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, 17th October 2024
10:00 AM
Thursday, 17th October 2024
10:00 AM
End:
Thursday, 17th October 2024
2:00 PM
Thursday, 17th October 2024
2:00 PM
Actual Time
Started:
Thursday, 17th October 2024
12:00 AM
Thursday, 17th October 2024
12:00 AM
Finished:
Thursday, 17th October 2024
12:00 AM
Thursday, 17th October 2024
12:00 AM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
17 Oct 2024
17 Oct 2024
Location:
Council Chamber, Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BU
Council Chamber, Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BU
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Conservative Group Leader
Guest
Mark Whitehouse
Unite
Expected
Vice-Chair
Councillor Iris Beech
Present, as expected
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
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Ian Pearson
Apologies
Committee Member
Councillor Austen White
Present, as expected
Agenda
0
A. Items where the Public and Press may not be excluded.
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 where the public and press would be excluded from the meeting.
3
Declarations of Interest, if any.
Minutes
No declarations of interest were made.
4
Minutes of the meeting held on the 8th July 2024
Attachments:
Minutes
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 8th July 2024, 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
Update on Business in Doncaster (including an Employment Update)
Attachments:
- Document R&H Bus Donc Report Appr 171024 09 Oct 2024
- Document R&H O&S Economic_Board_Data_25-09-24 171024 09 Oct 2024
Minutes
The Head of Business Doncaster provided an overview of the report presented, outlining an update on key performance indicators, current activities relating to inward investment, support for businesses and activity relating to employment and enterprise.
Members noted that Business Doncaster made a significant contribution to the Council’s strategic ambition to make Doncaster the best place to do business and crate good jobs, as outlined in the Council’s Borough Strategy “Doncaster Delivering Together”.
The following areas were specifically addressed by the Panel:
Claimants – in response to a question it was clarified that claimants detailed in the report referred to people who claimed Job Seekers Allowance and employment benefit.
It was added that because the data was available to ward level a lot of support was available through the Business Doncaster Advance Team, particularly supporting people in hard to each communities, ensuring everyone was able to benefit from economic growth across the City.
Performance Indicator relating to the number of new jobs FTE equivalent with a salary level over £31,000 per annum – it was explained to the Panel that due to the difficult economic climate, for example impact of the pandemic, work had focused on safeguarding employment. With regard to job creation work was being undertaken to secure new businesses in Doncaster, with 3 keen investors on the horizon that could potentially create approximately 5000 jobs, including engineering. The performance indicator Members referred to was specifically put in place to address this issue to provide more quality jobs and meet the Mayor’s pledge. It was also noted that a number of aircraft businesses had shown interest in the area following work towards possibly reopening Doncaster Sheffield airport.
With regard to where businesses were sited across the City of Doncaster, this was determined by the private business sector particularly around the M18 areas, where development sites were being sought. With regard to the airport investment zone, for example, business that supported the airport industry would seek to be sited in that area.
Members were advised that the Local Authority worked collaboratively with developers, outlining the Council’s ambition, and the wish to create a mix of economy that made the City resilient. It was noted that the smaller offers across the City were also promoted at seminars and exhibitions.
It was also noted that the Council’s planning officers whilst working with Government policies and frameworks had a good reputation with developers to address problems rather than creating barriers.
Highly skilled jobs – it was explained and as mentioned previously the Advance Team was focusing on supporting people to upskill and move into higher paid careers. The UTC in recent years had become established and education providers were focusing on an employer led curriculum to train the next generation of talent in appropriate skills and grow with the Council’s economic ambitions. With regard to the Local Authority it was continuing to work with inward investors to understand what skills were required, then work with the local communities to upskill and benefit from new inward investment and options across the City. It was acknowledged that larger cities were within easy reach of Doncaster and would always pull employees from the Doncaster area. However an example of a leading Artificial Intelligence company had established itself in the City area and encouraged people to work in Doncaster with comparable wages to Leeds and Sheffield
Artificial Intelligence (AI) – in response to the impact this had on employment and businesses in Doncaster, it was outlined that the picture was still emerging in Doncaster and acknowledged globally that it was replacing some jobs that relied on heavy routine tasks but also creating employment. It was noted that the Economic Forum suggested that by 2025 AI would have displaced 75million jobs globally but created 133m jobs highlighting that there were opportunities and growth. In Doncaster it was company dependent whether they were fully automated or not.
With regard to digital and tech it was report that a hub was being investigated to be developed near the train station, to include an AI specialism, and would hopefully assist with growing Doncaster’s digital and tech sector. The Local Authority and partners were working with businesses to outline how AI could support businesses and investigating what would assist them to be more productive in this field and to increase employment.
In response to a Member questioning the original purpose of the building near the railway station and the new proposed option, it was explained that the original plans for the Gateway 1 building were for it to be a grade A office block to attract a national or international occupier. It was noted that the focus for the building changed approximately 12 months prior to this meeting. To continue it was outlined that work had recently been undertaken on how to grow the digital tech sector, which was already quite strong, but dispersed across the City. Digital tech accommodation was lacking a dedicated space, therefore, the Gateway 1 building would provide a focal point that would attract small businesses and entrepreneurs creating a strong network and a vibrancy for the City.
In response to a Member outlining concern that AI could replace people who undertook manual jobs and not qualified to move into work that required AI skills, it was explained that the Advance programme had been established to upskill people, and work was being undertaken with companies to ensure people could achieve the next level of employment. It was noted however that full factory automation was not appropriate for all businesses.
The Chair outlined for large developments that would include the majority or full automation long term projections to secure investments and future employment was required.
With regard to the success of Government investment that the Local Authority had attracted, it was noted that private investment needed to stimulate the market and work was being undertaken to achieve this, for example, the proposals for the Waterfront. The Local Authority was a major land owner in the City Centre so there was the opportunity to create the right kind of opportunities and investment, particularly filling empty units. It was stressed to the Panel, the quality of life offer for residents of the City of Doncaster and visitors was important and all assets must not be forgotten.
It was questioned whether pedestrianisation had made a negative impact on businesses wishing to set up in Doncaster due to not being able to directly access some properties with a vehicle for delivery purposes. It was outlined that there were specific times during the day when deliveries could be undertaken to City centre businesses. From a consumer perspective pedestrianisation created a safe place to shop. The figures identified that the City centre had achieved 10 million visitors during this calendar year and provided evidence to convey footfall strength. It was also outlined that currently data was not available to track the type of sales being undertaken for example, fashion, beauty, food and drink, groceries or entertainment providing a much improved picture of what provision was working. It was accepted that there were larger void properties within the City centre, for example the old Debenhams store, that required occupancy and work was being undertaken to address this position. The cultural shift with regard to pedestrianisation was accepted by the Panel.
With regard to funding received for the waterfront site it was confirmed that it was to remediate the site ready for development. Plans were currently being investigated to maximise the offer with a number of mixed use proposals.
Grossly weekly pay by sex – The Panel learnt that nationally there were still some areas of employment where females and males would not earn the same wage and the impact of social norms could stop the progression of female employees, for example, to take a break from work for childbirth. It was also acknowledged that women could be under-represented in higher management and Board levels in businesses which could have an impact filtering through each level of employment. It was reiterated that the Advance programme would work with people who wished to advance their careers, with strong promotion of the range of jobs available locally, ensuring they were inclusive and working with schools to provide more employer touch points.
It was accepted, following a Member outlining that his employer provided female action days, that maybe it was action that the Council could consider in future particularly to showcase the diverse range of opportunities available to maximise the workforce. It was also highlighted that Doncaster had an established women’s “Successful in rail” group, working on the agenda with Doncaster Chamber.
Securing employment for young people aged 16 to 24 – it was explained that the figures required further analysis and unfortunately the officer who could provide detail had been unable to attend this meeting. It was outlined that the Local Authority was working with the Department for Work and Pensions to address this issue including support with CV writing to help them access the right jobs and preparing for work. It was noted that a dedicated team had been established to cover the whole of Doncaster area and that access and communication with young people in secondary education had improved to ensure they were aware of the opportunities available.
With regard to older people staying in employment longer the impact on the younger generation was addressed, highlighting that it was not a challenge, and acknowledged that the retirement age had increased. I was noted that since Covid, people were leaving the labour market early, and work was required to assist returning to work but also importantly transferring skills to the younger generation to secure the future of certain workforce sectors.
Percentage of work age population claimant in Doncaster by age band – In response to a question where the report details that from 2020 all age groups continued to remain above pre Covid levels, it was explained that nationally data identified there was a gradual increase in claimants post Covid. With regard to Doncaster data showed claimant spikes, with the position improved compared to pre Covid when the City had a high unemployment level. It was stressed that further work was required to remove barriers to employment and was a key focus of work being undertaken.
Inward Investment – the Panel was reminded of the possible major investments for the City, but there were a number of incentives available to make Doncaster attractive, for example grants for businesses that create jobs for local residents. The South Yorkshire authorities had also provided an incentive called “Tech Welcome”, encouraging this type of work to be available across the area, with approximately 6 or 7 businesses signing up to the opportunity providing 31 new job opportunities. Caution was aired with regard to inward investment due to businesses identifying sites nationally but work was being undertaken to encourage settlement in Doncaster. With regard to figures it was noted that within the first 6 months of the year the inward investment figures were above the same period in the last two year period.
Unemployment rate – in response to a question relating to the data on page 25 of the report, it was agreed that the macro data be addressed further following the meeting and a response be provided.
Retail and employment space in the City centre – it was explained that Doncaster had never had a strong office City centre offer and that Lakeside provided the excellent facilities required. It was noted that the proposals to provide the City Tech building, as discussed earlier in the meeting, would assist with grade 1 office space provision.
It was confirmed that there had been a number of buildings transferred into residential accommodation increasing the number of people living in the City centre and in turn boosting the retail economy. It was acknowledged that it would be difficult to utilise and convert some of the larger older buildings in the centre.
Small businesses and impact of providing benefits – following concern expressed by a Panel member with regard to the impact on small businesses having to pay benefits from day 1, for example, sickness benefit, it was reported that following the new initiative, it was too early to provide this feedback from businesses and would probably be reflected in the next Doncaster Chamber survey.
Mitigations against future downturns in economy - It was explained that Doncaster was not immune to national events therefore having a mixed and diverse economy would make the City resilient and prepared for the future. During Covid the City showed it could be agile and diversify seeking alternative income streams.
To continue a Panel Member outlined that Doncaster City held talent and the potential, across all ages, to create long term investment in the City, whilst noting the work being undertaken through the Chamber, UTC and schools to ensure the right skills were developed. He also outlined the industrial and housing areas that could be used across the City. With regard to traffic and the danger it posed on the A19 in the north of the City, with no link road was highlighted and Members concerns were noted. It was outlined that the Advance Team worked with prospective employers and employees to promote City wide developments. The Opportunities Live event on 6th March 2025 dedicated to school leavers, was noted.
RESOLVED: That the information provided and discussion, be noted.
NOTE: Before moving to the next item of business the Panel and officers noted that Chris Dungworth, Head of Service Business Doncaster was retiring and thanked him for all his hard work and dedication over the time he had worked for the Council.
Members noted that Business Doncaster made a significant contribution to the Council’s strategic ambition to make Doncaster the best place to do business and crate good jobs, as outlined in the Council’s Borough Strategy “Doncaster Delivering Together”.
The following areas were specifically addressed by the Panel:
Claimants – in response to a question it was clarified that claimants detailed in the report referred to people who claimed Job Seekers Allowance and employment benefit.
It was added that because the data was available to ward level a lot of support was available through the Business Doncaster Advance Team, particularly supporting people in hard to each communities, ensuring everyone was able to benefit from economic growth across the City.
Performance Indicator relating to the number of new jobs FTE equivalent with a salary level over £31,000 per annum – it was explained to the Panel that due to the difficult economic climate, for example impact of the pandemic, work had focused on safeguarding employment. With regard to job creation work was being undertaken to secure new businesses in Doncaster, with 3 keen investors on the horizon that could potentially create approximately 5000 jobs, including engineering. The performance indicator Members referred to was specifically put in place to address this issue to provide more quality jobs and meet the Mayor’s pledge. It was also noted that a number of aircraft businesses had shown interest in the area following work towards possibly reopening Doncaster Sheffield airport.
With regard to where businesses were sited across the City of Doncaster, this was determined by the private business sector particularly around the M18 areas, where development sites were being sought. With regard to the airport investment zone, for example, business that supported the airport industry would seek to be sited in that area.
Members were advised that the Local Authority worked collaboratively with developers, outlining the Council’s ambition, and the wish to create a mix of economy that made the City resilient. It was noted that the smaller offers across the City were also promoted at seminars and exhibitions.
It was also noted that the Council’s planning officers whilst working with Government policies and frameworks had a good reputation with developers to address problems rather than creating barriers.
Highly skilled jobs – it was explained and as mentioned previously the Advance Team was focusing on supporting people to upskill and move into higher paid careers. The UTC in recent years had become established and education providers were focusing on an employer led curriculum to train the next generation of talent in appropriate skills and grow with the Council’s economic ambitions. With regard to the Local Authority it was continuing to work with inward investors to understand what skills were required, then work with the local communities to upskill and benefit from new inward investment and options across the City. It was acknowledged that larger cities were within easy reach of Doncaster and would always pull employees from the Doncaster area. However an example of a leading Artificial Intelligence company had established itself in the City area and encouraged people to work in Doncaster with comparable wages to Leeds and Sheffield
Artificial Intelligence (AI) – in response to the impact this had on employment and businesses in Doncaster, it was outlined that the picture was still emerging in Doncaster and acknowledged globally that it was replacing some jobs that relied on heavy routine tasks but also creating employment. It was noted that the Economic Forum suggested that by 2025 AI would have displaced 75million jobs globally but created 133m jobs highlighting that there were opportunities and growth. In Doncaster it was company dependent whether they were fully automated or not.
With regard to digital and tech it was report that a hub was being investigated to be developed near the train station, to include an AI specialism, and would hopefully assist with growing Doncaster’s digital and tech sector. The Local Authority and partners were working with businesses to outline how AI could support businesses and investigating what would assist them to be more productive in this field and to increase employment.
In response to a Member questioning the original purpose of the building near the railway station and the new proposed option, it was explained that the original plans for the Gateway 1 building were for it to be a grade A office block to attract a national or international occupier. It was noted that the focus for the building changed approximately 12 months prior to this meeting. To continue it was outlined that work had recently been undertaken on how to grow the digital tech sector, which was already quite strong, but dispersed across the City. Digital tech accommodation was lacking a dedicated space, therefore, the Gateway 1 building would provide a focal point that would attract small businesses and entrepreneurs creating a strong network and a vibrancy for the City.
In response to a Member outlining concern that AI could replace people who undertook manual jobs and not qualified to move into work that required AI skills, it was explained that the Advance programme had been established to upskill people, and work was being undertaken with companies to ensure people could achieve the next level of employment. It was noted however that full factory automation was not appropriate for all businesses.
The Chair outlined for large developments that would include the majority or full automation long term projections to secure investments and future employment was required.
With regard to the success of Government investment that the Local Authority had attracted, it was noted that private investment needed to stimulate the market and work was being undertaken to achieve this, for example, the proposals for the Waterfront. The Local Authority was a major land owner in the City Centre so there was the opportunity to create the right kind of opportunities and investment, particularly filling empty units. It was stressed to the Panel, the quality of life offer for residents of the City of Doncaster and visitors was important and all assets must not be forgotten.
It was questioned whether pedestrianisation had made a negative impact on businesses wishing to set up in Doncaster due to not being able to directly access some properties with a vehicle for delivery purposes. It was outlined that there were specific times during the day when deliveries could be undertaken to City centre businesses. From a consumer perspective pedestrianisation created a safe place to shop. The figures identified that the City centre had achieved 10 million visitors during this calendar year and provided evidence to convey footfall strength. It was also outlined that currently data was not available to track the type of sales being undertaken for example, fashion, beauty, food and drink, groceries or entertainment providing a much improved picture of what provision was working. It was accepted that there were larger void properties within the City centre, for example the old Debenhams store, that required occupancy and work was being undertaken to address this position. The cultural shift with regard to pedestrianisation was accepted by the Panel.
With regard to funding received for the waterfront site it was confirmed that it was to remediate the site ready for development. Plans were currently being investigated to maximise the offer with a number of mixed use proposals.
Grossly weekly pay by sex – The Panel learnt that nationally there were still some areas of employment where females and males would not earn the same wage and the impact of social norms could stop the progression of female employees, for example, to take a break from work for childbirth. It was also acknowledged that women could be under-represented in higher management and Board levels in businesses which could have an impact filtering through each level of employment. It was reiterated that the Advance programme would work with people who wished to advance their careers, with strong promotion of the range of jobs available locally, ensuring they were inclusive and working with schools to provide more employer touch points.
It was accepted, following a Member outlining that his employer provided female action days, that maybe it was action that the Council could consider in future particularly to showcase the diverse range of opportunities available to maximise the workforce. It was also highlighted that Doncaster had an established women’s “Successful in rail” group, working on the agenda with Doncaster Chamber.
Securing employment for young people aged 16 to 24 – it was explained that the figures required further analysis and unfortunately the officer who could provide detail had been unable to attend this meeting. It was outlined that the Local Authority was working with the Department for Work and Pensions to address this issue including support with CV writing to help them access the right jobs and preparing for work. It was noted that a dedicated team had been established to cover the whole of Doncaster area and that access and communication with young people in secondary education had improved to ensure they were aware of the opportunities available.
With regard to older people staying in employment longer the impact on the younger generation was addressed, highlighting that it was not a challenge, and acknowledged that the retirement age had increased. I was noted that since Covid, people were leaving the labour market early, and work was required to assist returning to work but also importantly transferring skills to the younger generation to secure the future of certain workforce sectors.
Percentage of work age population claimant in Doncaster by age band – In response to a question where the report details that from 2020 all age groups continued to remain above pre Covid levels, it was explained that nationally data identified there was a gradual increase in claimants post Covid. With regard to Doncaster data showed claimant spikes, with the position improved compared to pre Covid when the City had a high unemployment level. It was stressed that further work was required to remove barriers to employment and was a key focus of work being undertaken.
Inward Investment – the Panel was reminded of the possible major investments for the City, but there were a number of incentives available to make Doncaster attractive, for example grants for businesses that create jobs for local residents. The South Yorkshire authorities had also provided an incentive called “Tech Welcome”, encouraging this type of work to be available across the area, with approximately 6 or 7 businesses signing up to the opportunity providing 31 new job opportunities. Caution was aired with regard to inward investment due to businesses identifying sites nationally but work was being undertaken to encourage settlement in Doncaster. With regard to figures it was noted that within the first 6 months of the year the inward investment figures were above the same period in the last two year period.
Unemployment rate – in response to a question relating to the data on page 25 of the report, it was agreed that the macro data be addressed further following the meeting and a response be provided.
Retail and employment space in the City centre – it was explained that Doncaster had never had a strong office City centre offer and that Lakeside provided the excellent facilities required. It was noted that the proposals to provide the City Tech building, as discussed earlier in the meeting, would assist with grade 1 office space provision.
It was confirmed that there had been a number of buildings transferred into residential accommodation increasing the number of people living in the City centre and in turn boosting the retail economy. It was acknowledged that it would be difficult to utilise and convert some of the larger older buildings in the centre.
Small businesses and impact of providing benefits – following concern expressed by a Panel member with regard to the impact on small businesses having to pay benefits from day 1, for example, sickness benefit, it was reported that following the new initiative, it was too early to provide this feedback from businesses and would probably be reflected in the next Doncaster Chamber survey.
Mitigations against future downturns in economy - It was explained that Doncaster was not immune to national events therefore having a mixed and diverse economy would make the City resilient and prepared for the future. During Covid the City showed it could be agile and diversify seeking alternative income streams.
To continue a Panel Member outlined that Doncaster City held talent and the potential, across all ages, to create long term investment in the City, whilst noting the work being undertaken through the Chamber, UTC and schools to ensure the right skills were developed. He also outlined the industrial and housing areas that could be used across the City. With regard to traffic and the danger it posed on the A19 in the north of the City, with no link road was highlighted and Members concerns were noted. It was outlined that the Advance Team worked with prospective employers and employees to promote City wide developments. The Opportunities Live event on 6th March 2025 dedicated to school leavers, was noted.
RESOLVED: That the information provided and discussion, be noted.
NOTE: Before moving to the next item of business the Panel and officers noted that Chris Dungworth, Head of Service Business Doncaster was retiring and thanked him for all his hard work and dedication over the time he had worked for the Council.
7
Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan 2024-25 and Councils Forward Plan of Key Decisions
Attachments:
- Document MASTER WORK PLAN FINAL 202425 09 Oct 2024
- Document Forward Plan 1 Nov_28 Feb 2025 Cabinet 09 Oct 2024
Minutes
The Senior Governance Officer presented the Scrutiny Work Plan and Council’s Forward Plan of Key Decisions to the Panel for its consideration.
RESOLVED: That the report, be noted.
RESOLVED: That the report, be noted.
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