The Council meeting on Friday 22 May 2026 was scheduled to cover a wide range of administrative and strategic matters. Key discussions were expected to include the inauguration of the new Chair and Vice-Chair of the Council, the composition of the Executive, and the adoption of the Community Safety Strategy for 2026-2029. The meeting also included the review and approval of committee structures, appointments, and the diary of meetings for the upcoming municipal years.

Inauguration of Chair and Vice-Chair of Council

The meeting agenda included the formal inauguration of the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Council for the forthcoming municipal year. This procedural part of the meeting was expected to include the election of these positions, the presentation of badges to the retiring Chair and Consort, and a vote of thanks to them.

Notification by the Elected Mayor of the Composition of the Executive and Scheme of Delegations

Mayor Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, was scheduled to provide an oral report on the composition of the Executive and any proposed changes to the Scheme of Delegations for Executive Functions. This process ensures transparency regarding who holds responsibility for decision-making within the Council's executive functions.

Council Appointed Committees' and Sub-Committees' Terms of Reference for 2026/27

The Council was asked to consider and agree proposed revisions to the Terms of Reference for various Committees and Sub-Committees. These revisions, detailed in Appendix A of the report, were intended to ensure the proper discharge of the Council's functions by these bodies, maintaining openness and transparency in decision-making processes.

Review of Proportionality and Allocation of Seats on Committees and Sub-Committees of the Council 2026/27

A significant item on the agenda was the allocation of seats on Council Committees and Sub-Committees for the 2026/27 municipal year. This process, governed by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, requires that seats are allocated on a politically proportionate basis, reflecting the overall composition of the Council. The report outlined the proposed seat allocations for each political group, including adjustments to ensure proportionality and the appointment of members to various committees, such as the Audit Committee and the Licensing Committee.

Appointment of Chairs and Vice-Chairs of Committees and Sub-Committees 2026/27

Following the allocation of seats, the Council was scheduled to appoint Chairs and Vice-Chairs to Committees and Sub-Committees for the ensuing municipal year. This is a statutory requirement, and the report indicated that not all Chairs and Vice-Chairs would be drawn from the same political party, promoting cross-party representation.

Council Appointments to Outside Bodies 2026/27

The Council was to determine appointments to a schedule of external bodies for the 2026/27 municipal year. These appointments, detailed in Appendix A, range from charitable bodies and local partnerships to statutory bodies like the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority and the South Yorkshire Pensions Authority. These roles ensure the Council's views are represented externally and that it is involved in decisions affecting Doncaster residents.

Council Diary of Meetings 2026-28

A proposed schedule of meetings for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 municipal years was presented for approval. The diary aimed to provide an advanced calendar of meetings, including those of the Cabinet and Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee, to facilitate public engagement and synchronise with key processes such as budget setting.

Community Safety Strategy 2026-29

The Council was asked to comment on and endorse the 2026-29 Community Safety Strategy. This statutory plan, developed by the multi-agency Safer Stronger Doncaster Partnership (SSDP), outlines how the partnership will tackle crime and disorder, reduce re-offending, address anti-social behaviour, and combat alcohol and substance misuse. The strategy was informed by extensive consultation with residents and partners, focusing on six key priorities: reducing anti-social behaviour, tackling substance and alcohol misuse, reducing crime and re-offending, tackling serious and organised crime, reducing violence and violent crime, and tackling domestic and sexual abuse.

Member Development Programme: Review of 2025/26 and Endorsement of 2026/27 Programme

The report provided an overview of Member Development activities undertaken during the 2025/26 municipal year and proposed the programme for 2026/27 for endorsement. The programme, developed in consultation with the cross-party Member Development Working Group (MDWG), includes mandatory sessions for all councillors, as well as specific training for those in regulatory roles or on committees like Overview and Scrutiny and Audit. The 2026/27 programme was designed to be flexible, incorporating new issues as they arise.

Local Government Pension Scheme for Elected Members

The Council was informed of recent legislative changes allowing Elected Members to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) from 11 May 2026. The report noted that the Council's Members' Allowance Scheme would be updated to reflect this new provision, which aims to encourage talented individuals into public service by providing appropriate renumeration and financial security.

The meeting was scheduled to be held in two parts, with Part 1 taking place in the Ballroom of the Mansion House, Doncaster, and Part 2 reconvening in the Council Chamber at the Civic Office. The meeting was also being filmed for subsequent broadcast via the Council's website.