 2026/27 to 2028/29. This plan details the work of the Youth Justice Service (YJS) in Doncaster, which is dedicated to preventing offending by children and young people. The YJS operates under a Child First principle, aiming to reduce re-offending rates and ensure young people have access to education, employment, and training. The plan outlines the service's vision and the financial resources allocated, including contributions from partner agencies. This initiative is crucial for supporting vulnerable young people and ensuring their successful reintegration into society.

Scrutiny Work Programme and Forward Plan

The committee also reviewed its work plan for 2026/27, outlining planned scrutiny activities across various panels. The Council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions for September to December 2026 was also noted, highlighting upcoming decisions with significant financial or community impact.

Read the full meeting details here.

Other Matters

Licensing Sub-Committee Meeting Cancelled

The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Friday, 7 August 2026, was cancelled. The meeting was due to consider an application to vary the premises licence for Arena Coffee, located at 28 Kingsgate, Doncaster, DN1 3JU. The application sought to extend the hours for the sale of alcohol and late-night refreshment. An objection had been received from the Environmental Health Enforcement Team due to concerns about public nuisance, particularly given the proximity of residential properties.

Read the full meeting details here.

This week in Doncaster:

Football Training Centre Plans Spark Green Belt Debate

The Planning Committee met on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, to consider a significant application for a new football training centre. The proposal, located on Land North of Martin Grange Farm, Martin Grange Farm Lane, Bawtry, Doncaster, DN10 6DD, was a resubmission of a previously refused scheme. The centre was intended to include elite, professional, and community facilities, along with multiple football pitches and ancillary buildings.

A key point of contention was the site's location within the Green Belt. The council's report acknowledged that the proposal constituted inappropriate development within this protected area. However, the applicant argued that very special circumstances existed to justify the development, citing strategic sporting needs, economic investment, job creation, and secured community access. The report stressed that substantial weight must be given to the harm caused to the Green Belt.

Concerns were also raised by the Council's Design Officer regarding the scale and design of the buildings, particularly the Professional Training Centre (PTC). While the proposal aimed for a campus in the landscape approach with extensive landscaping and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), the use of locally characteristic materials was noted as limited.

To address previous concerns about residential amenity, the application site was expanded to include two neighbouring properties, Martin Grange Cottage and Ravenglade, which would be used for ancillary accommodation. The impact on a third nearby property, Martin Grange Bungalow, was also assessed.

The application also detailed plans for highway improvements and traffic management, with a focus on coach movements for elite teams. A Section 106 agreement was proposed to secure community use of the facilities, contributions to sustainable transport, and a local employment and skills plan.

Despite the Green Belt designation, the report concluded that the combined benefits of the scheme, including its sporting, community, and economic advantages, were considered to constitute very special circumstances. The committee's decision on this application will have a significant impact on the local landscape and the provision of elite sporting facilities.

Other planning applications discussed included a change of use for a children's residential home at 8 Thorncliffe Drive, Stainforth, and a quarry reclamation project at Nearcliff Quarry, Conisbrough. The committee also noted appeal decisions from the Planning Inspectorate.

Read the full meeting details here.

Taxi Licence Reviews Held in Private

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, to review existing Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver and Vehicle Licences, as well as consider new driver licence applications. Due to the personal nature of the information involved, these discussions were held in private, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1972¹.

Reviews of licences are a critical part of ensuring public safety and maintaining standards within the taxi and private hire industry. Decisions made during these reviews can directly affect individuals' livelihoods and the quality of service provided to residents. The committee's deliberations would have focused on whether licence holders remain fit and proper persons to operate.

Read the full meeting details here.

Other Matters

The Planning Committee also considered other planning applications, including a change of use from a dwellinghouse to a children's residential home at 8 Thorncliffe Drive, Stainforth, and a quarry reclamation project at Nearcliff Quarry, Conisbrough. Decisions were made on these applications, with planning permission resolved to be granted for the quarry reclamation subject to a Section 106 Agreement and conditions. Planning permission was also granted for a children's home at Havelock House, Common Road, Conisbrough.

The committee also noted appeal decisions from the Planning Inspectorate regarding various planning applications across the borough.

This week in Doncaster:

Council's Audit Committee Tackles Children's Placement Costs and School Funding

The Audit Committee met on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, to review critical financial and governance reports. A significant focus was placed on the escalating cost of residential placements for children outside the authority and the financial pressures on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block.

Soaring Costs for Children's Residential Placements

The committee was scheduled to undertake a deep dive into the strategic risk posed by the cost of residential placements for children outside the authority. These placements, often necessary for children with complex needs, represent a substantial financial burden on the council. The report highlighted the significant financial impact of these placements and outlined the council's strategy to mitigate this risk. This strategy includes a focus on preventative services, increasing internal fostering and residential provision, and strengthening relationships with external providers.

The implications of these costs are profound. If not managed effectively, rising expenditure on external placements could divert funds from other essential services, potentially impacting the support available for vulnerable children and families within Doncaster. The council's efforts to increase internal capacity are crucial for better control over costs and ensuring a more consistent standard of care.

Dedicated Schools Grant Under Pressure

Another key strategic risk discussed was the management of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block. This grant is specifically allocated to support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The report focused on the financial pressures and service quality impacts of managing this block. The council's SEND Reform Plan and Sufficiency Programme were highlighted as key initiatives aimed at increasing local specialist capacity and reducing reliance on expensive external placements.

The financial health of the DSG High Needs Block is vital for ensuring that children with SEND receive the appropriate educational support. Any deficit or mismanagement could lead to reduced resources for specialist teaching, therapies, and support staff, directly affecting the educational outcomes and well-being of these vulnerable young people.

Audit Committee's Role in Governance

The committee also reviewed its own performance and future plans, considering the Audit Committee Prospectus, Terms of Reference and Work Programme 2026/27. This document outlines the committee's scope and standards, ensuring it complies with local government audit committee standards and the Council's requirements. The Audit Committee Action Log was also reviewed, detailing progress on actions agreed at previous meetings. The report indicated that while seven actions had been completed, two remained outstanding, underscoring the committee's role in ensuring accountability.

The Annual Report of the Head of Internal Audit 2025/26 provided an opinion on the Council's governance, risk management, and control arrangements. While considered adequate and effective for the past year, the report noted a vulnerability in maintaining this opinion for 2026/27 due to ongoing concerns regarding governance matters and financial sustainability. This is a critical observation, as robust governance is the bedrock of effective public service delivery.

The committee was also presented with the Unaudited Statement of Accounts for 2025/26, providing an overview of the Council's financial position. These accounts are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and are subject to external audit.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:40 am, with some items to be discussed at a future date.

Read the full meeting details here.

Other Matters

Covert Surveillance Under Review

The committee was scheduled to review the Council's use of covert surveillance under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA). The report indicated that two surveillance applications had been authorised since the last report, both involving test purchases of illicit products. No proposed changes to the Council's RIPA policy and procedures were noted.

Read the full meeting details here.

This week in Doncaster:

Council Expands Environmental Enforcement Services to Sheffield

Doncaster Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, to discuss a proposed shared services agreement with Sheffield City Council. This agreement would see Doncaster Council deliver environmental enforcement services, focusing on dog fouling and littering, within Sheffield's boundaries.

The contract involves Doncaster Council's contractor, Waste Investigations Support & Enforcement Ltd (WISE), and its back-office team processing Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued in Sheffield. While this contract doesn't directly affect Doncaster residents, it aims to create a consistent enforcement presence across South Yorkshire, encouraging better environmental behaviour. Councillor Gemma Cobby, Cabinet Member for Regulation and Enforcement, Planning and Safer Communities, highlighted the commercial benefit and the reinforcement of a visible enforcement presence across the region. The report noted that Doncaster Council has an established track record of delivering similar services for other local authorities.

Read the full meeting details here.

Council Debates Violence Against Women, Climate Emergency, and Farming Support

The Council convened on Thursday, 16 July 2026, to consider several important motions that could shape the borough's approach to critical social and environmental issues.

Reaffirming Commitment to Ending Violence Against Women and Girls

A motion was put forward to reaffirm the Council's commitment to a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG). The motion aimed to ensure that council services and policies actively consider the safety and well-being of women and girls, and to strengthen partnerships with local organisations to support victims and survivors. It also called for adequate government funding for frontline VAWG services. This discussion is particularly vital given national statistics on the prevalence of VAWG, and the council's role in providing support and prevention services.

Reconsidering the Climate and Biodiversity Emergency Declaration

A motion proposed the reconsideration of the Council's 2019 declaration of a climate and biodiversity emergency. The motion noted that current emission reduction rates suggest the Council's voluntary targets of 85% reduction by 2030 and net-zero by 2040 are unlikely to be met. The proposal was to rescind the climate emergency element of the declaration, while reaffirming commitment to protecting biodiversity and environmental quality. The motion also stipulated that any future voluntary emissions targets exceeding national requirements must be accompanied by a cost-benefit analysis. This debate reflects a growing national conversation about the effectiveness and practical implementation of climate emergency declarations.

Supporting Doncaster's Farmers and Protecting Agricultural Land

Another motion focused on providing support for Doncaster's farmers and protecting productive agricultural land. It highlighted the importance of farms and rural communities to the borough's heritage and food security. The motion advocated for a plan-led approach to housing and infrastructure development that prioritises brownfield sites, and for council policies to support local food systems and farming livelihoods. The council also proposed writing to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to highlight the pressures facing UK farmers. This is a critical issue for the local economy and for ensuring a stable food supply.

Other Matters

The Council was also scheduled to review the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2025/26 and consider appointing an additional independent member to the Audit Committee. Public questions were also on the agenda, including one regarding ANPR car park systems at Wheatley Hall Retail Centre.

Read the full meeting details here.

Elections and Registration Processes Under Review

The Elections and Democratic Structures Committee met on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, to review recent election activity and discuss the ongoing processes for maintaining the electoral register.

By-Elections and Electoral System Changes

The committee received updates on several by-elections held in town and parish councils across the borough, including those for Hatfield Town Council, Edlington Town Council, Armthorpe Parish Council, and Stainforth Town Council. The report noted that all costs associated with these elections are recharged to the respective councils, meaning there is no direct cost to Doncaster Council. The committee was also informed about upcoming changes to the electoral system with the reintroduction of the Supplementary Vote system for Mayoral and Police and Crime Commissioner elections, which will affect the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Election in 2028.

Maintaining the Electoral Register

A significant focus was placed on the Electoral Register and the Annual Canvass process. The canvass aims to ensure the register is up-to-date by identifying individuals who should be registered but are not, and those who have moved and should be removed. The report detailed the different routes used in the canvass and the initial national data matching process. Changes introduced by the Elections Act 2022 regarding postal vote applications were also discussed, reducing the renewal period from five years to three. As of June 2026, Doncaster had 39,343 postal voters. The Electoral Registration Officer¹ has a duty to ensure all eligible electors can register to vote and that registration information is accessible.

Read the full meeting details here.

Children's Services and Youth Support Programs Highlighted

The Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel met on Friday, 17 July 2026, to discuss key programmes aimed at supporting children and young people in Doncaster, as well as the council's forward plans.

Best Start for Life and Youth Services Expansion

The panel reviewed the Best Start for Life programme, which aims to enhance community-based support for babies, children, and families by building on the existing Family Hub network. This initiative seeks to create clearer pathways to targeted and specialist support, integrating services from local authorities, health partners, education, and the voluntary sector. The report highlighted an expansion of universal youth services, including free holiday activities, youth hubs, and outreach work, alongside a targeted youth offer called EPIC, which focuses on preventing young people from entering the criminal justice system and addressing criminal exploitation. The EPIC team has established a hub in the Frenchgate Shopping Centre to provide a safe space for young people.

Council's Forward Plan and Scrutiny Work

The panel also reviewed the Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan for 2026/27 and the Council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions for August to November 2026. The Forward Plan details executive decisions expected to be taken by the Cabinet, Mayor, and Portfolio Holders, focusing on those with significant financial implications or substantial community impact. Key decisions listed include grant funding for active travel improvements, approval of funding for the Pride in Place programme, and the renewal of the City Centre Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).

Read the full meeting details here.