This week in Doncaster:

Tackling Domestic Abuse: New Strategy Aims to Protect Vulnerable Residents

Doncaster Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, to consider the Doncaster Domestic Abuse Strategy 2026-2030. This crucial plan, developed with input from survivors, partner agencies, and community groups, is a statutory requirement under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. It sets out a clear vision and goals to prevent domestic abuse and ensure effective responses across the borough.

The strategy focuses on four key priorities:

• Preventing domestic abuse from occurring.
• Supporting and keeping victims, survivors, and their families safe.
• Holding abusers accountable for their actions.
• Ensuring effective leadership, governance, and quality assurance.

The report accompanying the strategy highlights the importance of a coordinated, whole-family approach, emphasising a trauma-informed response. It aims to be inclusive of all residents, with a particular focus on children as victims in their own right.

What's at Stake?

This strategy is vital for the safety and well-being of many Doncaster residents. For victims of domestic abuse, especially those in vulnerable situations, the effectiveness of this plan could mean the difference between continued harm and safety. The strategy's success hinges on robust multi-agency collaboration and adequate resources to support those affected and hold perpetrators accountable. The report also noted that the strategy's development is a statutory requirement following the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Read the full meeting details here.

Community Safety: Renewed Commitment to Safer Neighbourhoods

The Cabinet also discussed the Community Safety Strategy 2026-2029. This statutory plan, owned by the multi-agency Safer Stronger Doncaster Partnership (SSDP), outlines how the partnership will tackle crime and disorder, reduce re-offending, and address anti-social behaviour (ASB). Developed through extensive consultation with residents and partners, the strategy identifies ASB, substance misuse, and crime and re-offending as top priorities.

The strategy details six key priorities for the coming years:

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

The report highlighted that under the previous strategy, overall crime, most serious violence, and residential burglary have seen reductions. The proposed strategy aims to make Doncaster a safer, more confident, and more connected place by 2029 through a community-centred approach focused on prevention, early intervention, and partnership working.

What's at Stake?

This strategy is crucial for ensuring that Doncaster remains a safe place for all its residents. For those who have experienced or are at risk of crime and anti-social behaviour, the effective implementation of this plan means improved safety and quality of life. The focus on prevention and early intervention is particularly important for vulnerable groups, aiming to address the root causes of crime and disorder.

Read the full meeting details here.

Public Health: Partnership to Tackle Smoking Across South Yorkshire

A proposal for Doncaster Council to continue its membership in the South Yorkshire Tobacco Control Alliance (SYTCA) was also on the agenda for the Cabinet meeting. This involves a three-year funding agreement using ring-fenced funding from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) for the 'Smokefree Generation' initiative.

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and illness in the UK, and Doncaster has a higher adult smoking prevalence (14%) than the England average (10.9%). The SYTCA aims to collectively accelerate efforts to eliminate smoking across South Yorkshire, supporting the government's ambition for a Smokefree Generation by 2030.

What's at Stake?

This partnership is vital for improving public health across Doncaster and South Yorkshire. For residents, particularly those in communities with higher smoking rates, this initiative offers increased support to quit smoking, leading to better health outcomes and reduced risk of smoking-related diseases. The alliance's work, including public campaigns and advocacy, aims to create an environment where fewer people start smoking and more people can quit successfully. This also has significant implications for reducing the burden on health and social care services.

Read the full meeting details here.

Other Matters

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday, 15 April 2026. No video was provided for this meeting.

Read the full meeting details here.

This week in Doncaster:

New Domestic Abuse Strategy Aims to Protect Vulnerable Residents

Doncaster Council is set to implement a new Doncaster Domestic Abuse Strategy 2026-2030, a crucial plan designed to combat domestic abuse across the borough. This strategy, which has been developed in consultation with survivors, specialist providers, and community groups, is a statutory requirement following the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. The plan focuses on four key priorities: prevention, support for victims, holding abusers accountable, and ensuring effective governance.

The strategy acknowledges the diverse experiences of those affected by domestic abuse, with a commitment to providing targeted resources for vulnerable individuals and addressing intersectionality. The report accompanying the strategy includes extensive data on the prevalence and nature of domestic abuse within Doncaster, broken down by age, gender, ethnicity, disability, and location.

What's at Stake?

This strategy is vital for the safety and well-being of many Doncaster residents. For victims of domestic abuse, particularly those in vulnerable situations, the effectiveness of this strategy could mean the difference between safety and continued harm. The plan's success hinges on robust multi-agency collaboration and the provision of adequate resources to support those affected and to hold perpetrators to account. The strategy's positive implications for developing skills for life and work, and making Doncaster a better place to do business, also highlight its broader community benefits.

The Communities and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel discussed this strategy on Wednesday, 8 April 2026. The strategy is also scheduled for approval by the Cabinet on 15 April 2026.

Read the full meeting details here.

Planning Committee Tackles Development Impact and Local Amenity

The Planning Committee met on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, to consider a range of planning applications, including a proposal to vary a legal agreement that could impact local bus services and the development of a micro-pub in a conservation area. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Askern Saw Mills: Potential Impact on Bus Services and Shelter

A key item was the recommendation to vary a Section 106 legal agreement for the development at Askern Saw Mills. The proposed variation would remove the developer's obligation to contribute towards existing bus services and to provide a bus shelter. This request stems from a viability assessment that concluded the development would be unviable with these contributions. The original agreement included annual contributions towards bus services and the provision of a bus shelter, estimated to cost £25,000.

What's at Stake?

Removing these contributions could impact the accessibility and convenience of public transport for residents in Askern. While the report notes that bus services already serve the area and a bus shelter is present, the financial contribution was intended to support and potentially enhance these services. For residents who rely on public transport, particularly the elderly or those without private vehicles, any reduction in service quality or availability can have a significant impact on their ability to access essential services and maintain social connections.

Tickhill Micro-Pub: Balancing Business with Residential Amenity

The committee also considered a change of use application for a former funeral director's premises in Tickhill to become a micro-pub. The proposal, located at 33 Northgate, Tickhill, includes an outside seating area. The application received objections from residents concerned about potential noise, anti-social behaviour, and parking issues, particularly given its location within the Tickhill Conservation Area and near Listed Buildings.

What's at Stake?

This decision highlights the council's role in balancing economic development with the need to protect residential amenity. For local residents, the approval of such a venue could lead to increased noise and disturbance, impacting their quality of life. Conversely, supporters believe it could benefit the local economy and social life of Tickhill. The report indicated that the principle of the change of use was considered acceptable, subject to amenity impacts being managed through planning conditions.

Licensing Sub-Committee Reviews Driver and Vehicle Licences

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, to consider several applications for private hire driver licences and a review of an existing private hire driver and vehicle licence. These meetings are crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of private hire services operating in Doncaster.

What's at Stake?

The decisions made by the Licensing Sub-Committee directly affect public safety. By reviewing licence applications and existing licences, the committee ensures that drivers and vehicles meet the required standards. This is particularly important for vulnerable passengers who rely on these services. The exclusion of the public and press from discussions relating to individuals underscores the sensitive nature of these personal licence applications and reviews.

Read the full meeting details here.

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.