This week in Doncaster:

Temporary Event Notice for Community Centre Faces Police Objection

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an objection notice to a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for the Wilby Carr Community Centre on Aldesworth Road, Cantley. The notice, submitted by Colin Boyle for the Wilby Carr Community Boxing Club, sought permission to sell alcohol and provide regulated entertainment for an amateur boxing show on 9 October 2026.

However, South Yorkshire Police lodged an objection, citing concerns about public nuisance and safety. Their objection was based on significant number and nature of incidents associated with the previous event, which reportedly required substantial police intervention due to large-scale disturbances. The police requested the application be rejected, urging the council to ensure adequate measures were in place to prevent a repeat and protect public safety.

Under the Licensing Act 2003, the Sub-Committee would have had the power to issue a counter notice, refuse the TEN, or allow it with conditions. The report pack detailed the procedures for such hearings, including the rights of attendees and the conduct of the hearing.

Read the full Licensing Sub-Committee meeting details here.

Town Councillors Face Code of Conduct Hearings

The Audit Hearings Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider reports detailing alleged breaches of the code of conduct by two town councillors from Hatfield Town Council. The investigations stem from comments made during a previous Audit Hearings Sub-Committee meeting on 9 March 2026, and social media posts made by Councillor Carl Miller.

Councillor Miller, speaking on behalf of Councillor Michael Glynn, allegedly made remarks about Councillor Linda Curran, suggesting she attended council meetings inebriated and that her witness statement was illegible due to intoxication. Councillor Glynn also reportedly commented that Councillor Curran appeared a little bit worse for the wear for drinking at a meeting he chaired. The investigating officer's findings were scheduled to conclude that both councillors failed to treat others with respect, and Councillor Glynn had not complied with previous sanctions.

Separately, Councillor Miller faced complaints regarding two Facebook posts. One post, made on 19 April 2026, allegedly used terms such as Mogadishu Mile, third world economic migrants, and Great Replacement, which Councillor Isaiah-John Reasbeck believed breached the Code of Conduct. Another post on 21 July 2026, concerning Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), referred to residents as third world 'economic migrants' that are being trafficked into our parish and questioned risk assessments before turning Hatfield into Blackfield. The investigating officer was expected to find that Councillor Miller's posts breached multiple paragraphs of the Code of Conduct, including those relating to respect, bullying, harassment, discrimination, and bringing the council into disrepute.

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider these findings and recommend appropriate action to Hatfield Town Council, which could include censuring or reprimanding the councillors, publishing findings, recommending training, or excluding them from council premises.

Read the full Audit Hearings Sub-Committee meeting details here.

Council Strategies for Care Leavers, Physical Activity, and Dementia Approved

Doncaster Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday 7 October 2026, to discuss and approve several key strategies aimed at improving the lives of residents.

Corporate Parenting and Care Leavers Strategy 2026-2029

The Cabinet approved the Corporate Parenting and Care Leavers Strategy for 2026-2029. This strategy reinforces the council's commitment to children in care and care-experienced young people, aiming to ensure they achieve better outcomes, build stronger relationships, and gain greater stability. The strategy, developed with input from young people, sets out seven priorities, including ensuring their voices are heard, providing love and stability, supporting their health and wellbeing, and preparing them for adulthood. This is a crucial step in providing a safety net and support system for some of the borough's most vulnerable young people.

Get Doncaster Moving (GDM) Strategy Refresh

The refreshed Get Doncaster Moving (GDM) Strategy, setting a vision until 2030, was also approved. The strategy aims to foster healthy and vibrant communities through physical activity and sport. While progress has been made, Doncaster still lags behind national averages in physical activity, particularly in more deprived areas. The refreshed strategy will focus on strengthening neighbourhood initiatives, promoting physical activity in employment and skills programmes, investing in parks and leisure facilities, and supporting community and school sports. This initiative is vital for improving public health and wellbeing across the borough.

Doncaster Dementia Strategy 2026-2031

The Doncaster Dementia Strategy for 2026-2031 was endorsed, building on previous efforts to make Doncaster the most dementia-friendly city in the UK. Co-produced with people living with dementia and their families, the strategy focuses on seven priority areas: Leading Well, Preventing Well, Diagnosing Well, Supporting Well, Living Well, Caring Well, and Dying Well. The aim is to improve the lives of those affected by dementia by ensuring timely diagnosis, accessible support, and compassionate care, while also addressing health inequalities.

Integrated Community Equipment Loan Service Commissioning

The Cabinet also discussed the future commissioning of Doncaster's Integrated Community Equipment Loan Service (ICELS). This will be a collaborative procurement process led by Sheffield City Council, involving the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, Sheffield City Council, and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. This joint approach is expected to create operational efficiencies, share best practices, and ensure equitable access to essential equipment for Doncaster citizens. The current contract with Medequip ends in March 2027, and the new arrangement aims to ensure continuity of service. The estimated annual cost to Doncaster Council is between £1.3m and £1.4m, which is within the existing budget.

Read the full Cabinet meeting details here.

Other Matters

Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee Scheduled

The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee was scheduled to meet on Thursday 8 October 2026. The agenda for this meeting was not detailed in the provided information.

Read the full Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee meeting details here.

This week in Doncaster:

Tackling Smoking: A Renewed Push for a Smokefree Generation

The Health and Adults Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel met on Thursday 1 October 2026 to discuss a critical report on tobacco control and the ambition to create a smokefree generation in Doncaster. Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of ill health and premature death in the borough, disproportionately affecting those in routine and manual occupations and individuals with long-term mental health conditions.

The report highlighted that smoking rates in Doncaster are higher than the national average. The council's strategy involves preventing young people from starting, supporting current smokers to quit, and creating smoke-free environments. This comprehensive approach is coordinated by the Doncaster Tobacco Control Alliance (DTCA) and includes targeted campaigns like 'What Will You Miss?' and 'Turn the Corner'.

Crucially, the report detailed tailored support for priority groups, including those with mental health conditions, pregnant women, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Services like Yorkshire Smokefree Doncaster and Zone 5-19 for young people are in place, though challenges remain in referral rates for adult services and addressing youth attitudes towards vaping. Trading Standards are also actively working to prevent the sale of illicit tobacco and non-compliant vaping products to children.

The discussion underscored the need for a sustained, whole-system approach to improve health outcomes and reduce the burden of smoking-related diseases.

Read the full Health and Adults Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting details here.

Council's Future Plans and Key Decisions on the Horizon

The Health and Adults Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel also reviewed the council's work plan and the Council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions. This forward plan outlines significant decisions the council's Cabinet is expected to make in the coming months.

Key decisions on the horizon include:

• The adoption of a refreshed Get Doncaster Moving Strategy, aiming to promote physical activity and sport across the borough.
• The reprocurement of Doncaster's Integrated Community Equipment Loan Service, a vital service for residents needing support at home.
• The approval of the 2026-2031 Dementia Strategy, focusing on making Doncaster a dementia-friendly community.
• The approval of the 2026-2029 Corporate Parenting Strategy, outlining the council's commitment to children in care and care leavers.
• Updates on the Medium-term Financial Strategy, crucial for understanding the council's financial health and service delivery.
• The approval of a refreshed Youth Strategy, aimed at supporting young people in Doncaster.
• Decisions related to the Doncaster Market Enhancement and Investment Strategy, impacting the heart of the town.
• The renewal of an Alleygate Public Spaces Protection Order, which helps manage anti-social behaviour in specific areas.
• The Quarter 2 2026-27 Finance and Performance Report, providing an update on the council's financial standing.

These upcoming decisions will shape the services and environment for Doncaster residents in the coming years.

Read the full Health and Adults Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting details here.

Other Matters

Town Councillors Face Code of Conduct Hearings

The Audit Hearings Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Friday 9 October 2026 to consider reports concerning alleged breaches of the code of conduct by two town councillors from Hatfield Town Council. The investigations relate to comments made during a previous committee meeting and social media posts made by Councillor Carl Miller, and comments made by Councillor Michael Glynn. These hearings are important for maintaining public trust and ensuring councillors adhere to ethical standards.

Read the full Audit Hearings Sub-Committee meeting details here.

Licensing Sub-Committee Meeting Cancelled

A meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee scheduled for Wednesday 7 October 2026 has been cancelled. The meeting was due to consider an objection to a Temporary Event Notice for Wilby Carr Community Centre, raised by South Yorkshire Police due to concerns about public safety and disorder at a previous event.

This week in Doncaster:

Council Debates Youth Justice, HMOs, and Lakeside Restoration

Doncaster Council convened on Thursday 24 September 2026, tackling a packed agenda that included the crucial Youth Justice Plan, the growing concern over Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), and the future of Doncaster Lakeside. The meeting also addressed the appointment of a new Chair for the Audit Committee and the addition of independent members.

Youth Justice Plan Gets Council Support

The Council was set to endorse the Youth Justice Plan for 2026/27 to 2028/29. This statutory plan is vital for outlining how Doncaster's Youth Justice Service (YJS) will work to prevent offending by children and young people. The YJS aims to adopt a Child First approach, focusing on support and rehabilitation to reduce re-offending rates. The plan details the service's performance, resources, and partnerships, with a recommendation for the Council to support its implementation. This proactive approach is essential for safeguarding young people and fostering safer communities.

Read the full Council meeting details here.

Protecting Communities from Uncontrolled HMO Development

A motion was tabled to address the impact of small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) on local neighbourhoods. The current system allows for changes of use from family homes to small HMOs without planning permission, which can lead to issues with parking, waste management, and a decline in residential amenity. Residents have expressed concerns about the increasing number of HMOs in certain areas, impacting the character of their streets. The motion proposed that officers assess the feasibility of introducing an Article 4 Direction to withdraw these permitted development rights, allowing for greater scrutiny of HMO developments and better management of their concentration across Doncaster. This is a critical step in ensuring that residential areas remain desirable places to live.

Read the full Council meeting details here.

Urgent Action Needed for Doncaster Lakeside

Concerns were raised about the deteriorating state of Doncaster Lakeside, with a motion calling for its restoration and future management. Reports indicate issues such as failing structures, litter, unpleasant odours, and poor water quality. The motion proposed a comprehensive assessment of the lake and its surroundings, with findings to be published and a costed restoration plan presented within six months. This plan would identify urgent works, restoration priorities, and funding opportunities, aiming to prevent further decline and revitalise this important public space for the benefit of all residents.

Read the full Council meeting details here.

Planning Committee Adopts National Delegation Scheme

The Planning Committee met on Tuesday 22 September 2026, to discuss the implementation of the new National Scheme of Delegation for planning applications. This national framework, which must be adopted by all local planning authorities by 31 October 2026, aims to streamline decision-making by clearly defining which applications are delegated to officers and which are considered by the committee. The committee endorsed proposed local arrangements to ensure compliance and maintain transparency, focusing committee resources on strategically important applications.

The committee also considered two planning applications. A proposal was made to refuse planning permission for a development of 31 lodges and a social hub at Land South of South End, Thorne, due to significant flood risk and drainage concerns. Conversely, a retrospective application for a change of use to a bar at 276-278 Great North Road, Woodlands, was proposed for approval, subject to conditions, with no reported noise complaints. The committee was also updated on appeal decisions, including one where an appeal against the refusal of a boundary wall extension in Hatfield Woodhouse was dismissed due to its visual impact and highway safety concerns.

Read the full Planning Committee meeting details here.

Other Matters

Audit Committee Appointments

The Council was asked to consider the appointment of a new Chair for the Audit Committee and two co-opted, non-voting Independent Members. These appointments are crucial for ensuring robust financial oversight and governance within the council. The proposed independent members bring valuable experience to the committee, aligning with best practice guidance.

Read the full Council meeting details here.

Public Question on Nether Hall Road Parking

A public question was raised regarding illegally parked cars on Nether Hall Road causing a bus service diversion. This highlights the ongoing challenges with parking enforcement and its impact on essential public services.

Read the full Council meeting details here.

This week in Doncaster:

Council Grapples with Financial Pressures and Service Delivery

Doncaster Council's Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee met on Thursday 17 September 2026, to review the council's financial health and performance for the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year. The findings paint a challenging picture, with a projected net overspend of £7.0 million across service budgets. This financial strain is particularly acute in Adult Social Care, facing a £3.2 million overspend, and Place, with a £2.3 million overspend. These figures raise serious concerns about the council's ability to maintain essential services, potentially impacting vulnerable residents who rely on them for support and care.

The report also highlighted a significant overspend of £30.0 million against the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block. This funding is critical for supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Such a substantial deficit could lead to reduced specialist support, longer waiting lists for assessments, and a diminished quality of education for these children.

In addition to financial concerns, the committee received an update on St Leger Homes of Doncaster Limited (SLHD). While performance in areas like rent arrears and void rent loss is within targets, there are concerns about non-emergency repair completion times and increased staff sickness absence. The Annual Complaint and Compliment Report 2025/26 revealed an overall increase in complaints across the council and its partners, with themes including service delivery, staffing, and communication. Addressing these issues is vital for ensuring residents receive the services they need in a timely and effective manner.

Read the full Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee meeting details here.

Cumulative Impact Assessment Review: Protecting Vulnerable Communities

The Licensing Committee met on Wednesday 16 September 2026 to review the Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) for licensed premises. This assessment is crucial for identifying areas where a high concentration of licensed venues may contribute to crime, disorder, and public nuisance, disproportionately affecting vulnerable individuals.

The committee considered evidence from Public Health and South Yorkshire Police, both of whom recommended maintaining the existing Cumulative Impact Areas. Public Health highlighted that Doncaster experiences significantly worse rates of alcohol-related hospital admissions and deaths compared to national averages. They stressed that the CIAs are essential for protecting vulnerable communities from the harms associated with excessive alcohol consumption. South Yorkshire Police noted that existing areas remain key drivers of crime and anti-social behaviour.

The report detailed potential options, including maintaining, increasing, or reducing the current CIAs. The recommendation to retain them without amendment underscores the ongoing concerns about alcohol-related harm and its impact on public safety and well-being. The committee also reviewed minutes from a previous meeting concerning amendments to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy, including discussions on vehicle testing and emissions.

Read the full Licensing Committee meeting details here.

Other Matters

Council to Discuss Youth Justice, HMOs, and Lakeside Future

The Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 24 September 2026 to address a range of significant issues. Key agenda items include the statutory Youth Justice Plan for 2026/27 to 2028/29, which outlines strategies for preventing offending by children and young people. The council will also consider proposals for managing Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to protect residential amenity and prevent the over-concentration of such properties in neighbourhoods. Furthermore, a motion will be debated regarding the deteriorating condition of Doncaster Lakeside and the need for a comprehensive restoration and management plan. The meeting will also cover the appointment of a Chair for the Audit Committee and the appointment of independent members to the committee.

Read the full Council meeting details here.