Doncaster Metripolitan Council
Councillors:
56
Wards:
22
Committees:
25
Meetings (2025):
88
Meetings (2024):
113
Meeting
Regeneration & Housing Overview & Scrutiny Panel - Doncaster
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Thursday, 6th March 2025
10:00 AM
Thursday, 6th March 2025
10:00 AM
End:
Thursday, 6th March 2025
2:00 PM
Thursday, 6th March 2025
2:00 PM
Actual Time
Started:
Thursday, 6th March 2025
12:00 AM
Thursday, 6th March 2025
12:00 AM
Finished:
Thursday, 6th March 2025
12:00 AM
Thursday, 6th March 2025
12:00 AM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
06 Mar 2025
06 Mar 2025
Location:
Council Chamber, Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BU
Council Chamber, Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BU
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Conservative Group Leader
Committee Member
Councillor Duncan Anderson
Absent
Committee Member
Councillor Sophie Liu
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor John Mounsey
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Thomas Noon
Absent
Committee Member
Councillor Ian Pearson
Absent
Committee Member
Councillor Austen White
Apologies
Vice-Chair
Councillor Iris Beech
Present, as expected
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence.<br/><br/>
Minutes
2
To consider the extent, if any, to which the public and press are to be excluded from the meeting.
Minutes
There were no items on the agenda where the public and press were to be excluded from the meeting.
3
Declarations of Interest, if any.
Minutes
There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.
4
Minutes of the meeting held on 17th October 2024
Attachments:
- Document Minutes , 17/10/2024 Regeneration & Housing Overview & Scrutiny Panel 26 Feb 2025
Minutes
RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting held on 17th October 2025, be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
5
Public Statements - [A period not exceeding 20 minutes for statements from up to 5 members of the public on matters within the Committees remit, proposing action(s) which may be considered or contribute towards the future development of the Committees Work Programme].
Minutes
There were no public statements made.
6
City centre developments
Attachments:
- Document City centre developments report 26 Feb 2025
- Document Overview and Scrutiny City Centre Presentation 26 Feb 2025
Minutes
The Panel received a presentation on Doncaster City Centre Investment Programmes, highlighting:
· The Visions – A safe, prosperous, vibrant and inclusive city centre that builds on our heritage and is fit for the future;
· Doncaster City Centre Development;
· Doncaster Town Deal Programme;
· Levelling Up Fund; and
· Transforming Cities Fund;
Members gave consideration to the information provided and addressed the following areas in more detail:
Housing in the City Centre for younger people – a Member referred to the vibrancy younger people in their 20’s brought to City Centres, for example, in university cities and outlined his hope for this in Doncaster City. The type of accommodation required for the younger generation, for example, larger buildings that could be converted into flats was questioned and explained this could be undertaken if a building was owned by the Local Authority. Undertaking such conversions could not be imposed on a private owner, unless a CPO was being undertaken for a specific scheme. It was noted however, that a lot of private sector businesses were presenting schemes for accommodation above current retail premises in the City Centre. The Panel was reminded that in accordance with national planning guidance, a balance of retail and housing needed to be met whilst mitigating everyone’s personal needs eg. access to private cars and bus services.
Local Plan - The Panel was reminded of the Urban Centre Master Plan running through to July 2025 and would include as part of the baseline assessment a housing capacity needs assessment to be used as part of a refresh of the Local Plan.
It was noted that the Local Plan would have been due for review in September 2027 however, the Government’s proposals have identified that it was keen for all Local Authorities to have an up to date Local Plan. It was acknowledged that two thirds of local authorities did not have an adopted Local Plan and why housing delivery was not as efficient as it should be. The Government also wished to increase the speed of adoption of a Local Plan to 30 months, increasing housing targets with approximately 280 more houses per annum for Doncaster. How new housing requirements for this would be calculated for the Local Authority was outlined. The timelines associated with the proposals should be available later in 2025.
Waterfront – in response to a question relating to funding it was explained that there was a clawback clause in the Agreement but the reality was there was limited risk due to new development interest in the area.
It was outlined to Members that Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospital Trust had been clear there were no plans or funding for a new hospital to be developed on this site. The Panel acknowledged that other options for health provisions were being investigated, for example, Health on the High Street.
The Local Authority was working with a potential developer for the site, with the Mayor and Cabinet being clear that there should be no competing uses in the City Centre. It was stressed that the site was Council owned therefore it had control of site proposals.
Corn Exchange – the Panel highlighted how good the renovation was but questioned uptake of the units. It was explained that there was firm interest in half of the units, an eatery was not planned and it was proposed a future update be provided to the Panel. Members were also reminded of the impact the pandemic had on socialising and eating out in areas such as the Wool Market, that was thriving before that timeline and an area that had not yet seen full recovery.
Railway Station – It was confirmed that improvements made to this area were part of the City Centre Master Plan but making the traffic flow more efficiently related to the traffic light sequences, and highlighted that traffic congestion in this area was not as delayed as perceived. It was an issue that officers would investigate to ensure there was enough space for effective vehicle exit from the bus station.
RESOLVED: that the contents of the presentation and discussion, be noted.
· The Visions – A safe, prosperous, vibrant and inclusive city centre that builds on our heritage and is fit for the future;
· Doncaster City Centre Development;
· Doncaster Town Deal Programme;
· Levelling Up Fund; and
· Transforming Cities Fund;
Members gave consideration to the information provided and addressed the following areas in more detail:
Housing in the City Centre for younger people – a Member referred to the vibrancy younger people in their 20’s brought to City Centres, for example, in university cities and outlined his hope for this in Doncaster City. The type of accommodation required for the younger generation, for example, larger buildings that could be converted into flats was questioned and explained this could be undertaken if a building was owned by the Local Authority. Undertaking such conversions could not be imposed on a private owner, unless a CPO was being undertaken for a specific scheme. It was noted however, that a lot of private sector businesses were presenting schemes for accommodation above current retail premises in the City Centre. The Panel was reminded that in accordance with national planning guidance, a balance of retail and housing needed to be met whilst mitigating everyone’s personal needs eg. access to private cars and bus services.
Local Plan - The Panel was reminded of the Urban Centre Master Plan running through to July 2025 and would include as part of the baseline assessment a housing capacity needs assessment to be used as part of a refresh of the Local Plan.
It was noted that the Local Plan would have been due for review in September 2027 however, the Government’s proposals have identified that it was keen for all Local Authorities to have an up to date Local Plan. It was acknowledged that two thirds of local authorities did not have an adopted Local Plan and why housing delivery was not as efficient as it should be. The Government also wished to increase the speed of adoption of a Local Plan to 30 months, increasing housing targets with approximately 280 more houses per annum for Doncaster. How new housing requirements for this would be calculated for the Local Authority was outlined. The timelines associated with the proposals should be available later in 2025.
Waterfront – in response to a question relating to funding it was explained that there was a clawback clause in the Agreement but the reality was there was limited risk due to new development interest in the area.
It was outlined to Members that Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospital Trust had been clear there were no plans or funding for a new hospital to be developed on this site. The Panel acknowledged that other options for health provisions were being investigated, for example, Health on the High Street.
The Local Authority was working with a potential developer for the site, with the Mayor and Cabinet being clear that there should be no competing uses in the City Centre. It was stressed that the site was Council owned therefore it had control of site proposals.
Corn Exchange – the Panel highlighted how good the renovation was but questioned uptake of the units. It was explained that there was firm interest in half of the units, an eatery was not planned and it was proposed a future update be provided to the Panel. Members were also reminded of the impact the pandemic had on socialising and eating out in areas such as the Wool Market, that was thriving before that timeline and an area that had not yet seen full recovery.
Railway Station – It was confirmed that improvements made to this area were part of the City Centre Master Plan but making the traffic flow more efficiently related to the traffic light sequences, and highlighted that traffic congestion in this area was not as delayed as perceived. It was an issue that officers would investigate to ensure there was enough space for effective vehicle exit from the bus station.
RESOLVED: that the contents of the presentation and discussion, be noted.
7
Developing Doncaster's next Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy
Attachments:
- Document Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Scrutiny Report March 2025 26 Feb 2025
Minutes
The Executive Director for Adults, Well-being and Culture presented a report outlining the process and timeline for developing the next Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy. He outlined the difference between homelessness and rough sleeping highlighting that rough sleeping was the most visible form of homelessness but most people had a roof over their heads but not a permanent home where they could build a life. He also detailed the number of people presenting themselves as homeless.
He continued to highlight the Homeless Reduction Action 2017 placed a legal duty on local authorities to assess individuals homelessness, with a specific section that mandates the Council to investigate the reason for homelessness, the types of accommodation needed and provide required support to maintain stability. The Housing must be suitable for individuals needs and families must not be housed in bed and breakfast for more than a 6 week period. The Local Authority was not required to home all homeless people who requested assistance but must take steps to help people prevent or relieve an experience of homelessness.
With regard to rough sleeping these were generally single people or couples with no dependent children and since introduction of the legislation in 2017 challenges had been highlighted that could be identified in Doncaster, not just nationally. For example, constraints on funding, shortage of affordable housing and the increase in the number of applicants with multiple and/or high support needs.
He stressed that the report also detailed the distinction between rough sleeping and people in the City Centre and other areas across Doncaster creating anti-social behaviour, and that with partners the Council was addressing this issue. It was stressed to the Panel that rough sleepers would not automatically create anti-social behaviour.
Members were reminded of the demands the Council and St Leger Homes were facing with regard to this issue supporting the figures set out in the report.
The new Homelessness Strategy would be structured via four key themes, with senior leads responsible for each area, developed alongside people who were or had homelessness or rough sleeping experience. A key part would be to remove the stigma of rough sleeping.
Four Key Themes:
1. Ensure a “whole system” approach for homelessness prevention;
2. Ensure an effective Housing Options Model;
3. Maximise opportunities for independence through a range of housing options; and
4. Ensure effective and joined up care and support for services for those most in need.
A Panel Member thanked the officers, Mayor and Cabinet for the good work already undertaken particularly following the challenges Doncaster faced over the last 5 years, with the figures in the report providing shocking reading, and looked forward to seeing the development of the new Strategy. In response it was explained that over the last 5 years the data showed it had increased by 100% across the board in terms of front door presentations to St Leger Homes of Doncaster and ongoing cases, and reiterated the huge undertaking across the partnership. The following figures were provided:
· 3000 contacts per month into home options service, this included requests for housing, managing landlords, condition of accommodation, fleeing domestic abuse or ASB, but noted it was the full range of housing related queries;
· 200 new homeless assessments per month;
· 120 placements per month;
· Reduced the number of nights spent in hotel accommodation from 35 nights to 19 nights;
· 50% of cases were being resolved at prevention stage therefore people were not requiring emergency accommodation;
· Families with children firstly prevent homelessness, provide suitable temporary accommodation using hotel accommodation as a last resort; and
· B and B accommodation – no one has spent over 6 weeks in this type of emergency accommodation in the last 2 year period.
It was explained that the Mayor had set two priorities ensuring everyone in Doncaster had a place to call home and that over the life of the Strategy the City Council does everything it can to end homelessness and rough sleeping. Therefore improving support for more people at the preventative stage and have less people seeking support but have the life, for example, that the people sat in the Council Chamber take for granted.
The Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing and Business assured the Panel that the Mayor tasked and held him and other Cabinet Members to account on a monthly basis about the holistic approach being undertaken to address Homelessness due to the high number presenting themselves for assistance.
Rent costs and arrears – In response to a Member’s question it was explained that the highest reason to seek accommodation was when someone reached the end of a shorthold tenancy due to rent arrears or if the landlord wished to increase their rent. It was outlined that affordability within the private rented sector was a massive issue and explained that the local housing allowance for a 3 bedroomed house was approximately £150 per week with the market rent approximately £250 per week, therefore there was a huge gap driven by affordability. It was stressed that in the Local Authority sector the Council had the lowest evictions in the country and only undertook this course of action when only absolutely necessary.
Housing Needs – There was a recognition from a housing development perspective that realistic actions were required to increase tenancies for people who required single persons accommodation, and the need to connect this issue with the City Centre Strategy.
Care and Support – Information relating to the Complex Lives partnership who provided assistance to individuals that were experiencing homelessness and complexity of lives. It was noted that the monthly Homelessness Forum (including the local authority, health services, probation, housing associations) had been established to learn from individuals who had direct experience of being or at risk of being homeless. Each month the meeting addressed a specific theme, for example, experiences with hostels, support received around substance misuse, access to wound care for people who were rough sleeping and people developing trust within their community.
The Complex Lives multi agency service worked with a range of people with many circumstances and the people supported generally had a traumatic background, which could lead to mistrust of support service provision. The Service therefore worked alongside clients to assess what was important in their lives and identify the points where they could engage with people. The service’s key values were hope and perseverance.
It was highlighted during discussion that in ordinary circumstances moving house was a big decision and every person, no matter what their circumstances, think about the same things. To say to someone overnight “you need to move” was very difficult and alongside the mechanics were views and emotions. Therefore, the experience needed to be the same for everyone and not be pushed from pillar to post but supported through this difficult process.
Providing housing as a long term solution rather than temporary – it was explained that there were two types of temporary accommodation, hotels as a last resort and Council accommodation. The Council units were set up as temporary and were semi-furnished, which on occasions have been made into permanent homes so families could settle more quickly. It was outlined that there were some barriers to making the temporary accommodation permanent, for example:
· Eligibility for the housing waiting list - depending on the stage of homelessness and being assessed for the waiting list;
· Suitability – the temporary accommodation may not be in the area required or not suitable, eg. too small; and
· Culturally – The local authority needed to ensure that people would not make themselves homeless to be provided a Council property. It was stressed that the Council Housing Waiting list must be served and not closed with accommodation only being provided to the homeless.
It was noted that there were circumstances where people were in temporary accommodation and following being assessed through the housing waiting list policy and process, they remained in the property provided.
A Member expressed concern that when there were regular changes to a property’s tenants it could cause disturbance for neighbours and wished for identified temporary accommodation to change occasionally to create stability within the community. This was acknowledged and residents concerns about the constant change of neighbours was taken into account with temporary accommodation regularly assessed to ensure it was in the right place.
Future policy for temporary accommodation – It was explained that work was currently being undertaken on temporary accommodation policy, how it was governed, what property becomes temporary accommodation, how long it remained temporary and at what point would it return to general needs stock.
It was reiterated that there was much more temporary accommodation that the local authority would like, and an exceptionally challenging issue. The reason for this was the many factors being faced both locally and nationally for example the lack of affordable housing. Locally more preventative work would continue to be undertaken to avoid people losing existing properties.
Housing benefit – The Panel acknowledged the frustrations of affordability of the private rented sector with the market driving prices higher. Members were reminded of the Renters Rights Bill currently going through Parliament that would assist with reducing the number of no fault evictions but it would not put a cap on private rent prices or increase local housing allowance therefore the affordability gap would not improve.
RESOLVED: That the information be noted and the strategy be considered by the Panel at a future date to be agreed.
He continued to highlight the Homeless Reduction Action 2017 placed a legal duty on local authorities to assess individuals homelessness, with a specific section that mandates the Council to investigate the reason for homelessness, the types of accommodation needed and provide required support to maintain stability. The Housing must be suitable for individuals needs and families must not be housed in bed and breakfast for more than a 6 week period. The Local Authority was not required to home all homeless people who requested assistance but must take steps to help people prevent or relieve an experience of homelessness.
With regard to rough sleeping these were generally single people or couples with no dependent children and since introduction of the legislation in 2017 challenges had been highlighted that could be identified in Doncaster, not just nationally. For example, constraints on funding, shortage of affordable housing and the increase in the number of applicants with multiple and/or high support needs.
He stressed that the report also detailed the distinction between rough sleeping and people in the City Centre and other areas across Doncaster creating anti-social behaviour, and that with partners the Council was addressing this issue. It was stressed to the Panel that rough sleepers would not automatically create anti-social behaviour.
Members were reminded of the demands the Council and St Leger Homes were facing with regard to this issue supporting the figures set out in the report.
The new Homelessness Strategy would be structured via four key themes, with senior leads responsible for each area, developed alongside people who were or had homelessness or rough sleeping experience. A key part would be to remove the stigma of rough sleeping.
Four Key Themes:
1. Ensure a “whole system” approach for homelessness prevention;
2. Ensure an effective Housing Options Model;
3. Maximise opportunities for independence through a range of housing options; and
4. Ensure effective and joined up care and support for services for those most in need.
A Panel Member thanked the officers, Mayor and Cabinet for the good work already undertaken particularly following the challenges Doncaster faced over the last 5 years, with the figures in the report providing shocking reading, and looked forward to seeing the development of the new Strategy. In response it was explained that over the last 5 years the data showed it had increased by 100% across the board in terms of front door presentations to St Leger Homes of Doncaster and ongoing cases, and reiterated the huge undertaking across the partnership. The following figures were provided:
· 3000 contacts per month into home options service, this included requests for housing, managing landlords, condition of accommodation, fleeing domestic abuse or ASB, but noted it was the full range of housing related queries;
· 200 new homeless assessments per month;
· 120 placements per month;
· Reduced the number of nights spent in hotel accommodation from 35 nights to 19 nights;
· 50% of cases were being resolved at prevention stage therefore people were not requiring emergency accommodation;
· Families with children firstly prevent homelessness, provide suitable temporary accommodation using hotel accommodation as a last resort; and
· B and B accommodation – no one has spent over 6 weeks in this type of emergency accommodation in the last 2 year period.
It was explained that the Mayor had set two priorities ensuring everyone in Doncaster had a place to call home and that over the life of the Strategy the City Council does everything it can to end homelessness and rough sleeping. Therefore improving support for more people at the preventative stage and have less people seeking support but have the life, for example, that the people sat in the Council Chamber take for granted.
The Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing and Business assured the Panel that the Mayor tasked and held him and other Cabinet Members to account on a monthly basis about the holistic approach being undertaken to address Homelessness due to the high number presenting themselves for assistance.
Rent costs and arrears – In response to a Member’s question it was explained that the highest reason to seek accommodation was when someone reached the end of a shorthold tenancy due to rent arrears or if the landlord wished to increase their rent. It was outlined that affordability within the private rented sector was a massive issue and explained that the local housing allowance for a 3 bedroomed house was approximately £150 per week with the market rent approximately £250 per week, therefore there was a huge gap driven by affordability. It was stressed that in the Local Authority sector the Council had the lowest evictions in the country and only undertook this course of action when only absolutely necessary.
Housing Needs – There was a recognition from a housing development perspective that realistic actions were required to increase tenancies for people who required single persons accommodation, and the need to connect this issue with the City Centre Strategy.
Care and Support – Information relating to the Complex Lives partnership who provided assistance to individuals that were experiencing homelessness and complexity of lives. It was noted that the monthly Homelessness Forum (including the local authority, health services, probation, housing associations) had been established to learn from individuals who had direct experience of being or at risk of being homeless. Each month the meeting addressed a specific theme, for example, experiences with hostels, support received around substance misuse, access to wound care for people who were rough sleeping and people developing trust within their community.
The Complex Lives multi agency service worked with a range of people with many circumstances and the people supported generally had a traumatic background, which could lead to mistrust of support service provision. The Service therefore worked alongside clients to assess what was important in their lives and identify the points where they could engage with people. The service’s key values were hope and perseverance.
It was highlighted during discussion that in ordinary circumstances moving house was a big decision and every person, no matter what their circumstances, think about the same things. To say to someone overnight “you need to move” was very difficult and alongside the mechanics were views and emotions. Therefore, the experience needed to be the same for everyone and not be pushed from pillar to post but supported through this difficult process.
Providing housing as a long term solution rather than temporary – it was explained that there were two types of temporary accommodation, hotels as a last resort and Council accommodation. The Council units were set up as temporary and were semi-furnished, which on occasions have been made into permanent homes so families could settle more quickly. It was outlined that there were some barriers to making the temporary accommodation permanent, for example:
· Eligibility for the housing waiting list - depending on the stage of homelessness and being assessed for the waiting list;
· Suitability – the temporary accommodation may not be in the area required or not suitable, eg. too small; and
· Culturally – The local authority needed to ensure that people would not make themselves homeless to be provided a Council property. It was stressed that the Council Housing Waiting list must be served and not closed with accommodation only being provided to the homeless.
It was noted that there were circumstances where people were in temporary accommodation and following being assessed through the housing waiting list policy and process, they remained in the property provided.
A Member expressed concern that when there were regular changes to a property’s tenants it could cause disturbance for neighbours and wished for identified temporary accommodation to change occasionally to create stability within the community. This was acknowledged and residents concerns about the constant change of neighbours was taken into account with temporary accommodation regularly assessed to ensure it was in the right place.
Future policy for temporary accommodation – It was explained that work was currently being undertaken on temporary accommodation policy, how it was governed, what property becomes temporary accommodation, how long it remained temporary and at what point would it return to general needs stock.
It was reiterated that there was much more temporary accommodation that the local authority would like, and an exceptionally challenging issue. The reason for this was the many factors being faced both locally and nationally for example the lack of affordable housing. Locally more preventative work would continue to be undertaken to avoid people losing existing properties.
Housing benefit – The Panel acknowledged the frustrations of affordability of the private rented sector with the market driving prices higher. Members were reminded of the Renters Rights Bill currently going through Parliament that would assist with reducing the number of no fault evictions but it would not put a cap on private rent prices or increase local housing allowance therefore the affordability gap would not improve.
RESOLVED: That the information be noted and the strategy be considered by the Panel at a future date to be agreed.
8
Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan 2024/25 and Council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions
Attachments:
- Document MASTER WORK PLAN FINAL 202425 26 Feb 2025
- Document Printed plan Forward Plan for the period 1 March 2025 to 30 June 2025. Cabinet 26 Feb 2025
Minutes
The Chair presented the Overview and Scrutiny work plan and highlighted areas that could be considered at a future meeting, as was detailed on the report.
RESOLVED: That the Overview and Scrutiny work plan and Council’s Forward Plan of Key Decisions, be noted.
RESOLVED: That the Overview and Scrutiny work plan and Council’s Forward Plan of Key Decisions, be noted.
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