This week in Doncaster:

Community Safety Strategy: A Renewed Focus on Tackling Crime and Disorder

The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee met on Thursday, 26 March 2026, to discuss the proposed Community Safety Strategy for 2026-29. This vital strategy outlines how Doncaster will tackle crime, reduce re-offending, and combat anti-social behaviour over the next three years. The strategy, developed by the multi-agency Safer Stronger Doncaster Partnership (SSDP), has been shaped by extensive consultation with residents and community groups.

The strategy's priorities are clear:

• Reducing anti-social behaviour (ASB)
• Tackling substance and alcohol misuse
• Reducing crime and re-offending
• Tackling serious and organised crime (SOC)
• Reducing violence and violent crime
• Tackling domestic and sexual abuse

The overarching aim is to foster stronger partnerships that lead to safer neighbourhoods and better support for all residents. Encouragingly, the report highlighted that overall crime in Doncaster has fallen by 15.7% since 2022, with serious violence down by 44.5% and residential burglary down by 51%. This community-centred approach prioritises prevention and early intervention, aiming to build neighbourhoods where people feel safe, supported, and proud to live.

Read the full meeting details here.

Council Finances Under Scrutiny: Overspend Concerns and Performance Updates

The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee also reviewed the 2025-26 Quarter 3 Finance and Performance Improvement Report. The report indicated a projected year-end overspend of £5.2 million, a figure consistent with the previous quarter. Significant pressures were identified in Adults Social Care (£7.8m), Place (£1.7m), and Children, Young People & Families (£1.6m), with Children's Social Care being a particular area of concern.

These overspends are attributed to increased demand for care services, including higher costs for care provision and out-of-authority placements for children. For vulnerable residents, particularly those requiring social care support, these financial pressures could translate into longer waiting times or reduced service availability. The report also noted a projected deficit of £18.0 million on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block, though this represents an improvement from earlier forecasts.

Read the full meeting details here.

St. Leger Homes Performance: Rent Arrears Stable, but Void Properties a Concern

An update on St. Leger Homes of Doncaster Limited's (SLHD) performance for the third quarter of 2025-26 revealed that 21 out of 30 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) met their targets. Rent arrears remained stable at 3.12%, a positive outcome given the ongoing cost of living pressures.

However, the KPI for Void Rent Loss was worse than targeted, indicating a slight increase in the number of properties lying empty and unlet. This is a concern as it represents lost rental income that could be reinvested into maintaining and improving the housing stock. While most essential services like gas servicing and fire risk assessments achieved 100% compliance, Electrical EICR Compliance was slightly below target, with 159 domestic properties outstanding for testing.

Read the full meeting details here.

Other Matters

Audit Committee to Review Airport City Programme Governance

The Audit Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, to review internal audit coverage of the South Yorkshire Airport City (SYAC) programme. The meeting will also consider the requisition for this extraordinary meeting and related external legal advice. The committee will examine whether governance arrangements and assurance processes were properly applied in the oversight of internal audit and assurance activity connected to the SYAC programme.

Read the full meeting details here.

This week in Doncaster:

• The Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel was scheduled to discuss the sufficiency of care for children in the local authority's care and review the council's work plan.

Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Thursday 19 March 2026

The Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel of Doncaster Council was scheduled to meet on Thursday 19 March 2026. The panel was set to discuss the sufficiency of care for children in the local authority's care and review the council's work plan. The meeting's agenda also included a period for public statements and consideration of the council's forward plan of key decisions.

Children in Care Sufficiency

A key item on the agenda was the sufficiency of accommodation for children in care and young people aged 16 and over. This discussion was to be informed by the Children Act 1989¹, which places a duty on local authorities to ensure sufficient accommodation meets the needs of children in their care. The report presented was expected to outline progress made, targets set for 2026-2030, and priority actions for achieving these goals. The report highlighted that while the number of children in care had decreased, those remaining in care were becoming more complex, leading to higher costs, particularly for external residential placements. The report also detailed progress in reducing out-of-area placements and increasing the number of children cared for in internal residential homes and by in-house foster carers. Targets for 2026-2030 included reducing the number of children in care, increasing local homes, and improving accommodation and support for young people transitioning to independence.

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

The panel was also scheduled to consider the Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan and the Council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions. The work plan outlines the topics scheduled for discussion by various scrutiny panels throughout the year, including the Children and Young People panel. The Council's Forward Plan details key decisions expected to be taken by the Cabinet, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Portfolio Holders, or Officers within a four-month period, with a focus on decisions likely to result in significant expenditure or savings, or have a substantial impact on communities. The forward plan for April to July 2026 included items such as the renewal of Public Spaces Protection Order powers, the approval of the Doncaster Domestic Abuse Strategy, and updates on the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

This week in Doncaster:

Housing Crisis Looms as Council Debates Future of Regeneration and Affordable Homes

Doncaster Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, to discuss critical regeneration projects and the future of affordable housing in the borough. The decisions made have significant implications for residents, particularly those struggling with housing costs and seeking stable homes. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Regeneration Plans: Waterfront and Waterdale Take Centre Stage

The Cabinet received updates on major regeneration schemes in the city centre, focusing on the Waterfront and Waterdale areas. These ambitious projects aim to transform key sites, bringing new homes, businesses, and public spaces to Doncaster.

• Waterfront: This 23-acre site, historically industrial and now undergoing remediation for contamination, is slated for a Digital Production and Innovation Hub, including film and digital content studios, a data centre, and potential residential and hotel facilities. The remediation project, costing £14.49 million, is nearing completion.
• Waterdale: Plans include a residential-led development supported by commercial spaces, aiming to reconnect the civic and cultural quarter with the city centre. A Health on the High Street initiative is also underway, with the council leasing a building for health services.

What's at Stake?

These regeneration projects promise to revitalise Doncaster's city centre, potentially creating jobs and improving the urban environment. However, the success of these developments hinges on attracting investment and ensuring they meet the needs of the community. For residents, this means the potential for new amenities and improved public spaces, but also raises questions about the impact on existing communities and the provision of genuinely affordable housing within these new developments.

Levelling Up Fund: Progress in Mexborough and Moorends

The Cabinet also received an update on the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) Round 3 projects in Mexborough and Moorends. With £17,950,341 allocated, these projects aim to boost economic resilience, productivity, and health and wellbeing in these areas.

• Mexborough: Key initiatives include high street improvements, shop front enhancements, and a markets regeneration project, including the creation of a WoolMarket Food Hall and a community space.
• Moorends: Projects focus on public realm improvements, the creation of a pocket park, and enhancements to local green spaces and play areas.

What's at Stake?

These LUF projects are vital for the regeneration of Mexborough and Moorends, aiming to create more vibrant and prosperous communities. For residents in these areas, the successful delivery of these projects means improved local amenities, enhanced public spaces, and potentially a boost to local businesses. The extended deadline of March 2028 for delivery provides a clear timeframe for these improvements.

Addressing Housing Needs: A Focus on Affordability

While not explicitly detailed in the Cabinet meeting summary, the broader context of regeneration and development in Doncaster inevitably brings the issue of affordable housing to the forefront. The council's commitment to regeneration must be balanced with ensuring that new developments contribute to meeting the significant demand for affordable homes across the borough.

What's at Stake?

For many Doncaster residents, particularly those on lower incomes, the availability of affordable housing remains a critical concern. The success of regeneration projects will be measured not only by their aesthetic and economic impact but also by their contribution to providing secure and affordable homes for families and individuals. Without a clear focus on affordability within these new developments, the risk is that regeneration could exacerbate existing housing inequalities.

Read the full meeting details here.

Health and Wellbeing Board Tackles Ageing, Women's Health, and Healthy Places

The Health and Wellbeing Board convened on Thursday, 12 March 2026, to address a range of pressing public health issues, from improving the experience of ageing to creating healthier environments for all residents. The discussions underscored the interconnectedness of health, social care, and the local environment. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Neighbourhood Health Plans: Localised Care for All

A central theme was the development of the Neighbourhood Health Model and the role of the Health and Wellbeing Board in supporting Neighbourhood Health Plans. This initiative aims to make health and care services more integrated and responsive to local community needs.

What's at Stake?

For residents, this means a move towards more accessible and localised health services. The success of these plans will depend on effective collaboration between different health providers and a genuine understanding of the specific needs within each neighbourhood. For vulnerable groups, such as the elderly or those with chronic conditions, better integration of services could mean improved continuity of care and easier access to support.

Improving the Experience of Ageing

The Board received an update on collaborative efforts to enhance the lives of older residents. This work focuses on identifying challenges and recommending actions to improve the experience of ageing in Doncaster.

What's at Stake?

As Doncaster's population ages, ensuring that older residents can live fulfilling and supported lives is paramount. This initiative aims to address issues such as social isolation, access to services, and maintaining independence, directly impacting the quality of life for a significant portion of our community.

Closing the Gap in Women's and Child Health

A significant focus was placed on addressing health disparities affecting women and children. The Board discussed strategies for prevention, early intervention, and improving outcomes through a relational and trauma-informed approach.

What's at Stake?

This work is crucial for ensuring that all women and children in Doncaster have the best possible start in life and access to appropriate health support throughout their lives. Addressing these gaps can have long-lasting positive effects on family well-being and reduce future health burdens. The report highlighted the importance of improving postnatal care as a key priority.

Creating Healthier Places to Live, Grow, and Play

The Board also explored initiatives to create healthier environments, including updates on tackling gambling harms, road safety, and workplace health. A key discussion point was the findings from a Doncaster Citizens Jury on Health Harming Products, which showed strong public support for prioritising health over profit.

What's at Stake?

The health of our communities is intrinsically linked to the places we live in. Efforts to improve road safety, promote healthy workplaces, and address the harms of products like tobacco and unhealthy food directly contribute to a healthier and safer Doncaster for everyone. The jury's findings send a clear message that residents want policies that protect their well-being.

Read the full meeting details here.

Planning Committee Considers Diverse Applications, Including Children's Homes and Solar Farms

The Planning Committee met on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, to consider a range of planning applications, from changes of use for learning institutions and places of worship to the development of children's care homes and a solar farm. The committee's decisions have direct implications for community development, safety, and environmental considerations. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Change of Use Applications: Balancing Community Needs and Amenity

The committee reviewed several applications for changes of use, highlighting the council's role in managing development to protect residential amenity and highway safety.

• Belvedere House, Thorne Road: An application to change an office building into a learning institution and place of worship faced significant public representation. Concerns were raised about over-intensification of use, parking issues, and potential noise impacts, particularly within the Thorne Road Conservation Area. Highways Development Control noted insufficient parking, posing risks to highway safety. The recommendation was to refuse permission.
• Children's Residential Homes: Applications for two dwelling houses to be used as children's residential homes were considered. At 15 Hartland Crescent, Edenthorpe, and 27 Almond Road, Cantley, the proposals were for homes accommodating up to two children. In both cases, the internal living space and garden were deemed sufficient, and amenity impacts on neighbours were considered acceptable. The recommendation for both was to grant planning permission, subject to conditions, including security measures recommended by the Police.

What's at Stake?

These decisions directly impact the character of neighbourhoods and the provision of essential services. For the children's homes, granting permission ensures that vulnerable young people have access to safe and supportive living environments. However, for the Belvedere House application, the refusal highlights the council's responsibility to balance development with the need to protect existing residential areas from undue impact.

Marr Solar Farm: Green Belt Policy and Environmental Impact

The committee discussed a corporate report concerning the Marr Solar Farm application. A recent High Court ruling clarified that the site is considered 'grey belt' land, removing the need to demonstrate 'very special circumstances' for development in the Green Belt.

What's at Stake?

This decision has significant implications for renewable energy development in Doncaster. While the site is no longer restricted by Green Belt policy, the committee still needed to consider grounds of refusal related to landscape and visual impact, and the loss of agricultural land. Balancing the need for renewable energy with environmental protection remains a key challenge.

Read the full meeting details here.

Other Matters

Audit Hearings Sub-Committee Reviews Councillor Conduct

The Audit Hearings Sub-Committee met on Monday, 9 March 2026, to consider an investigating officer's report concerning complaints against Councillor Michael Glynn of Hatfield Town Council. The report detailed alleged breaches of the Member Code of Conduct, including bringing the council into disrepute and bullying. The sub-committee was tasked with determining if breaches occurred and recommending appropriate action. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Licensing Sub-Committee Reviews Driver and Vehicle Licences

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday, 12 March 2026, to review existing Private Hire Driver and Vehicle Licences. These reviews are crucial for ensuring that all licensed individuals and vehicles meet the council's standards and remain fit and proper for public safety. The majority of these reviews were held in private to protect individual privacy. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

This week in Doncaster:

Crime and Community Safety: A Mixed Picture Emerges

Doncaster Council's Communities and Environment Crime & Disorder Overview and Scrutiny Panel met on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, to review the latest crime and community safety figures. While overall reported crime has decreased, there are concerning increases in specific areas, highlighting the ongoing challenges in keeping our communities safe. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Crime Trends: Reductions and Rises

The panel received an update on the Safer, Stronger Doncaster Partnership (SSDP) priorities. The good news is that reported crime in Doncaster has seen an overall decrease, mirroring trends across South Yorkshire Police (SYP). However, this overall reduction masks some worrying increases. Drug offences have seen a significant rise, attributed to increased enforcement activity, including a dedicated covert operation in the City Centre. Sexual offences have also increased, which the report suggests is linked to improved reporting mechanisms.

Key figures discussed:

• Decreases: Violence against the person, theft, public order offences, burglary, arson, and criminal damage have all seen reductions.
• Increases: Drug offences and robbery have risen.

What's at Stake?

For residents, these figures paint a mixed picture. While reductions in burglary and violent crime are welcome, the rise in drug offences and robbery can directly impact the sense of safety in our neighbourhoods. For vulnerable groups, such as young people at risk of exploitation or individuals affected by substance misuse, these trends underscore the need for continued and targeted intervention. The report also addressed a Daily Mail article that ranked Doncaster poorly for violence, with South Yorkshire Police disputing the data and highlighting a decrease in serious violence.

Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour and Organised Crime

The panel also heard about specific initiatives to combat anti-social behaviour, particularly concerning off-road bikes, and efforts to safeguard children from organised crime groups. The council is pushing for legislative changes to address the challenges posed by off-road bikes.

What's at Stake?

Anti-social behaviour can significantly degrade the quality of life in our communities, impacting residents' well-being and sense of security. Efforts to protect children from organised crime are crucial for preventing future harm and breaking cycles of offending.

Planning for the Future: Key Decisions Ahead

The committee also reviewed its work plan and the Council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions. This forward-looking agenda item is essential for understanding what major decisions are on the horizon and how they might affect residents.

Read the full meeting details here.

Affordable Housing and Planning Decisions

The Planning Committee met on Monday, 23 February 2026, to consider a significant planning application for new dwellings in Auckley. The proposal, which aims to deliver 100% affordable housing, highlights the ongoing tension between meeting housing needs and managing the impact on local infrastructure and the environment. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

100% Affordable Homes Proposed for Auckley

A key item was a planning application for 34 dwellings on land East of Hurst Lane, Auckley, proposed by the South Yorkshire Housing Association Ltd. This development is intended to be entirely affordable housing, with all properties designated for affordable rent. The scheme includes energy-efficient features like air source heat pumps and solar roof panels.

Key points of discussion included:

• Affordable Housing Need: The scheme directly addresses a local demand for affordable housing, which is crucial for many residents struggling with housing costs.
• Departure from Plan: The development is located within the Countryside Policy Area, meaning it represents a departure from the established development plan. This raises questions about how the council balances development with protecting rural character.
• Infrastructure Contributions: While the council typically seeks contributions towards secondary school provision, open space improvements, and other infrastructure, these are not currently proposed due to viability concerns. A clawback mechanism is suggested if the financial position improves.
• Community Concerns: Auckley Parish Council raised concerns about increased traffic and the impact on local services.

The recommendation was to grant planning permission, subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and various conditions.

What's at Stake?

This development offers a crucial opportunity to increase the supply of affordable homes in Doncaster, which is vital for individuals and families on lower incomes. However, the decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing housing needs with the provision of adequate infrastructure and the potential impact on existing communities. For residents, particularly those on lower incomes, the availability of affordable housing is paramount.

Planning Enforcement and Appeal Decisions

The committee also received an update on planning enforcement activities and noted appeal decisions. This includes information on cases where unauthorised developments have been addressed and appeals against previous planning refusons.

Read the full meeting details here.