Doncaster Council's Cabinet met on 11 December 2024 and made a number of decisions. They approved the Skills Service priorities for Phase Two delivery of the Education and Skills 2030 Strategy, approved a proposal for the council to become a key partner and funder of a South Yorkshire Tobacco Control Alliance, approved the virements, allocations of block budgets in the capital programme, and noted the inclusion of a new strategic risk on the opening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport. Cabinet noted the Quarter 2 2024-25 Finance and Performance report, and noted the progress of St. Leger Homes of Doncaster’s performance.

Education & Skills 2030 Strategy

Cabinet received a report from Councillor Sue Farmer, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Education and Skills, updating them on the Education and Skills 2030 Strategy. Councillor Farmer described the work done by the Skills Team since the Strategy was adopted in February 2021. In particular, Cabinet noted the work done on the Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge (ASK) Programme, the Pathways to Work programme and the Careers Hub.

The Cabinet also approved the Skills Service priorities for Phase Two delivery of the strategy.

South Yorkshire Tobacco Control Alliance

Councillor Nigel Ball, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities, Leisure and Culture, presented a report to Cabinet asking them to approve a proposal for the council to become a key partner and funder of a South Yorkshire Tobacco Control Alliance.

The Alliance will work to reduce smoking prevalence across South Yorkshire, with a focus on:

• Reducing the risks of smoking-related illnesses.
• Reducing demand on healthcare systems.
• Increasing productivity.
• Minimising litter from cigarette packaging.
• Reducing health inequalities.

Councillor Ball noted that smoking cessation services were already well resourced in Doncaster, but argued that a regional alliance would be more effective in tackling smoking.

Cabinet approved the proposal.

Quarter 2 2024-25 Finance and Performance Report

Councillor Phil Cole, Cabinet Member for Finance, Traded Services and Planning, presented the Quarter 2 Finance and Performance Report for 2024-25. The report showed an overall balanced budget position for the Council, with no under or overspend.

Councillor Cole expressed concern about a number of potential budget pressures, including Adult Social Care, Children's Social Care, Waste Services, and Homelessness. The Cabinet noted that these pressures were currently being offset by one-off contingency budgets, but acknowledged that a longer-term solution would be required.

The Cabinet noted that progress had been made on a number of key priorities, including reducing waiting times for occupational health and therapist assessments, investing in Smile Day opportunities, increasing the number of carer assessments, and exceeding targets for waste collection and fly-tipping.

Councillor Cole also highlighted the Council's work on re-opening Doncaster Sheffield Airport, developing a new vision for the city centre, and improving services for children and families.

The Cabinet noted the report and thanked Council staff for their work in delivering these improvements.

St Leger Homes Performance Report 2024/25 Quarter 2

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Glyn Jones, Cabinet Member for Housing, presented a report to the Cabinet on the performance of St. Leger Homes of Doncaster (SLHD) for Quarter 2.

The report showed that 18 of the 27 KPIs being measured at quarter end were met or were within agreed tolerances of target.

Councillor Jones highlighted a number of areas where SLHD had performed well, including rent arrears, settled accommodation, and responding to complaints. He also noted that the number of properties not meeting the Decent Homes Standard had fallen considerably since the previous quarter.

Councillor Jones also noted that there were a number of areas where SLHD needed to improve, including the average number of nights spent in hotel accommodation.

The Cabinet noted the report and thanked SLHD staff for their work.