The Cabinet of Doncaster Council met on Wednesday 12 August 2026. The meeting agenda included items on grant funding for infrastructure improvements, the renewal of a Public Spaces Protection Order, the council's financial position, and school place sufficiency.

Pride in Place (Phase 2)

The Cabinet was to consider the acceptance of up to £60,000,000 in funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for the Pride in Place (PiP) Phase 2 programme. This funding is designated for improvements in three specific hyper-local areas of Doncaster: Conisbrough North, Mexborough West, and New Rossington. The programme, which aims to empower communities to drive local change, will provide capital and revenue funding over ten years. Neighbourhood Boards, composed of local residents and led by independent chairs, will be central to decision-making on how the funds are invested in community spaces, public spaces, and high street revitalisation. The council will act as the accountable body for the funds, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and legal responsibilities.

2026/27 Month 2 Financial Monitoring Report

The Cabinet was to review the council's financial position at Month 2 of the 2026/27 financial year. The report indicated projected service budget overspends totalling £6.2 million. Significant overspends were noted in Adult Social Care (£2.5m), Place (£1.8m, including £1.2m for Waste), and Children, Young People & Families (£0.6m). While £5.6 million in contingency funding is available, utilising the full amount at this early stage of the financial year would leave the council in a challenging position. The report also highlighted a projected overspend of £29.1 million against the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block, which is separate from the General Fund. The Cabinet was asked to approve and comment on the financial information and note that the forecast outturn position would be updated and considered as part of the 2027/28 Medium-Term Financial Strategy.

Bawtry Road Improvements Grant Funding

The Cabinet was to consider the acceptance of £1,074,629 in grant funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to deliver improvements along Bawtry Road. This funding, secured through the Active Travel Fund 4 extension, will be used for walking, wheeling, and cycling infrastructure enhancements. The project aims to improve road safety, upgrade signals equipment, and provide dedicated space for pedestrians and cyclists. It will also include placemaking elements such as seating and accessibility improvements. The scheme is expected to commence on-site by 21 September 2026 and be completed before 31 March 2027.

CDC Section 50 (NRSWA 1991) Streetworks Licence Policy

The Cabinet was to consider the updated City of Doncaster Council Section 50 Street Works Licence Policy (Version 2.01, June 2026) . This policy, developed in line with current legislation and industry practices, aims to provide a clearer framework for issuing licences for private apparatus in the public highway. It addresses the increasing use of Section 50 licences for long-term private ownership and for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The new policy simplifies content, clarifies longitudinal apparatus and EV charging applications, introduces clarity on bonds, defines new processing timescales, and outlines the appeals process. The updated policy is intended to enhance public safety, reduce disruption, ensure accountability, and indemnify the council against risk.

Doncaster City Centre Public Spaces Protection Order Review

The Cabinet was to consider the renewal of the Doncaster City Centre Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for a further three years, from 7 November 2026 to 6 November 2029. The renewal follows a comprehensive public consultation which demonstrated strong support for retaining the existing prohibitions, with a clear expectation for improved visibility and enforcement. The order includes eight prohibitions: begging, loitering, no return within 24 hours if asked to leave, drinking alcohol in public areas, taking drugs or other banned substances, urination and defecation in public, tampering with parking equipment, and a new prohibition on the use of amplified equipment. The decision to renew the PSPO is viewed as one component of a wider partnership approach to managing anti-social behaviour, alongside engagement and support for individuals experiencing complex needs. The Cabinet was also to consider delegating power to amend the Fixed Penalty Notice for breach of the PSPO up to the statutory maximum of £500.

SEND Funding Requests

The Cabinet was to consider the acceptance of two significant funding allocations from the Department for Education (DfE) to support Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision. Firstly, the 2026/27 High Needs Capital Grant of £5,460,070 was to be considered for acceptance to be added to the capital programme, with delegated authority for its allocation. This funding will support the expansion of specialist school places and improvements within mainstream settings, aligning with national SEND reform plans. Secondly, £2,443,933 in Experts at Hand (EAH) and LA SEND Transformation revenue grant funding for 2026/27 was to be considered for acceptance. This funding will enhance expert advice and provision within mainstream settings, supporting earlier intervention and more inclusive practices. A draft spend plan for this revenue funding was to be approved, with delegated authority for further decisions on its allocation.

Mainstream School Sufficiency Assessment

The Cabinet was to consider the three-year Mainstream School Sufficiency Assessment as the strategic evidence base for planning school places across Doncaster. This assessment brings together demographic trends, housing growth, admissions patterns, and estate considerations to identify areas of capacity mismatch and emerging pressures. It will inform future decisions on school organisation, capital investment, admissions planning, and the management of falling rolls. The assessment supports a coordinated strategy for managing expansion, contraction, and targeted interventions, aiming to ensure children have access to local, high-quality school places and that investment is directed effectively to create modern, inclusive learning environments. Authority for future sufficiency-related actions was to be delegated to the Executive Director of Children, Young People and Families.