This week in Doncaster:

£60 Million Boost for Local Neighbourhoods: Pride in Place Initiative Launched

Doncaster Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, to approve the acceptance of a substantial £60 million funding award from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for the Pride in Place (PiP) Phase 2 initiative. This funding is a game-changer for three specific areas: Conisbrough North, Mexborough West, and New Rossington.

The Pride in Place programme, building on previous initiatives like the Long-Term Plan for Towns, is designed to empower local communities to drive their own regeneration over a ten-year period. The significant investment will fund a range of interventions focused on improving community spaces, public areas, and high streets. Crucially, local Neighbourhood Boards, made up of residents and led by independent chairs, will have a central role in shaping and deciding on how these funds are invested. This approach ensures that improvements are directly responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people living in these communities, offering a tangible impact on daily life and local pride.

Read the full meeting details here.

City Centre Safety Measures to Continue: Public Spaces Protection Order Renewal

The Cabinet also discussed the proposed renewal of the Doncaster City Centre Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which is set to expire on 6 November 2026. This order is a vital tool for managing anti-social behaviour (ASB) and ensuring the city centre remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

Following extensive public consultation, there is strong support for renewing the PSPO and its existing prohibitions, with a clear call for improved visibility and stronger enforcement. The order addresses issues such as begging, loitering, public drinking, drug use, and vandalism, which can significantly impact the quality of life for residents and visitors. The renewal is part of a broader partnership approach to tackling ASB, aiming to create a more positive environment for all. The UK Government's intention to increase the maximum Fixed Penalty Notice for breaches of a PSPO was also noted, which could strengthen the deterrent effect.

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 outlines 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 details the service's strategy for supporting vulnerable young people and ensuring their successful reintegration into society, which is crucial for community safety and individual well-being.

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. This transparency allows residents to stay informed about key decisions that will affect the borough.

Read the full meeting details here.

Other Matters

Bawtry Road Improvements to Receive £1 Million Funding

The Cabinet also considered accepting £1,074,629 in grant funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) for improvements along Bawtry Road. This funding, secured from the Active Travel Fund 4 extension, is specifically for walking, wheeling, and cycling enhancements. The project aims to improve road safety for pedestrians and cyclists, introduce better placemaking elements like seating, and enhance accessibility. This investment will create dedicated space for active travel along 600 meters of Bawtry Road without impacting existing road space for vehicles.

Council Faces Projected £6.2 Million Budget Overspend

A report presented to the Cabinet highlighted projected service budget overspends of £6.2 million for the 2026/27 financial year. Significant overspends were noted in Adult Social Care (£2.5m), Place (£1.8m, including £1.2m on Waste), and Children, Young People & Families (£0.6m). While the council has contingency funding, using it so early in the financial year could limit flexibility for future pressures. This situation underscores the ongoing financial challenges faced by local authorities in delivering essential services.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Funding Secured

Doncaster Council has secured £5,460,070 in High Needs Capital Grant for 2026/27, along with £2,443,933 in revenue funding for Experts at Hand (EAH) and LA SEND Transformation. This funding is crucial for addressing previous challenges in SEND provision, including specialist schools being at full capacity and the resulting reliance on expensive out-of-area placements. Plans include increasing places in specialist schools, expanding post-16 provision, and establishing more Communication/Inclusion Bases within mainstream schools, aligning with the government's Every Child Achieving and Thriving White Paper.

Updated Streetworks Licence Policy Adopted

The Cabinet approved an updated City of Doncaster Council (CDC) Section 50 (New Roads and Street Works Act 1991) Streetworks Licence policy. This new policy modernises procedures for organisations needing to place or retain apparatus in the public highway, particularly accommodating long-term private apparatus ownership and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The updated policy aims to simplify processes, clarify responsibilities, and define new processing timescales, ensuring a more efficient and transparent system.

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.