This week in Doncaster:

Council Faces £6.6 Million Overspend Amidst Rising Social Care Demands

The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee met on Thursday to discuss the Quarter 1 Finance and Performance Improvement Report, revealing a projected £6.6 million overspend. The largest contributing factor is a £6.0 million overspend in Adult Social Care, driven by increased demand for care home places and support for people in supported living and homecare. This could mean longer waits and reduced services for vulnerable adults in need of care. The report also highlighted overspends in Culture & Commercialisation (£1.1 million) and Place (£1.1 million).

The report also noted a projected £17.1 million in-year deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant¹, consistent with a national trend.

Licensing Policy Review Considers Public Safety and Business Interests

The Licensing Committee met on Friday to discuss the reviewed Statement of Licensing Policy 2026, which the committee is being asked to consider and recommend for adoption by the full council. The policy outlines how the council will make licensing decisions related to the sale or supply of alcohol, regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment. The policy is framed around 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.

The revised policy has been drafted with regard to the latest Home Office Section 182 guidance² and responses received during a consultation period.

Bawtry Town Council suggested amendments to the cumulative impact area in place for Bawtry. The council advised that comments on the councils cumulative impact policy would be welcomed during the consultation period which will be open towards the end of 2025.

Planning Committee Addresses Motocross Facility and Children's Homes

The Planning Committee convened on Tuesday to discuss a range of planning and development issues within the borough. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Motocross Facility in Clifton

The committee was expected to consider application 24/02106/FULM, concerning a retrospective application for a motocross facility located off Green Balk and Ruddle Lane in Clifton. The planning officer's report recommended that planning permission be refused, citing concerns about the development's location within the green belt, potential landscape and visual impacts, and the loss of agricultural land.

Residential Children's Home in Old Edlington

The Planning Committee was scheduled to discuss application 24/02284/COU, regarding a property on School Walk in Old Edlington. The application sought permission for a change of use from a residential dwelling to a residential children's home. The Planning Committee had previously deferred the determination of this application on 26 August 2025 for a site visit to assess highway safety and the proximity of the site to local services and amenities.

Conversion of Dwelling to Flats in Cantley

The committee was to consider application 25/00582/FUL for the conversion of a residential dwelling into two flats, and the erection of a rear two-storey extension at 57 Acacia Road, Cantley.

Change of Use to Children's Home in Wheatley

The agenda included application 25/00554/COU, concerning a change of use from a dwelling to a residential children's home for three children at 47 Auckland Road, Wheatley.

Audit Hearings Sub-Committee Considers Complaints Against Councillor

The Audit Hearings Sub-Committee met on Wednesday to consider a report regarding complaints against Councillor Mark Broadhurst of Hatfield Town Council and City of Doncaster Council. You can read the full details of the meeting here. The sub-committee reviewed the Investigating Officer's Report concerning complaints made against Councillor Mark Broadhurst, who serves on both Hatfield Town Council and Doncaster Council.

St Leger Homes Performance and Complaints Handling Under Scrutiny

The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee met on Thursday to discuss key performance indicators from St Leger Homes, the council's financial performance, and the handling of complaints. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

St Leger Homes Key Performance Indicators

The committee received an update on St Leger Homes of Doncaster Limited's (SLHD) key performance indicators (KPIs) and tenant satisfaction measures (TSMs) for the first quarter of 2025/26. According to the report, 41 KPIs were agreed with City of Doncaster Council at the start of the financial year, including 22 regulatory Tenant Satisfaction Measures. At the end of Quarter 1, 15 of the 28 KPIs being measured at quarter end were reportedly met or within agreed tolerances of the target.

The report pack highlights a number of KPIs:

• Rent Arrears: The percentage of current rent arrears against annual rent debit was 2.78%, below the target of 3.05%.
• Void Rent Loss: Void rent loss (lettable voids) was 1.20%, against a target of 0.80%.
• Average Days to Re-let Standard Properties: The average number of days to re-let standard properties was 27.6 days, against a target of 25 days.
• Hotel Accommodation: The average number of nights in hotel accommodation was 24.9 days, against a target of 21 days.
• Complaints: The number of stage 1 complaints per 1,000 properties was 17.6, against a target of 11.3. The number of stage 2 complaints per 1,000 properties was 1.8, against a target of 0.7.
• Repairs Completed Within Timescales: The percentage of emergency repairs completed within target timescales was 92.0%, against a target of 95.0%. The percentage of non-emergency repairs completed within target timescales was 69.8%, against a target of 85.0%.
• Gas Safety Checks: The percentage of properties with a valid gas safety certificate was 99.75%, against a target of 100.00%.
• Decent Homes Standard: The percentage of homes not meeting the decent homes standard was 7.51%, against a target of 3.00%.

Annual Complaint and Compliment Report

The committee discussed the Annual Complaint and Compliment Report 2024/25, which summarises feedback relating to the City of Doncaster Council, St Leger Homes of Doncaster, and Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust. The report pack notes that across all the organisations, there was a slight increase in the number of complaints received, with 2,441 complaints received in 2024/25 compared to 2,421 in the previous year.

Upcoming Meetings

• Regeneration & Housing Overview & Scrutiny Panel on Wednesday 01 October 2025.
• Health and Adults Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Thursday 02 October 2025 to discuss the progress of social care in Doncaster and the Doncaster Carers Journey.
• Cabinet on Wednesday 08 October 2025.

This week in Doncaster:

Motion of No Confidence Fails to Oust Mayor Amidst Airport Debate

Doncaster Council faced a tense meeting on Thursday, featuring a motion of no confidence in Mayor Ros Jones. The motion, proposed by Councillor Guy Aston, Reform Group Leader, and seconded by Councillor Rachel Reed, cited the delayed reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport and alleged misleading pledges to the public. Councillor Aston argued that the public are entitled to honest and accurate commitments from those seeking office, and that Mayor Jones' repeated pledges on the airport had misled the public. Despite the challenge, the motion failed to pass. Link to the Council meeting

Solar Panel Push Balances Renewables and Land Use

A motion proposed by Councillor Aston, and seconded by Councillor Reed, advocating for increased use of renewable energy sources, specifically solar panels, while preserving agricultural land, was discussed. The motion suggested prioritising solar panel installation on rooftops and car parks and encouraging the use of brownfield land for large-scale solar farms. The council resolved to adopt a political stance in favour of small, discrete solar panel installations, supporting their installation on rooftops of commercial, residential, and public buildings and car parks through the development of solar canopies. Link to the Council meeting

IVF Cycle Concerns Raised with Integrated Care Board

Councillor Gemma Cobby, seconded by Councillor Sue Farmer, proposed a motion concerning the number of IVF cycles offered by the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (SYICB). The motion expressed concern over the SYICB's proposal to reduce the number of IVF cycles available to residents of South Yorkshire to just one, and resolved to instruct the Director of Public Health and relevant cabinet member to write to SYICB to oppose the proposal and request that the number of IVF cycles be aligned with NICE recommendations¹. This decision highlights the council's concern for the well-being of its residents and its commitment to advocating for fair access to healthcare services. Link to the Council meeting

Public Voices Heard on Flags, Libraries, and IVF

During the public question period, residents raised concerns about various local issues:

• Mr. Doug Wright questioned the Mayor's stance on St George's flags and Union Jacks on lampposts.
• Mrs. Georgina Mullis highlighted the lack of consultation regarding the proposed closure/relocation of Warmsworth Library, noting a petition signed by over 1,000 people, and asked what would happen to the defibrillator, access to 'warm/cool space', numerous social activities and safe space for children/adults currently provided by volunteers.
• Ms. Ann-louise Bayley asked if Doncaster Council would oppose the SYICB proposal to reduce the number of IVF cycles offered, citing concerns about the impact on mental health and success rates.
• Mr. Christopher Nowak questioned why five retail units in Doncaster's Corn Exchange were still empty after refurbishment, despite incentives being offered to attract traders.

These questions underscore the importance of public engagement in local governance and the council's responsibility to address community concerns. Link to the Council meeting

Youth Justice Plan Approved, Aims to Prevent Offending

The Council considered and supported the Youth Justice Plan 2025/26. The plan details the work of the Youth Justice Service (YJS) in Doncaster, aiming to prevent offending and re-offending by young people. Key priorities include diverting children from the criminal justice system, reducing re-offending rates, and minimising the use of custody. The plan also addresses issues such as child criminal exploitation and harmful sexual behaviour. Link to the Council meeting

Health and Wellbeing Board Report Highlights Key Priorities

The Council received the Doncaster Health and Wellbeing Board's Annual Report 2024/25. The report highlights the board's progress in implementing the revised Health and Wellbeing Strategy, focusing on improving the experience of ageing, closing the gap in women's and child health, and creating healthy places to live, grow, and play. The report also outlines key actions for 2025/26, including approving Doncaster's Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment and strengthening collaboration across the health system. Link to the Council meeting

Flag Policy Remains Unchanged

The Council considered a report regarding the flag policy. The Mayor, Ros Jones, confirmed that she would not be amending the policy to accommodate proposed changes. The Mayor stated that the proposal was restrictive and if implemented would inhibit communities and the Council in recognising local or national achievements, instilling civic pride and celebrating events and activities that are important to all communities. Link to the Council meeting

Licensing Sub-Committee to Consider 24-Hour Costa Coffee

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Tuesday to consider an application for a new premises licence for Costa Coffee on Argo Drive in Wheatley, Doncaster, DN2 4FR. The application is for the coffee shop to be open 24 hours a day, providing late night refreshment between 23:00 and 05:00. A member of the public, Debbie Earle, submitted a representation regarding the application, which related to the four licensing objectives². She raised concerns that the proposal would impact residents, leading to increased anti-social behaviour and crime in the area. She also stated that residents would feel unsafe walking near the Costa and that there was a risk of anti-social behaviour and vandalism. No video was provided.

• the prevention of crime and disorder
• public safety
• the prevention of public nuisance
• the protection of children from harm

Upcoming Meetings

• Planning Committee on Tuesday 23 September 2025 to discuss planning applications and appeal decisions.
• Audit Hearings Sub-Committee on Wednesday 24 September 2025.
• Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee on Thursday 25 September 2025 to discuss St Leger Homes performance, council finances, and the annual complaints report.
• Licensing Committee on Friday 26 September 2025 to discuss the reviewed Statement of Licensing Policy 2026.
• Regeneration & Housing Overview & Scrutiny Panel on Wednesday 01 October 2025.
• Health and Adults Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Thursday 02 October 2025.

This week in Doncaster:

Council Faces £6.6 Million Overspend Amidst Rising Social Care Demands

Doncaster Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday to discuss the 2025-26 Quarter 1 Finance and Performance Improvement Report, revealing a projected £6.6 million overspend. The largest contributing factor is a £6.0 million overspend in Adult Social Care, driven by increased demand for care home places and support for people in supported living and homecare. This could mean longer waits and reduced services for vulnerable adults in need of care. The report also highlighted overspends in Culture & Commercialisation (£1.1 million) and Place (£1.1 million). The report pack stated that meetings would be arranged to address the overspend, particularly focusing on Adult Social Care and Cultural Services.

The report also noted a projected £17.1 million in-year deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant¹, consistent with a national trend.

Families First Partnership Programme Aims to Transform Children's Social Care

The Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel discussed the Families First Partnership Programme, a four-year initiative to transform children's social care in Doncaster. The programme, backed by a £2.6 million Department for Education (DFE) grant, aims to shift the focus towards early intervention and ensure families receive the right support at the right time. The report pack stated that the Families First Partnership Programme Board will be accountable for delivery of the programme.

The report pack stated that there is a commitment across Doncaster partners to develop the Doncaster Family Model, which is described as:

our local response to the Families First Partnership Programme; with an ambition to transform the way that preventative, help, and safeguarding services are delivered across Doncaster over the next 4 years.

Private Hire Licence Reviews Held Behind Closed Doors

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Monday to review several existing private hire and Hackney carriage licenses. Due to the sensitive nature of the information discussed, the public and press were excluded from the meeting, citing the Local Government Act 1972. This lack of transparency raises questions about public accountability in decisions affecting local transportation services.

Other Matters

• The Cabinet received an update on St. Leger Homes of Doncaster Limited (SLHD) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs) for Quarter 1 of 2025/26. The report pack stated that 15 of the 28 KPIs being measured at quarter end were met or within agreed tolerances of target.
• The Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel discussed the council's Forward Plan for the Period 1 October 2025 to 31 January 2026, which lists the key decisions expected to be taken during that period by the Cabinet, the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Portfolio Holders or Officers.

Upcoming Meetings

• Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday 16 September 2025 to discuss an application for a new premises licence for a Costa Coffee drive-thru.
• Council on Thursday 18 September 2025 to discuss the results of the Bentley Ward by-election, the Youth Justice Plan 2025/26, the Doncaster Health and Wellbeing Board's Annual Report 2024/25, and a response to a motion regarding the council's flag policy.
• Planning Committee on Tuesday 23 September 2025.
• Audit Hearings Sub-Committee on Wednesday 24 September 2025.
• Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee on Thursday 25 September 2025.
• Licensing Committee on Friday 26 September 2025.

This week in Doncaster:

Danum News Premises Licence Under Review After Police Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee convened on Friday to discuss an application to vary the premises licence for Danum News, located at 35 High Street, Doncaster, DN1 1DL. The application, submitted by Meghdad Eslami, sought to appoint Shohid Khan as the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). South Yorkshire Police objected to the appointment, citing concerns about the crime and disorder objective, due to Shohid Khan's previous association with Donny Drinks. During that time, illicit tobacco and vapes were seized, and the premises failed a test purchase. The sub-committee had the option to either reject or grant the application. This decision highlights the council's role in balancing business interests with public safety and adherence to the Licensing Act 2003. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Health Board Focuses on Women's and Child Health Gap

The Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss key issues impacting the community's health. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the women's and child health gap, a strategic priority for the board. Dr Nabeel Alsindi, GP and Place Medical Director, NHS South Yorkshire ICB, Toni Illman, Chief Funding & Information Officer, DCLT, and Riana Nelson, Executive Director of Children, Young People and Families City of Doncaster Council, presented updates on data gathered around women's health and pilot initiatives supporting families. The board was asked to identify opportunities for collaboration to refine and implement recommendations in this area. The board also discussed its annual report, documenting progress on its Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025-2028, assessing local pharmaceutical service needs. Link to the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licences Under Review

The Licensing Sub-Committee convened to review existing Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licences. The discussions were held in private due to the confidential nature of the information, as specified in the Local Government Act 1972. The agenda included reviews of both drivers' and vehicle licences, ensuring compliance and public safety within the transportation sector. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• Licensing Sub-Committee on Monday 08 September 2025 to discuss reviews of existing private hire and Hackney carriage licences.
• Unknown committee on Tuesday 09 September 2025. Link to the Unknown committee meeting
• Cabinet on Wednesday 10 September 2025 to discuss the 2025-26 Quarter 1 Finance and Performance Improvement Report, and an update on St. Leger Homes of Doncaster Limited's Key Performance Indicators and Tenant Satisfaction Measures.
• Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Thursday 11 September 2025 to discuss the Families First Partnership Programme and the Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan, as well as the council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions.
• Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday 16 September 2025.
• Council on Thursday 18 September 2025.