Meeting

For Information and Not Endorsement

For Decision

(The Council has received a petition from Councillor Karl Hughes on behalf of residents of Barnby Dun, containing a total of 133 signatures requesting that City of Doncaster Council takes urgent action to address persistent road safety concerns on Pinehall road and Meadowfield Road, Barnby Dun.)

(a) Question from Mr Doug Wright to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“What will the Mayor do to stop St George's flags/Union Jacks currently being put up on Doncaster lampposts? This is not being done by the Council but by so called patriots. I and many others even in the 1970's and after that have been stopped by Council staff and police officials for trying to hang NHS banners/flags on lampposts for even only a couple of hours at Clock Corner when handing out NHS leaflets. All other similar type organisations have also previously been stopped.”

(b) Question from Mrs Georgina Mullis to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Being a volunteer at Warmsworth Library for many years I am concerned that there appears to have been no meaningful consultation as to its proposed closure/relocation. Having been given only a few days to reply to ‘cost’ questions it feels like an attempt to justify the action after the fact! A petition has been organised regarding concerns re said proposal and has been signed by over 1000 people. Warmsworth is a very active library. Have you considered what would happen to the defibrillator, access to ‘warm/cool space’, numerous social activities and safe space for children/adults currently provided by volunteers?”

(c) Question from Ms. Ann-louise Bayley to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“As one of many residents who know several women across South Yorkshire that have sought IVF treatment or attempted pregnancy over a lengthy period, I am mortified to hear of the SYICB's current proposal to reduce the number of cycles down from three to one attempt for individuals wanting to become pregnant for the first time. This issue, alongside other life milestones, can be one of the most stressful things on an individual’s mental health, and basing success on one attempt will lead to a lower success rate of that one cycle. Will Doncaster Council oppose the SYICB proposal?”

(d) Question from Mr Christopher Nowak to Councillor James Church, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Public Health:-

“Mayor Jones told this Council that five traders were in final discussions for the remaining retail units in the Corn Exchange and were expected to move in during the summer. To date, none are trading, and only one has a ‘coming soon’ sign. On what information was the Mayor’s statement based, and from whom? Was it Market Asset Management, and if so, how is the Council holding them to account?”

“Council notes:

1. That Doncaster Sheffield Airport is a critical strategic asset for Doncaster and the wider South Yorkshire region, with the potential to deliver thousands of jobs, significant inward investment, and international connectivity.

2. That the Labour Mayor was re-elected on 1 May 2025 on the repeated and central pledge that Doncaster Sheffield Airport would reopen by 2026 and that 5,000 jobs would be created.

3. That subsequent public statements now indicate that Doncaster Sheffield Airport will not reopen by 2026, with revised timescales suggesting 2028 at the earliest.

4. That this represents a fundamental departure from the assurances given to the electorate and may well have caused severe economic and reputational damage to Doncaster.

5. That in the 2025 local elections Reform UK secured a decisive and historic victory across Doncaster Council, winning an overwhelming mandate from the public, while the Labour Mayor was re-elected on a significantly smaller share of the overall vote.

Council believes:

6. That the public are entitled to honest and accurate commitments from those seeking office.

7. That the Mayor’s repeated pledges on Doncaster Sheffield Airport have not been delivered and have misled the public as to the timescales and certainty of reopening.

8. That confidence in the Mayor’s leadership has been undermined not only in respect of Doncaster Sheffield Airport but also more broadly, given the centrality of this issue to her campaign.

9. That Reform UK councillors, elected with an overwhelming mandate in 2025, have a democratic responsibility to ensure that public trust is restored and that the people of Doncaster are not misled.

Council therefore resolves:

10. To formally record that the Council has no confidence in the Mayor of Doncaster.

11. To state, for the avoidance of doubt, that this resolution is an expression of Council’s political position. It does not remove the Mayor from office, alter the Mayor’s statutory powers, or contravene the Local Government Act 2000.

12. To instruct the Chief Executive to communicate this resolution to:

(a) the Mayor of Doncaster;

(b) the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority; and

(c) the Secretary of State for Transport.”

“Council Notes:

1. An increased use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, is critical in meeting the UK’s net-zero commitments and tackling climate change.

2. Agricultural land is a finite and invaluable resource for food security, biodiversity, and the rural economy. Open, unspoilt countryside is important for conservation, health and wellbeing and public amenity.

3. Rooftops and car parks represent underutilised spaces that are highly suitable for solar panel installations, without reducing the many benefits of greenfield land, in particular its potential for food production and agriculture.

4. Several successful initiatives, including solar canopies over car parks (as seen in parts of the UK and Europe), demonstrate that solar power can be integrated into urban and suburban spaces effectively, generating significant energy and providing dual use, without the societal costs of losing large areas of greenfield land.

Council Believes:

1. Preserving greenfield land and farmland is essential for ensuring local and national food security, especially in the face of global climate pressures and rising population demands.

2. Solar energy development must be balanced with the need to protect greenfield land for other purposes, including agriculture, and the need to maintain the harmony of our countryside.

3. Encouraging rooftop and car park solar installations will promote sustainable energy generation, while safeguarding land for farming and environmental conservation.

Council Resolves:

1. To adopt a political stance, consistent with planning law and the Local Plan, in favour of small, discrete, solar panel installations, supporting their installation on:

- Rooftops of commercial, residential, and public buildings.

- Car parks through the development of solar canopies.

2. To encourage the use of brownfield land for large-scale solar farms.

3. To actively encourage partnerships with private and public sector organisations to maximise the use of existing infrastructure for renewable energy projects.

4. To call upon and lobby regional and national government to develop policies that align with these priorities and provide financial incentives for rooftop and car park solar projects as and when funding becomes available.”

“This Council notes that:

· The South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (SYICB) are currently consulting on the number of IVF cycles that they offer across South Yorkshire, with the indication to reduce the number of IVF cycles available to residents across South Yorkshire to just one cycle in an effort to save money.

· The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends women under 40 years be offered up to three cycles, and one cycle for women aged between 40 and 42 years.

· The average age of first-time IVF patients increased to just over 35 years old and donor insemination patients’ average age was 33.6 in 2022 (ONS)

· The average age of women in England and Wales at childbirth (standardised mean age of a mother) was 30.9 years in 2023, and the average family size has decreased yearly since the 1980s (ONS).

This Council believes that:

A reduction in IVF cycles in South Yorkshire will create a postcode lottery on health and family rights, putting Doncaster and South Yorkshire at a disadvantage to other areas of the country. The potential negative impact one failed cycle will have on the mental health on the individual, partner and wider family, which may cost more on health services than offering an additional cycle. Individuals, couples and families will be unable to afford private treatment and may seek riskier options to safe IVF treatment, e.g. going abroad to clinics, risking unsafe sex with unknown partners, or ordering semen from unknown donors.

This Council resolves to:

Instruct the Director of Public Health and relevant cabinet member to write to SYICB to oppose the proposal that has been put forward and request for the number of IVF cycles to be aligned with the NICE recommendations. Encourage and support local groups and networks that provide advice and support for couples, families and single persons going through or considering IVF treatments.”

(i) Questions on Notice to the Executive and the Chairs of Committees:-

(a) Question from Councillor Nick Allen to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“There has been an increase in anti-social behaviour at Lakeside, particularly regarding speeding cars and the noise nuisance they make in and around Gilwice Way and in the Vue car park: would you be willing to revisit the issue of having a separate Public Space Protection Order specifically for the Lakeside area? I called for this in relation to gas canisters, nitrous oxide, several years ago but I was rebuffed.”

(b) Question from Councillor Symeon Waller to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“You will be aware of the issues at Hatfield Town Council and the fear that the Council will end up bankrupt. Can you provide assurances to concerned residents that if the Town Council were to end up being taken under the control of CDC, that the burial contracts they have agreed with the Town Council will be honoured by CDC and that the burial fees will not rise? This is of great concern to a number of elderly residents who have contacted me.”

(c) Question from Councillor Jane Cox to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Can you provide residents with some assurance that, ahead of any decision to reopen the airport, that there will be a full and detailed health impact assessment, and will the findings be published?”

(d) Question from Councillor Rachel Reed to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Residents are concerned about the cumulative impact of large HMOs on community cohesion, parking, local services, and housing mix. Given that smaller HMOs currently fall under permitted development rights and while respecting the requirements of the Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework, will the Council consider strengthening planning controls to address the rising number of HMOs across Doncaster, particularly in wards experiencing high concentrations including exploring the possibility of Article 4 Directions and updating relevant planning documents to better manage HMO growth and maintain a balanced, sustainable housing market that protects the integrity of local neighbourhoods?”

(e) Question from Councillor Ioan-Emanuel Craciun to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Residents in communities impacted by developments often feel disconnected from decisions about how Section 106 monies are allocated. This is because Section 106 agreements are negotiated privately between developers and planning officers. The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) provides a more inclusive model involving input from Ward Councillors and where appropriate Parish and Town Councils. This would give Doncaster’s communities a meaningful say in identifying their own infrastructure needs and improve transparency and trust which contribute to good governance. Would Council consider introducing CIL to ensure residents impacted by developments have a voice when allocating funds from new developments?”

(f) Question from Councillor Joan Briggs to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Many Borough residents feel the current emphasis on imposing 20 mph speed limits in Doncaster’s residential areas does not reflect their priorities, whereas safer crossing points—particularly near schools, shops, and busy junctions—are frequently requested and would deliver more tangible safety benefits. Could the Council consider reviewing the budget allocation to better align with community feedback and ensure that road safety measures are both effective and publicly supported by considering the possibility of re-allocating some of its funding towards increasing the number of pedestrian crossings, which residents consistently identify as a pressing need?”

(g) Question from Councillor Glyn Whiting to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Given the Council’s target of achieving net zero emissions by 2040, can you provide the total estimated cost of delivering this goal, especially in relation to retrofitting the Council’s housing stock?”

(h) Question from Councillor Steven Barnett to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Given the vital role Warmsworth Library plays in providing access to books, digital resources, community space, and educational support — particularly for residents who may have limited alternatives — can the Council explain the evidence and consultation process that led to the decision to close it, and how this aligns with its stated commitments to community wellbeing, social inclusion, and lifelong learning?”

(i) Question from Councillor Gerald Squire to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“While I understand that the costs of housing asylum seekers in hotels and private accommodation are met by the Government, can the Council confirm how many individual asylum seekers are currently accommodated in hotels and in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) within the Doncaster area?”

(j) Question from Councillor Guy Aston to the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee, Councillor Rachel Reed:-

“What steps are being taken by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee to strengthen the Overview and Scrutiny processes in Doncaster to improve good governance, promote transparency, hold the Mayor, Cabinet and other decision makers to account publicly and enable Members to effectively contribute to policy development and decision making?”

(k) Question from Councillor Jason Charity to the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee, Councillor Rachel Reed:-

“In view of its strategic importance to Doncaster’s economy, connectivity, and employment prospects, what steps are being taken by Overview and Scrutiny to ensure there is effective transparency and oversight of decision making to ensure Doncaster Sheffield Airport is re-opened as a fully operational, commercial and economically viable airport, and there is effective consideration of the governance, public funding arrangements, and wider regional impacts?”

(ii) Questions without Notice to the Executive and the Chairs of Committees.

(Please click on links where provided to view minutes)

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board held on 24 June 2025:

South Yorkshire MCA Board - 24 June 2025

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority held on 16 June 2025:

SYFRA - 16 June 2025

South Yorkshire Pensions Authority held on 5 June 2025:

SYPA - 5 June 2025

South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel held on 23 June 2025:

SYPCP - 23 June 2025