Doncaster Metripolitan Council Council Meeting

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 21st November, 2024 be approved as a true record and signed by the Chair.

The Chair of Council, Councillor Julie Grace, made the following announcement:-

“I would like to announce the fantastic achievements of the four Doncaster residents who have recently been honoured in the King’s New Years Honours List.

• Kathryn Kelly has been awarded an MBE for services to Education
• Eileen Lindley has been awarded an MBE for services to Foster Care
• Richard Haley was awarded a BEM for services to the Post Office and to the community in Doncaster
• Prishantee Navaratnam has been awarded the BEM for Public, Voluntary and Charitable Service 

I hope you will all join me in congratulating these individuals for all their hard work and in receiving recognition for their services and achievements.”

The Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, made the following announcement:-

“Re-opening our airport remains my number one priority.  I want to confirm to council and the people of Doncaster that we have an international airport operator, ready and waiting in the wings to work with us.

Yesterday the government Subsidy Advice Unit published their report on the proposed subsidy to FlyDoncaster.  FlyDoncaster is a wholly owned company of this council, which has been established to manage the airport and partner with our international airport operator. Its key initial role is to mobilise the re-opening of the airport for passenger flights in Spring 2026. Further details in relation to this will be included in the reports to go through the council decision making process in the weeks ahead.

The overall tone of the subsidy report is a positive one and acknowledges that this council has considered the options and why public funding is an appropriate mechanism to consider. There are a number of points raised for further consideration and these will be responded to as part of our ongoing planning.

This is set to be the largest single investment in Doncaster for more than a generation, hence the considerable level of due diligence and our rigorous and logical approach to accomplish this monumental challenge of saving and re-opening our airport.

This is a Team Doncaster and Team South Yorkshire effort, I would like to thank the residents and businesses of Doncaster for their patience, we are not over the line yet, but we are nearly there.

The Subsidy Advice Unit report yesterday, is another key milestone we have completed. The next stage is my budget proposal, and approval to draw-down gainshare funding from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, which are scheduled to go through the decision-making process over the coming weeks, culminating at Full Council on 27^th February that seeks budget approval.

To conclude, we have an international airport operator ready, this is the operator that made it through to the end of the procurement process, and although we did not gain private sector investment as originally planned, we have reached a deal which means this council will wholly own the company that will partner with our international operator.

Doncaster’s airport is the people’s airport, with a special place in the heart of many. I want to emphasise to our people;

This is an investment in you and your future and your family’s future.

It is an investment in our economy.

It is an investment in our businesses.

It is an investment in our jobs and skills.

This is an investment that will increase trade, export and growth for Doncaster and South Yorkshire through global connectivity putting Doncaster on the map, regionally, nationally and internationally. That is why re-opening our airport remains my number one priority.”

Councillor Mark Houlbrook, Cabinet Member for Sustainability and Waste, made the following announcement:-

In April 2021, Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones announced an ambitious target for Doncaster to plant one million trees across Doncaster over the next ten years - one of a number of initiatives to respond to the climate and biodiversity emergency. The ultimate aim is to increase tree coverage across the borough from 13% to 17% by planting more trees in urban areas, community spaces, town centres, gateway green areas and woodlands.

The Council is working with schools, private sector businesses, parish councils, partners, landowners and voluntary organisations, along with the people of Doncaster to increase the number of trees planted and maintained across the borough.

In delivering the programme, the Sustainability Unit has employed a Trees & Woodland Development Officer, and a Trees and Woodland Engagement Officer has been funded from The Forestry Commission’s Woodland Creation Accelerator Fund. The Sustainability Unit has been able to draw in a wide range of external funding including Woodland Trust Grow Back Greener, Local Authority Treescapes, Tree Council, Coronation Living Heritage Fund, SYMCA, Trees for Cities and Urban Tree Challenge.

The Woodland Trust’s Local Authority Emergency Tree Fund has financed a Countryside & Woodland Ranger and two Young Tree Maintenance Officers in Street Scene.

The Council land assets have been assessed for all tree planting opportunities amongst other competing priorities. Extensive programmes have been undertaken with schools, and there has been ongoing outreach to communities and private landowners.

The Council helped establish, and has worked closely with, the South Yorkshire Woodland Partnership.  Other partners have included the Woodland Trust, Forestry Commission, SYMCA, Tree Council, Ward councillors, Brownies, Kids Plant Trees, SMILE, Town & Parish Councils, and businesses including Synetiq and Amazon.

In 2024 we were awarded a Tree City of the World status as part of a United Nations programme, in recognition of our tree planting achievements. We are also one of the leading areas for the planting of Tiny Forests, having planted 20 of the intensive planting schemes in Doncaster school grounds, with another 10 planned for this season.

Planting the right tree, in the right place, at the right time, is indeed a challenge, requiring project management for site identification and assessment, procurement of supplies, community consultation, co-ordination of planting events, monitoring and reporting back to funding bodies, and much more. Trees need planting with care and need maintenance to ensure that the maximum number will survive and become established – not all trees planted will thrive. Not all sites are suitable for tree planting, and the season for planting is limited to November to March over winter.

So where are we now?  Since setting the 1 Million Trees target, a total of 333,686 trees have been planted and 247,030 seeds have been planted.  We are making fantastic progress but there is a long way to go to reach 1 Million Trees.

We’re improving open green space and creating the woodlands and treescape for current and future generations.  Working in partnership with the residents, businesses and landowners in Doncaster, we are determined to meet the challenge.”

(a)  Question from Mrs Christine Lunney to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Within the City of Doncaster Council's Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2024-2030 it states on page 15: "Adding Years to Life and Life to Years" and that it wants to 'improve the experience of aging', however, how can this realistically be achieved when many of Doncaster's older residents are now suffering a cold and potentially fatal winter by having their winter fuel allowance cut.  What will the Council commit to do in support of them and adhere to the "Adding Years to Life and Life to Years" pledge and increase their life expectancy?”

The Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, gave the following reply:-

“Thank you for your question Mrs Lunney.  Our Director of Public Health will be introducing her Annual Public Health Report for Doncaster later in this meeting, I would encourage you to listen to what she has to say about the Health and Wellbeing of all Doncaster residents.

Health and wellbeing is influenced by a complex web of factors extending far beyond the provision of health care services. The wider determinants of health – social, economic, and environmental conditions – profoundly shape the health outcomes of our communities.

Our Health and Wellbeing Strategy is not just about increasing life expectancy, it’s also about improving the quality of life.

City of Doncaster Council is a caring and kind council, providing support to our residents when they need it: Whether this be through the Household Support Fund, Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme, Discretionary Housing Payments or our Local Assistance Scheme.

In terms of the latest round of Household Support Funding, over 24,000 households across Doncaster have so far been supported, including £150 to pensioners in need who do not receive the winter fuel payment.

As a council we already work with local partners and charities, such as St Leger Homes, Age UK and Citizens Advice, to assist residents with navigating the benefits process and to ensure they are able to access any benefits or grants they are entitled to.

Thank you for your question.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13.10, Mrs Lunney asked the following supplementary question:-

“Given that you mentioned there is a complex web of factors influencing the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, what measures can the Council take to review and potentially amend the Strategy with regard to emerging outside influences such as the energy crisis?  How can you review and adapt the Strategy if it is affected by external social and economic influences?”

The Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, gave the following response:-

“Our Strategies always go through Team Doncaster so it is all different disciplines that contribute towards that but I note that our Director of Public Health is also wanting to expand on this further for you so I am happy to pass this over to her.”

The Director of Public Health gave the following response:-

“The Health and Wellbeing Strategy was published last year and went through a process with our Team Doncaster partners and consultation with the public to develop our 3 focus areas, which are Improving the Experience of Ageing, Narrowing the Health Gap for Children and Young People and Creating Healthy Places to Live, Grow and Play.  We have had input from the Local Government Association (LGA) around developing our Strategy and also on how we work as a Health and Wellbeing Board.

Regarding your specific question on how Strategies adapt, the Health and Wellbeing Strategy is one of a suite of Strategies that the Council has and for each of those 3 priority areas, we have defined what we can do as a Health and Wellbeing Board and wider partnership to deliver and improve services.  Of course, things will change all the time and we have rapidly adapted as a Public Health team to meet emerging situations such as the war in Ukraine, when we were able to quickly support people coming to the UK.

The Strategy is one thing that guides our work but we will continue to work within and across Team Doncaster.  Other areas of support we provide include a ‘Boiler on Prescription’ programme.

We will always respond using the data, intelligence and evidence at our disposal to best support the population of Doncaster within the resources available.  The Strategy will remain as it is currently, but the work that we do as a Health and Wellbeing Board will evolve through the period of the Strategy.”

(b) Question from Mr Tim Brown to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Mayor Jones, I have respectfully informed you over many years that your, “I do not see colour” comment is offensive and associated with the systemic racism that is clearly documented within the Professor Gus John report and the “systemic racism” acknowledgement made at Full Council meeting on 19th September 2024.

Can you explain why you find it so difficult to acknowledge that your comment and indifference to my racism concerns are offensive and at best a form of “benevolent racism” and what practical actions have you taken to help tackle systemic racism and racial inequalities during your time as Mayor?”

The Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, gave the following reply:-

“Thank you for your question Mr Brown.  Let me be perfectly clear, I find all racism abhorrent.  As Mayor of Doncaster I have and continue to champion all residents within Doncaster, celebrating our diverse cultural heritage and the incredible people that make Doncaster the great place it is.

Some of the actions of this Council to tackle racism include:

·           Anti-Racism seminars – with over 100 Leaders and managers of Doncaster Organisations in attendance covering a number of key areas

·           Reciprocal Mentoring Programme

·           Inclusion & fairness Forum and Ethnic Culture Fusion

·           The Doncaster Fairness and Well-being commission

·           A comprehensive review of EDI objectives in accordance with the wider Public Sector Equality Duty

·           Marking Black History month and Windrush

·           Supporting equalities in the workplace through staff networks

This Council will continue to do all we can to tackle racism.  I understand that you have been invited and encouraged to positively participate in and engage with a range of EDI activity groups, including for example Minorities Partnership and Inclusion & Fairness Forum, but as yet you have declined.”

(c)  Question from Mr Isaiah-John Reasbeck to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“For years now the streets and alleyways of villages such as my own in Hexthorpe have been disgraced by litterers and fly tippers to the point where it is at times impossible to get down many of the alleyways. Given that the current strategies of the Council to counteract these criminals are self-evidently failing, are there any new ideas or strategies to defeat this blight that affects thousands of local people?”

The Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, gave the following reply:-

“Thank you for your question Mr Reasbeck.  There are some alleyways in Hexthorpe that remain a challenge, however we are making progress, with council officers working tirelessly, speaking to residents, being visible in the area, cleansing it, gathering quality evidence, dealing with landlords, educating, supporting, and enforcing.

Let me be clear, any littering or fly-tipping is environmental vandalism. This new government have pledged to bring forward new legislation which would make Fly-tippers clean up the mess they have created.

Just last week our officers were out in Hexthorpe on a street which has been a repeat offender, what they found on arrival was a waste free, bin free alley and this was the day before refuse collection. This is as a result of considerable work of council officers, who do an incredible job.

Yes there is still work to do and that is why Hexthorpe is one of our regenerative neighbourhoods, with those focussed resources to educate, support and enforce.

I would like to pay tribute to those residents and volunteers who contribute their time, energy and dedication in order to help in places like Hexthorpe such as Friends of Hexthorpe Flatts Park and those groups who carry out similar great work including community litter picks across the city of Doncaster.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13.10, Mr Reasbeck asked the following supplementary question:-

“I agree that there is much more to be done.  In fact, the crime rate in Hexthorpe and Balby North is higher than most places in Doncaster and is 3 times the national average, being 269.68 crimes per 1000 people, mainly consisting of shop lifting, anti-social behaviour, violence and sexual offences.  We have all seen the social media posts of you outside here on Police Action Days.  Is there any chance we could see more Action Days or indeed more of a police presence in Doncaster or in fact Hexthorpe and Balby North?”

The Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, gave the following response:-

“We will continue to work in partnership with the police in order to make our Place better.  Thank you.”

The Director of Public Health, Rachael Leslie, presented her first Director of Public Health Annual Report for Doncaster which provided an overview to Members of the health and well being of local communities and residents across Doncaster.

The Director of Public Health emphasised the importance of the wider determinants of health as the building blocks for good health and well being and highlighted how structural inequalities  contributed to poorer health and the launch of Doncaster’s Health Determinants Research Collaboration Centre (HDRC) continued to work to establish an infrastructure to improve Health Inequalities in Doncaster, alongside the work arising out of the new Health and Well Being Strategy that aimed to target communities and create healthier places to live and work.

Council noted that the new Health and Well Being Strategy included 3 areas of focus, these being to improve the experience of ageing, close the gap between women’s and child health and well-being, and creating healthy places to live, grow and play with the latter being a particular area of focus alongside the HDRC in order to make a lasting positive impact by addressing health inequalities and the impact of deprivation.

The Director of Public Health finished by outlining to Members the three recommendations coming out of the Annual report with these being closely linked to the Thrive approach Doncaster Council was following, with recommendations for the 2025 year outlined below: -

1)    Recognise and prioritise the value that research could bring across Council functions.

2)    Enable and protect the time of staff and teams to be research curious and research active.

3)    Creating places to live, grow and play.

Following the introduction of the report by the Director of Public Health, the Chair of the Health and Well Being Board, Councillor Nigel Ball, was invited to propose the report to Council for approval. In commending the report to Council, Councillor Ball reiterated how important the role research played in improving health outcomes, particularly in areas where more health inequalities were found and encouraged the emphasis on this moving forward. Councillor Ball conveyed his thanks to the Public Health team and partners for their ongoing commitment to improve the health outcomes of the residents of Doncaster.

Following the presentation of the report, Members in the Chamber were afforded the opportunity to comment on the report or ask any questions of Rachael Leslie. 

RESOLVED that the Director of Public Health Annual Report for 2024 be noted and published.

The Council considered a report, presented by the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee (OSMC), Councillor Jane Kidd, which provided a summary of the key work undertaken by the OSMC and its four Standing Panels, during the period of May to December 2024, and also any future issues to be considered.

Councillor Kidd began by thanking Members, the Executive, officers, partners, stakeholders and the public who had taken the time to attend meetings and engage with the Overview and Scrutiny process. 

It was reported that there continued to be a real effort to focus on performance monitoring and review work through Overview and Scrutiny to ensure that the Council added value to services and how effectively communities and residents were being supported.

The report highlighted the engagement with key partners, stakeholders and the public including those with lived experiences such as volunteers, food bank representatives and people who use the family hubs.  This had helped Scrutiny Members better understand service delivery from the user’s perspective.

It was noted that outside of the formal meetings, the Chairs and Vice Chairs met regularly with the Mayor and Cabinet Members to keep up to date with developments in portfolio areas and effectively plan and manage work plans.

Overview and Scrutiny Members had also received some training support and guidance from the Local Government Association to assist them with questioning skills and adding value to the Overview and Scrutiny process. This support would continue into the new year.

Looking forward to 2025, Councillor Kidd confirmed that some of the key issues that Overview and Scrutiny would be focusing on included:

•           The Budget Proposals and Corporate Plan;

•           Regular Finance & Performance updates

•           Review of the Crime and Disorder Partnerships performance and priorities; and

•           Public Health Protection Annual Report

•           Progress of the Team Doncaster Dementia Strategy 2023-25

•           South Yorkshire Airport City

•           Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy

•           Domestic Abuse

RESOLVED that the Overview and Scrutiny Update for May to December 2024 be noted.

The Council considered a report which presented a provisional diary of meetings for the 2025/26 – 2026/27 Municipal Years for Members’ consideration and comment, prior to formal adoption at the Annual Meeting of Council in May 2025.

RESOLVED to endorse the provisional diary of meetings for 2025/26 – 2026/27 as set out in Appendix A to the report, and note that the final version will be presented to the Annual Meeting of Council in May 2025 for approval.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.1, a Motion was submitted by Councillor Jane Cox and Seconded by Councillor Nick Allen:-

“A letter was sent to Councils in Jan 2024 when the then Local Government Minister, asked as best practice, that all Councillors involved with committees involving children or vulnerable adults were subject to an enhanced DBS. The letter stated:

‘Government strongly supports the recommendation and I urge an enhanced DBS check to be adopted as best practice for all councillors being considered for appointment to any committee which discharges education or social services functions. Such roles are eligible for enhanced DBS checks, and it is within the power of relevant authorities to implement this best practice. My clear view is that there is reputational benefit in Councils being both consistent and robust on adopting this best practice recommendation given the high profile of cases, rightly so, when things go wrong.’

It is recommended that this Council acknowledges that the public should have the confidence that any elected representative would have gone through a DBS process if they sit on certain committees and hold certain positions within the council and from May 2025 election onwards, City of Doncaster Council implement the recommendations in Simon Bailey's independent review of the DBS regime and undertake enhanced DBS checks for all Councillors being considered for appointment to any committee which discharges education or social services functions.”

Following the Chair affording Members in the Chamber the opportunity to speak on the Motion, an amendment to the Motion was MOVED by Councillor Lani-Mae Ball and SECONDED by Councillor Leanne Hempshall, to the following effect:-

“This Council notes the Independent Review of the Disclosure and Barring Regime by Simon Bailey CBE which was published in April 2023.

The purpose of the review, commissioned by the Home Office, was to provide assurance to Ministers about the effectiveness of the disclosure and barring regime in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. Part of the review considered the regime with regard to eligibility of local councillors for criminal record checks provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS checks).

A letter was then sent to Councils in January 2024 by the then Local Government Minister, where he states:

"I recommend that an enhanced criminal record check is made mandatory for all councillors in Unitary and Upper Tier Authorities who are being considered for appointment to any committee involved in decisions on the provisions of children’s services or services for vulnerable adults. I accept that this would require legislation and therefore some inevitable delay, so I further recommend that these authorities are encouraged to adopt this procedure as best practice pending legislation”.

Sadly, the previous government failed to implement any of the recommendations or bring forward legislation as suggested within the Independent Review of the Disclosure and Barring Regime by Simon Bailey.

The January 2024 letter stated: ‘Government strongly supports the recommendation and I urge an enhanced DBS check to be adopted as best practice for all councillors being considered for appointment to any committee which discharges education or social services functions. Such roles are eligible for enhanced DBS checks, and it is within the power of relevant authorities to implement this best practice. My clear view is that there is reputational benefit in Councils being both consistent and robust on adopting this best practice recommendation given the high profile of cases, rightly so, when things go wrong.’

City of Doncaster Council (CDC) is governed by a Directly Elected Mayor and a cabinet, and as such NOT a ‘committee system’.

CDC already follows best practice by carrying out enhanced DBS checks for relevant cabinet members with responsibility for children’s services or services for vulnerable adults, and basic DBS checks for all councillors who sit on the Corporate Parenting Board.

It is important to note that CDC is not ‘The Employer’ of Elected Members, therefore the request for DBS checks cannot be mandatory under current government legislation.

This Council agrees for the Head of Paid Service to investigate the legislative situation in relation to all CDC councillors undertaking a DBS check, for a report and subsequent policy to be brought to Annual Council on 23^rd May 2025.”

As a result of the substantial changes proposed to the Motion, it was proposed, seconded and subsequently agreed, that a short adjournment be held in order to allow for the Mover and Seconder of the original Motion to consider the changes.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 18.11(f), the meeting stood adjourned at 2.55 p.m. and reconvened at 3.05 p.m.

After Councillor Jane Cox had exercised her right of reply, a vote was taken on the amendment to the Motion proposed by Councillor Lani-Mae Ball, which was declared as follows:-

For – 44

Against – 0

Abstain – 0

On being put to the meeting, the amendment to the Motion was declared CARRIED.

Following the Chair affording Members of Council the opportunity to speak further on the Substantive Motion, a vote was taken on the Substantive Motion which was declared as follows:-

For – 44

Against – 0

Abstain – 0

On being put to the Meeting, the Substantive Motion was declared CARRIED.

            RESOLVED that:-

“This Council notes the Independent Review of the Disclosure and Barring Regime by Simon Bailey CBE which was published in April 2023.

The purpose of the review, commissioned by the Home Office, was to provide assurance to Ministers about the effectiveness of the disclosure and barring regime in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. Part of the review considered the regime with regard to eligibility of local councillors for criminal record checks provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS checks).

A letter was then sent to Councils in January 2024 by the then Local Government Minister, where he states:

"I recommend that an enhanced criminal record check is made mandatory for all councillors in Unitary and Upper Tier Authorities who are being considered for appointment to any committee involved in decisions on the provisions of children’s services or services for vulnerable adults. I accept that this would require legislation and therefore some inevitable delay, so I further recommend that these authorities are encouraged to adopt this procedure as best practice pending legislation”.

Sadly, the previous government failed to implement any of the recommendations or bring forward legislation as suggested within the Independent Review of the Disclosure and Barring Regime by Simon Bailey.

The January 2024 letter stated: ‘Government strongly supports the recommendation and I urge an enhanced DBS check to be adopted as best practice for all councillors being considered for appointment to any committee which discharges education or social services functions. Such roles are eligible for enhanced DBS checks, and it is within the power of relevant authorities to implement this best practice. My clear view is that there is reputational benefit in Councils being both consistent and robust on adopting this best practice recommendation given the high profile of cases, rightly so, when things go wrong.’

City of Doncaster Council (CDC) is governed by a Directly Elected Mayor and a cabinet, and as such NOT a ‘committee system’.

CDC already follows best practice by carrying out enhanced DBS checks for relevant cabinet members with responsibility for children’s services or services for vulnerable adults, and basic DBS checks for all councillors who sit on the Corporate Parenting Board.

It is important to note that CDC is not ‘The Employer’ of Elected Members, therefore the request for DBS checks cannot be mandatory under current government legislation.

This Council agrees for the Head of Paid Service to investigate the legislative situation in relation to all CDC councillors undertaking a DBS check, for a report and subsequent policy to be brought to Annual Council on 23^rd May 2025.”

Questions on Notice

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.3, the Chair accepted the following question from Councillor Nick Allen to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones: -

Q  “Will Peel still be permitted to develop over a thousand homes on land adjacent to Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) despite their failure to maintain operations of the Airport. Should these development consents have been granted by City of Doncaster Council without assurances of a commitment to operate DSA into the long term?”

The Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, gave the following response:-

A.   “Thank you for your question Councillor Allen, your question refers to matters which are the responsibility of the Planning Committee and as such I cannot get involved in.

However, what I can say is that each planning application must be decided on its own merits and based on the information provided and in conjunction with the Local Plan. The Planning Committee will consider any such applications through the usual process.

For any further information I would suggest that you put it in writing to Councillor Phil Cole whose portfolio includes Planning.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.3, the Chair accepted the following question from Councillor Jane Cox:-

Q. “In order for mass market flights and holidays to operate from DSA in Summer 2026 as the Mayor has promised those holidays would be put on sale in May, just 14 weeks from today and 15 weeks prior to local government elections. Does the Mayor believe mass market holiday flights will be on sale for the public to see and book before the local elections?”

The Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, gave the following response:-

A.  “Thank you for your question Councillor Cox, what I have said is that we plan to see passenger flights return in Spring 2026.

Once we have agreed the financial, contractual and mobilisations arrangements, it will be up to the airlines and travel agents to market their flights and holidays.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.7, Councillor Jane Cox asked the following supplementary question:-

Q. “When will this be determined? If flights are not advertised before April 2025, all the flight slots will be lost”

The Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, gave the following response:-

A.   “It is up to airlines and travel agents to market flights and holidays it is not up to us.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.3, the Chair accepted the following question from Councillor Steve Cox:-

Q.  “Can the Mayor clarify that there will be no interest or administrative costs to be paid to South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) for the advance use of Doncaster's gain share money that she will be using to reopen Doncaster airport? If there is interest, at what percentage rate, and if there is an administrative cost, how much is the fee??”

The Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, gave the following response:-

A.   “Thank you for your question Councillor Cox I can confirm that there will be no interest or administrative costs to be paid to South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority for the advance use of our gain share.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.7, Councillor Steve Cox asked the following supplementary question:-

Q.   “Sorry, but on reading the report it mentions payment of a 2% interest rate. Who will this be paid to?”

The Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, gave the following response:-

A.  “We will not be paying any money to the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. Any future reports will be circulated to Council in due course. I have answered your questions so if there is anything further you wish to discuss, please do so outside of the meeting.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.3, the Chair of Council accepted the following question from Councillor Laura Bluff:-

Q.  “As the people of Doncaster will forfeit their devolved fund settlement in excess of £100million in order for City of Doncaster Council to finance DSA will the Mayor confirm if the new Airport Operator will be committed for the long term and what level of private sector investment our £100million will be matched with by the private sector Airport Operator and or Investor? “”

The Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, gave the following response:-

A.     “I can confirm that the airport operator will be committed for the long-term. In relation to the other elements of your question, details will be included within the report that is due to go through this council’s decision-making process in due course.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.7, Councillor Laura Bluff asked the following supplementary question:-

Q. “Can we have a timeline on ‘in due course’ as it would be helpful to know when that report is going to be available for scrutiny. At the moment it feels like it is all veiled in secrecy.”

The Mayor of Jones gave the following response:-

A.   “The final report will be coming to Full Council and Scrutiny meetings, the dates for which will be made available so that Members can be involved.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.3, the Chair of Council accepted the following question from Councillor Glenn Bluff:-

Q.  “Given the amount of money being spent by SYMCA on the Sheffield Trams can we have reassurances that the promised and urgently needed bypass for Hickleton and Marr will be funded by SYMCA to ensure Doncaster gets its fair share of the regional transport funding that was announced by the previous Prime Minister?”

The Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, gave the following response:-

A.     “Thank you for your question Councillor Bluff, you are referring to the Network North announcement made by the former Prime Minister, which would not be regional funding or managed by SYMCA, they would actually be a Major Road Network scheme and as such funded nationally.

As per the announcement by Rishi Sunak in 2023, Network North pledged to launch a new £1 billion roads fund to fund new schemes such as the A1-A19 Hickleton bypass. Upon further discussions with officials following this announcement, it became apparent that the previous government did not realise that the A1 – A19 link and the Hickleton bypass were actually two separate schemes, nor did they realise that the estimated cost of delivering both schemes would be in excess of £260m.

What has become apparent since this new Labour Government took office is that the previous conservative government made numerous announcements with no idea on how they would deliver them or if the funding was actually available. We are making representations and hoping that both the Hickleton bypass and the A1-A19 link will form part of round two of the Major Road Network funding programme, which was put on hold in May last year by the previous government.

This new government is now undertaking a spending review due to conclude by the summer and around the same time we expect to see published a 10-year national infrastructure strategy including round two of the Major Road Network funding. I will continue to lobby for both the A1 – A19 link and a bypass for Hickleton.

If you have any supplementary questions, please put them in writing to Councillor Joe Blackham whose portfolio includes Highways. Thank you.”

Questions without Notice

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.2, the Chair accepted the following questions from Elected Members during “Question Time”:-

From Councillor Noon to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

Q. “One of the 5 national missions outlined in the Labour Party’s manifesto was the delivery of reliable, affordable and accessible transport, which is vital in helping people to access opportunities for work and education.  Where does Askern Train Station fit in the Mayor’s plans for South Yorkshire transport, when all the money is going towards the trams and the airport?  The Government has decided that local transport is governed in our case by SYMCA.  With the restoring our railways fund scrapped by this Labour Government, the business case study has proven that Askern Train Station is a quick win scheme with very little capital expenditure.  Will the Mayor make this a priority for Doncaster North and the Norton and Askern Ward, as we currently do not have access to reliable, affordable nor accessible transport?”

Mayor Ros Jones gave the following response:-

A. “I will continue to push for Askern Rail Station to be re-opened. Regarding the use of Doncaster’s Gainshare for the reopening of the Airport, I honestly believe this will be the jewel in the crown in the medium to long term and be the best economic stimulus that Doncaster, South Yorkshire and the wider region can have.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.7, Councillor Noon asked the following supplementary question:-

Q. “For 25-30 years there has been mass investment in the South of the Borough, and it feels like the North has been forgotten.  I hope that tying us into this massive airport contract does not lead to the North being forgotten for even longer?”

The Mayor of Doncaster gave the following response: -

A.   “There has been a lot of investment in Doncaster North – the Leisure Centres at Adwick and Askern are prime examples of this, when other local authorities have passed over their leisure centres.  We have also invested funding in the capital programme for Askern Lake. But I am Mayor for the whole of Doncaster not just for Askern and we will seek to do our best for every area we can.”

From Councillor Bluff to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

Q. “With reference again to Hickleton By-Pass, I have repeatedly asked for reassurances with regard to the overall scheme for the bypass and been told on several occasions that the A1/A19 link part of the bypass helps give the overall case and economic feasibility for the whole bypass to be built.  However it is now being referred to as two schemes.  At no point in the past 4 years has it ever been referred to as two schemes, so when did this happen?”

The Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, gave the following response:-

A.   “It has always been regarded as two schemes, but we have worked together to make it one in order to ensure that we can make the best case for funding, but it is not through SYMCA – it will be through a national scheme because of the amount of money it will cost. I support this as much as you do.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.7, Councillor Bluff asked the following supplementary question:-

Q. “If National Government doesn’t give funding for this, to safeguard the air quality for the residents of Hickleton, will you lobby Mayor Coppard at SYMCA to use his devolved powers to provide the funding?”

The Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, gave the following response:-

A.     “I will lobby every appropriate way I can to secure funding for all schemes in Doncaster.”

From Councillor Jane Cox to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

Q. “You have previously informed Members that the Airport is viable and will break even in five years.  It has been reported that the Airport may need 50 years to repay the loan we are giving to the Airport operator and that repayments will not begin until Year 11 at best.  What safeguards are there for Doncaster taxpayers for a business case that does not meet the Treasury Financial Business Case requirements?”

The Mayor of Doncaster gave the following response:-

A.   “I do not believe the Business Case stated that the Airport would break even in five years.  The safeguards include break clauses in the lease which we will ensure are adhered to.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.7, Councillor Cox asked the following supplementary question:-

Q. “So the reports we have looked at previously have been inaccurate then?”

The Mayor of Doncaster gave the following response:-

A.  “The reports are put forward at that point in time.  The Business Case going forward for Doncaster Sheffield Airport is that it will bring in excess of 5000 jobs to the area, it will bring enormous growth in the GVA and it will drive the economy forward.  It will be the biggest investment spent in Doncaster over a decade or more. 

Question from Councillor Steve Cox to Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster:-

Q. “I have asked this many times before – what happened to the £20 million for the airport?”

The Mayor of Doncaster gave the following response:-

A.     “I have answered this many times so I would advise you therefore to look back and see the response.  When I was Chair of one of the committees, we approved it.  It then went before the SYMCA for them to seek assurances and they moved it forward.  But the £20 million was still there and could have been taken up by Peel when the offer was made to fund keeping the Airport open.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.7, Councillor Cox asked the following supplementary question:-

Q. “Is it right that given that the £20 million was not taken up by Peel, was there an assumption that the money was going to be used to finish the terminal?  The terminal would have then brought the footfall in, which in turn, would have kept the Airport open and kept the airlines there.  In not gaining that loan at that time, for whatever reason, do you believe that played any contribution in the Airport closing in the first place?”

The Mayor of Doncaster gave the following response:-

A.     “I cannot judge the decisions that Peel make.  They are a private company and they will make their own decisions.”

B.  Questions to the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Glyn Jones, Cabinet Member for Housing and Business.

There were no questions to Councillor Glyn Jones, Cabinet Member for Housing and Business.

C. Questions to Councillor Lani Mae Ball, Cabinet Member for Early Help, Young People and Childrens Care

There were no questions put to Councillor Lani Mae Ball, Cabinet Member for Early Help, Young People and Children’s Social Care.

D. Questions to Nigel Ball, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities, Leisure and Culture

There were no questions to Councillor Nigel Ball, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure and Culture.

E.   Questions to Councillor Joe Blackham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Enforcement

In the absence of Councillor Joe Blackham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Enforcement, Members were invited to put any questions in writing to the Executive Office.

F.   Questions to Councillor Phil Cole, Cabinet Member for Finance, Traded Services and Planning

From Councillor Thomas Noon to Councillor Phil Cole:-

Q. “Who is going to pay the master lease to Peel?  Where is that money going to come from?”

Councillor Cole gave the following response:-

A. “I do not believe this is a question for me.  It is about the arrangements this Council is putting in place for the reopening of the Airport, which the Mayor has already answered several questions on at today’s meeting, so it should be directed to the Mayor.”  Mayor Ros Jones then gave the following response:-

A.    “Future reports will be coming to Overview and Scrutiny and Full Council in due course, which will identify all that you are asking.”

From Councillor Glenn Bluff to Councillor Phil Cole:-

Q. “Some time back, we had a discussion about a development in Harlington concerning the Section 106 (S106) monies and myself and Councillor Cynthia Ransome as the local Ward Councillors were not included in the conversations over the use of the S106 monies, which we felt was unfair.  I understand in 2015 this point was picked up in a Scrutiny report about Ward Councillors being involved in the decisions about what happens with S106 money.  Can you confirm that Ward Councillors should be involved in decisions regarding what happens with S106 monies?”

Councillor Cole gave the following response:-

A.  “Forgive me for not commenting directly on the case you have cited – I will look at that for you – but we have had a review of how S106 monies are distributed and for the particular purposes they are set aside at the time the planning application is approved, and in my experience, and I have only been in this portfolio for a short time, we always include the Ward Councillors in the dialogue over the use of that money and we have that discussion with the relevant officers.  It has always been my intention that we seek consensus over that.  Also, it has always been the Council’s general policy that where funds are set aside to mitigate the effects of a planning application, the first beneficiaries of that should be the people whose lives are most affected by that planning application.  Where sometimes it is not possible in the immediate environment to satisfy a particular objective of S106 funding, then sometimes that money is used more widely for related purposes.  But I will look into that instance and get back to you if you provide me with more details via email.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.7, Councillor Bluff asked the following supplementary question:-

Q. “In Barnburgh and Harlington at the moment, we have a wonderful footpath which was upgraded a couple of years ago, going out to Mexborough.  I highly recommend that anyone goes and walks it, but unfortunately there was a fire set on the bridge there.  Could you look into seeing whether it would be possible to use the S106 monies from the development next door to the site to help fund the reinstatement of the bridge to Mexborough because the local residents would like it back?”

Councillor Cole gave the following response:-

A.  “Apologies, I am a little vague on the details you have described but I promise I will look into it and get back to you.”

From Councillor Steve Cox to Councillor Phil Cole:-

Q. “You just mentioned that there has been a review on S106 monies.  When was that?  Councillor Bluff is right that in 2015 in a Scrutiny meeting Chaired by Councillor John Mounsey, the recommendation was that all elected members are involved in S106 decisions.  S106 is a wider thing obviously and contributes to many different parcels within that development.  When was the decision made to take away the bus contribution to Warren Park Estate in our Ward, because it has gone?  There is no financial contribution for a bus provider to go into that estate anymore and you will know that every single S106 has a bus contribution, same as they have an education contribution, which again was lost due to the S106 money running out.  So, when was the review and what has happened to the residents’ bus service contribution?”

Councillor Cole gave the following response: -

A.   “Just to be clear, neither the Mayor nor the Executive play any part in the decision making in relation to planning applications.  But S106 balances finish up sitting with the Authority and, historically, every local authority ends up with certain balances which may or may not have been fully spent after a number of years and the review we have undertaken is to make sure we efficiently and fairly distribute the balances of those funds.  And wherever that relates to a specific local development, it would be my intention to make sure that we involve the local councillors in that process.  Some of these are very old – the Warren Park development was a number of years ago and I believe there was, for example, an agreement at that time, that upon full completion of all the roads on that estate, a new bus route would be put around that estate and provision for it, but unfortunately the road was never 100% completed for some reason and therefore the developer was not under any obligation to provide the bus service.  If I am wrong on any of this detail, I will issue a correction to you.  I am happy to look into this, but I do believe you have fully investigated it and I have been party to that correspondence with officers over Warren Park and exactly what agreements were made at the time and which of them could be legally enforced by the Council as late as the last few years.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.7, Councillor Cox asked the following supplementary question:-

Q. “Thanks for your reply.  Obviously, as you have stated, a review was taken to see how much money is left in that pot of money and it has cost the Authority a lot of money and other pots to build an extension on the nearby primary school.  Given there is funding left in that pot, why can’t it go back to Warren Park estate to provide the facilities they want and that were included in the original S106 agreement?  I am at a complete loss with this, given that all of us here will have a S106 contribution in our Wards and we took it to Councillor Mounsey when he was Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee, that we have not been privy to these discussions and information until we found out that things had gone wrong.”

Councillor Cole gave the following response:-

A.  “We apply the same approach to dealing with outstanding S106 monies from that development as we do for any other planning application in the Borough.  I will look into this for you and make sure that myself or a senior officer replies to you with all the detail that you need and after that, I would be happy to meet with you to discuss this matter further if you wish.”

G.  Questions to Councillor Sue Farmer, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Education and Skills

There were no questions to Councillor Sue Farmer, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Education and Skills.

H.   Questions to Councillor Mark Houlbrook, Cabinet Member for Sustainability and Waste.

       Question from Councillor Glen Bluff to Councillor Mark Houlbrook:-

Q. “Can I just pass on some praise to you for the tree planting initiative. Thank you for the 1000 trees that we have planted in our Ward.”

       Councillor Mark Houlbrook gave the following response:-

A.  “Thank you, this is in recognition of the Mayor’s Pledge and we are making great progress with the tree planting in Doncaster, so thank you for your comment.”

       Question from Councillor Richard Allan Jones to Councillor Mark Houlbrook:-

Q. “I would also like to say thank you for the opportunity to collect 50 saplings at Kirk Sandall for the allotment at Sprotbrough.”

       Councillor Mark Houlbrook gave the following response:-

A.   “Thanks very much.  This is testament again to the Mayor’s pledge to plant one million trees in ten years.”

I.    Questions to Councillor Jane Nightingale, Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources

There were no questions to Councillor Jane Nightingale, Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources.

J.    Questions to Councillor Sarah Smith, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care

There were no questions put to Councillor Sarah Smith, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care.

K.   Questions to Councillor Austen White, Chair of the Audit Committee

In the absence of Councillor Austen White, Members were requested to put any questions in writing to the Governance Services Team.

L.    Questions to Councillor Emma Muddiman-Rawlins, Chair of the Elections and Democratic Structures Committee.

There were no questions put to Councillor Emma Muddiman-Rawlins, Chair of the Elections and Democratic Structures Committee.

M.   Questions to Councillor Nigel Ball, Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board

There were no questions put to Councillor Nigel Ball, Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board.

N.   Questions to Councillor Jane Kidd, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee

There were no questions put to Councillor Jane Kidd, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the following Joint Authorities meetings be noted:-

A. South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board held on 12 November and 10 December 2024.

B. South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority held on 21 October and 25 November 2024.

C. South Yorkshire Pensions Authority held on 12 September 2024.

D. South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel held on 7 October 2024.

E. Team Doncaster Executive held on 17 September 2024.

Prior to the commencement of formal business, Elected Members, Officers and members of the public, observed a minute’s silence as a mark of respect and remembrance for the late former Councillors Roger Luffman and John Hoare and the former Civic Chaplain, Reverend Canon Christopher Smith who had all recently passed away.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Joe Blackham, Rachael Blake, Nigel Cannings, Yetunde Elebuibon, Debbie Hutchinson, Andy Pickering, Dave Shaw, Gary Stapleton and Austen White.