Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations made at the meeting.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 15th September, 2016, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The Chair of Council, Councillor David Nevett, made the following announcement:-

“I’d like to send my congratulations to the organisers of the ‘Poppies at the Castle’ event which saw images of poppies projected onto the walls of Conisbrough Castle.

With the help of a grant from a local community fund established by the Council and successful Crowdfunding appeal, local organisers raised the £2,000 necessary to stage this magnificent display. 

It really is a fantastic example of a local community working together to develop and deliver such a wonderful event.”

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

“Colleagues, today I am publishing the draft proposals for the 2017/18 Council Budget. Details will be available on the Council Website following this meeting. We may have recently had a change of Prime Minister, but I am afraid this has not changed the overall situation that we face. Government cuts to Council budgets are continuing, despite rising prices and increasing demand for services.

I can confirm that over the next four years, Doncaster Council will need to meet a further annual budget gap rising to £70m. We have already had to take around £200m out of annual revenue budget since Government austerity measures began. This makes the task in hand more challenging. However, by taking an innovative, prudent and robust approach, we have managed to minimise the impact of these cuts on local residents, whilst focusing on our goals:-

·         To deliver efficient and effective public services;

·         To support our most vulnerable residents; and

·         To create new jobs, economic growth and housing.

We will continue this approach for the benefit of Doncaster, with the extension of successful initiatives such as our Smartlight project. We will also use our Capital Budget to invest in vital important improvement works and support new infrastructure.

By publishing these details today, colleagues have time to fully consider the draft budget before we debate it at Council in the New Year. In line with the offer I made last year, I would encourage all Councillors and Political Groups to get involved. I reiterate that offer and I am open to new proposals from colleagues, although I would add that any proposed amendments would need to demonstrate how they would be paid for.

If colleagues do wish to make any proposals, I would encourage them to do so at an early stage, in order that they can be fully considered and costed.

Moving on to my second announcement.

Whilst the news of further Government cuts to Council budgets is not welcome, I am determined that Doncaster should create its own future. We want a thriving Borough with a diverse economy, outstanding leisure opportunities and housing that meets the needs of everyone. I was therefore delighted to launch our new Masterplan for Doncaster Town Centre this morning.

It sets out a development framework which will ensure the centre of Doncaster drives the Borough’s economy, and is vibrant all week long. With its central location, a successful urban centre will deliver  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

None received for this meeting.

There were no questions received from the Public.

Council considered the Youth Justice Plan for 2016/17, which was a statutory and strategic document produced by the Youth Offending Service (YOS) who were responsible for the discharge of the Plan. The Youth Justice Plan had to be reviewed and considered by Council each year under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, in order to identify how youth justice services would be provided.

Councillor Nuala Fennelly, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, informed Members that the Plan set out its resourcing and value for money, identified challenges to its future provision and mitigated the risks for the future delivery of the service. Additionally, it set out a clear structure and governance arrangements along with resourcing and partnership arrangements.

For the first time, the Youth Offending Team had developed a Young People’s Youth Justice Plan which aimed to complement the Corporate Youth Justice Plan, was user friendly, and was designed to help young people and their families gain a better understanding of how the system worked.  This user friendly document had been acknowledged as an example of Good Practice throughout the Youth Justice Service in England.

Members noted that all the changes required as a result of the HMIP Full Joint Inspection in 2015, had been implemented into the Plan for 2016/17 and these had worked to contribute to the strong performance of the YOS with Doncaster now seen as having a strong YOS, with a reduction in its custody rate to its lowest ever.

Members welcomed the report and were pleased to see the positive impact that the Plan had on the young people within the Borough.

            RESOLVED that the Youth Justice Plan 2016/17, be approved.

Councillor Joe Blackham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transportation, presented a report to Council which proposed the adoption of the Burghwallis and Tickhill Neighbourhood Plans which would ultimately form part of Doncaster’s Development Plan.

It was reported that Neighbourhood Planning had been introduced with the Localism Act in 2011 and allowed Town/Parish Councils and the associated local communities to produce Neighbourhood Plans for their own areas. A statutory process had to be followed in adopting such plans and there were a number of legally prescribed stages that needed to be undertaken in preparing a Neighbourhood Plan.  The final stage was the Referendum, whereby anyone living in the designated area had the right to vote on whether they wanted the Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan as part of the Development Plan and as a consequence, use it in the determination of planning applications for the specified areas.

It was noted that Tickhill and Burghwallis had now produced their own Neighbourhood Plans and the result of the Referendum was overwhelmingly positive with 87% of people voting ‘yes’ in both cases, opting for the Plans to be adopted.

Following the success of the Referendum in the two areas, the Council was required to adopt a Neighbourhood Plan and as the Local Planning Authority was satisfied that EU and Human Rights obligations had been met, there was no alternative option.

Local Councillors from the Wards affected, welcomed the Plans and stated that it was refreshing to see the local communities empowered. Members wished the areas of Tickhill and Burghwallis every success and endorsed the report.

RESOLVED that the Council formally adopt the Tickhill Neighbourhood Plan and the Burghwallis Neighbourhood Plan as part of the Statutory Development Plan for the Borough.

Council considered a report that advised of any changes to the proportional allocation of seats on Committees and Sub-Committees appointed to by Council following the 6 month review, as a consequence of any changes to the Political composition of the Authority.

Members noted that whilst there had been a change to the Political balance of the Authority, there had been no change with regard to the overall proportional allocation of seats on Committees and Sub-Committees appointed to by Council. However, as a result of the vacancy in the Norton and Askern Ward, there were 3 seats that had been allocated to the Labour Group that were currently vacant and therefore, Council was requested to approve replacement nominations from the Labour Group for the following Committees for the remainder of the 2016/17 Municipal Year:-

·         Planning Committee - Councillor John McHale

·         Audit Committee - Councillor Iris Beech

·         Chief Officers Appointments Committee (Substitute Member) - Councillor Sue McGuinness

            RESOLVED that

(1)    it be noted that the existing proportionate allocation of seats on Committees and Sub-Committees remained unchanged from the position reported at the Annual Council Meeting on 13th May, 2016;

(2)    the Labour Group nominations be appointed to serve on the following Committees:-

·           Councillor John McHale on Planning Committee;

·           Councillor Iris Beech on Audit Committee;

·           Councillor Sue McGuinness on Chief Officers Appointments Committee as a Substitute Member; and

(3)    it be noted that no Political Group wished to make any revisions to Committee and Sub-Committee memberships.

Council considered a report that sought approval for the appointment of Member representatives to fill the existing vacancies on the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority (SCRCA) Transport Committee and the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel (PCP).

Members noted that it was important that Doncaster Council was represented on the Outside Bodies identified in order to enable Doncaster to effectively contribute towards the delivery of these bodies’ functions.

As outlined within the report, the Membership of the SCRCA Transport Committee was subject to Political proportionality across the four South Yorkshire Districts and therefore, only a Conservative Councillor could be appointed.  However, with regard to the allocation of seats on the PCP, Doncaster was entitled to appoint two Labour Councillors, and substitutes.

On being asked for a nomination for a representative on the SCRCA Transport Committee, the Leader of the Conservative Group informed Council that they had chosen not to nominate a Member at the present time as they felt that the current decision making arrangements within the SCRCA did not allow for a meaningful contribution to be made by a representative on this Committee.

RESOLVED that

(1)    no nomination was received for the Conservative Councillor representative on Sheffield City Region Combined Authority’s Transport Committee; and

(2)    Councillor John Healy be appointed as the replacement Labour Councillor to fill the vacancy on the Police and Crime Panel.

“Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council recognises and values local pharmacies as a vital primary care health service and as an integral part of the fabric of local communities throughout our Borough.

Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council notes that 79 pharmacies in the Borough offer a range of services such as dispensing prescriptions, disposal of unwanted medicines and supporting self-care:-

•      pharmacies play an important role in promoting wellbeing such as healthy eating, smoking cessation, exercise, flu vaccination, sexual health and more. We already work closely with them.

•      advice and support services are also available to care homes.

•      local pharmacies are recognising and evidencing their role in improving the health of their local population.

Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council is greatly concerned about Government imposed threats to pharmacies as a result of cuts in the budget of £170m nationally to take effect from 1st December 2016.

The actual amount of the cuts may be less now, but being taken over a shorter time period so percentage-wise will have a greater impact – equivalent to around £25k/annum per pharmacy, and also announced is a further 7% cut next financial year on top of this.

Service cuts in pharmacies put more residents at risk as well as putting pressure on GPs and on hospital services and therefore increasing NHS costs. A fully funded community pharmacy service is cost effective and is in the interest of patients and carers.

Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council agrees to write to the Secretary of State for Health, NHS England and Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group detailing our concerns and demanding an immediate reversal of these proposals.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.1, a Motion was submitted by Councillor Rachael Blake and Seconded by Councillor Pat Haith:-

“Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council recognises and values local pharmacies as a vital primary care health service and as an integral part of the fabric of local communities throughout our Borough.

Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council notes that 79 pharmacies in the Borough offer a range of services such as dispensing prescriptions, disposal of unwanted medicines and supporting self-care:-

•      Pharmacies play an important role in promoting wellbeing such as healthy eating, smoking cessation, exercise, flu vaccination, sexual health and more. We already work closely with them.

•      Advice and support services are also available to care homes.

•      Local pharmacies are recognising and evidencing their role in improving the health of their local population.

Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council is greatly concerned about Government imposed threats to pharmacies as a result of cuts in the budget of £170m nationally to take effect from 1st December, 2016.

The actual amount of the cuts may be less now, but being taken over a shorter time period so percentage-wise will have a greater impact – equivalent to around £25k/annum per pharmacy, and also announced is a further 7% cut next financial year on top of this.

Service cuts in pharmacies put more residents at risk as well as putting pressure on GPs and on hospital services and therefore increasing NHS costs. A fully funded community pharmacy service is cost effective and is in the interest of patients and carers.

Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council agrees to write to the Secretary of State for Health, NHS England and Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group, detailing our concerns and demanding an immediate reversal of these proposals.”

The Chair afforded all Members the opportunity to speak on the Motion.

A vote was taken which was declared as follows:-

For – 45

Against – 0

Abstain – 0

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

RESOLVED that Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council recognises and values local pharmacies as a vital primary care health service and as an integral part of the fabric of local communities throughout our Borough.

Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council notes that 79 pharmacies in the Borough offer a range of services such as dispensing prescriptions, disposal of unwanted medicines and supporting self-care:-

·         Pharmacies play an important role in promoting wellbeing such as healthy eating, smoking cessation, exercise, flu vaccination, sexual health and more. We already work closely with them.

·         Advice and support services are also available to care homes.

·         Local pharmacies are recognising and evidencing their role in improving the health of their local population.

Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council is greatly concerned about Government imposed threats to pharmacies as a result of cuts in the budget of £170m nationally to take effect from 1st December, 2016.

The actual amount of the cuts may be less now, but being taken over a shorter time period so percentage-wise will have a greater impact – equivalent to around  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

“This Council condemns the Home Secretary’s rejection on 31st October 2016 in Parliament of an Orgreave Inquiry as a grave injustice.

This Council is appalled by the decision not to hold an inquiry into the policing of picket lines at the Orgreave coking plant 18th June 1984 Miners’ Strike.  With this ruling, the Home Secretary has shown great contempt for the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign, many former miners, their families and communities who for more than 32 years have waited for the truth and who have displayed huge courage and tenacity in trying to hold the authorities to account. Fighting for those locally who worked at Askern, Barnburgh, Bentley, Brodsworth, Cadeby and Denaby, Hatfield, Markham Main, Rossington and Yorkshire Main.

This Council observes that even the Independent Police Complaints Commission said in their redacted report released June 2015 "that there was ‘evidence of excessive violence by police officers, a false narrative from police exaggerating violence by miners, perjury by officers giving evidence to prosecute the arrested men, and an apparent cover-up of that perjury by senior officers’.

This Council is astonished that in the light of such statements the Home Secretary concludes that there are few lessons to be learned by the current police forces from any review of these events, that no one died, there was no miscarriage of justice, no convictions and therefore there will be no inquiry.

This Council notes that 95 miners were arrested and charged with riot offences, including 3 miners from Brodsworth Colliery, but all were later acquitted amid claims that South Yorkshire Police had fabricated evidence. There were also widespread examples of pickets being beaten unconscious by police officers. That miners suffered such treatment simply for exercising their right to protest against the threat to their jobs, their industry and communities.

It is shameful that as yet, no-one has to answer for the events of that day. Monday 31st October has been a bad day for justice. We do however salute the decision of the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign to continue with its fight for transparency and a full public inquiry and we will do everything we can to help them.

This Council will write to the Home Secretary asking that she takes into account the opinion of this Council, accepts that there is wide spread public concern about the events at Orgreave and calls on her to order an inquiry into them.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.1 a Motion was submitted by Councillor John Mounsey and Seconded by Councillor Nigel Ball. In introducing the Motion, Councillor John Mounsey felt it was important to note that on that particular day, pickets wore t-shirts and trainers and although the police wore their protective clothing they had no numbers whatsoever on their shirt collars.

Council considered the following Motion:-

“This Council condemns the Home Secretary’s rejection on 31st October, 2016 in Parliament of an Orgreave Inquiry as a grave injustice.

This Council is appalled by the decision not to hold an inquiry into the policing of picket lines at the Orgreave coking plant 18th June 1984 Miners’ Strike.  With this ruling, the Home Secretary has shown great contempt for the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign, many former miners, their families and communities who for more than 32 years, have waited for the truth and who have displayed huge courage and tenacity in trying to hold the authorities to account. Fighting for those locally who worked at Askern, Barnburgh, Bentley, Brodsworth, Cadeby and Denaby, Hatfield, Markham Main, Rossington and Yorkshire Main.

This Council observes that even the Independent Police Complaints Commission said in their redacted report released June 2015, that there was ‘evidence of excessive violence by police officers, a false narrative from police exaggerating violence by miners, perjury by officers giving evidence to prosecute the arrested men, and an apparent cover-up of that perjury by senior officers’.

This Council is astonished that in the light of such statements the Home Secretary concludes that there are few lessons to be learned by the current police forces from any review of these events, that no one died, there was no miscarriage of justice, no convictions and therefore there will be no inquiry.

This Council notes that 95 miners were arrested and charged with riot offences, including 3 miners from Brodsworth Colliery, but all were later acquitted amid claims that South Yorkshire Police had fabricated evidence. There were also widespread examples of pickets being beaten unconscious by police officers. That miners suffered such treatment simply for exercising their right to protest against the threat to their jobs, their industry and communities.

It is shameful that as yet, no-one has to answer for the events of that day. Monday 31st October has been a bad day for justice. We do however salute the decision of the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign to continue with its fight for transparency and a full public inquiry and we will do everything we can to help them.

This Council will write to the Home Secretary asking that she takes into account the opinion of this Council, accepts that there is wide spread public concern about the events at Orgreave and calls on her to order an inquiry into them.”

The Chair afforded all Members the opportunity to speak on the Motion.

A vote was taken on the Motion which was declared as follows:-

For – 39

Against – 2

Abstain –  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

“Doncaster Council views with concern the injustice whereby the Treasury receives 50% of surpluses from the Mineworkers Pension Scheme, accumulating over £8 billion to date.  This is taken from people and communities least able to afford it, particularly across Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council, a former coal mining area with many ex miners.  The money taken is out of proportion to the risk covered, and calls for independent scrutiny by the Public Accounts Committee to address this unfair arrangement.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.1, a Motion was submitted by Councillor Bill Mordue and Seconded by Councillor Linda Curran:-

“Doncaster Council views with concern the injustice whereby the Treasury receives 50% of surpluses from the Mineworkers Pension Scheme, accumulating over £8 billion to date.  This is taken from people and communities least able to afford it, particularly across Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council, a former coal mining area with many ex miners.  The money taken is out of proportion to the risk covered, and calls for independent scrutiny by the Public Accounts Committee to address this unfair arrangement.”

The Chair afforded all Members the opportunity to speak on the Motion.

A vote was taken on the Motion which was declared as follows:-

For – 39

Against – 0

Abstain – 6

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

RESOLVED that Doncaster Council views with concern the injustice whereby the Treasury receives 50% of surpluses from the Mineworkers Pension Scheme, accumulating over £8 billion to date.  This is taken from people and communities least able to afford it, particularly across Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council, a former coal mining area with many ex miners.  The money taken is out of proportion to the risk covered, and calls for independent scrutiny by the Public Accounts Committee to address this unfair arrangement.

(a)   From Councillor Clive Stone to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“For past 18 months, Rossington has been blighted by a huge increase in waste processing, and an increase in heavy good vehicles, with no regard to the community.

Despite having an alternative route, Vehicles are travelling through the heart of Rossington past 3 junior schools.

DMBC Planning  are looking at granting retrospective planning permission for this lorry park which has been used since August of last year with NO planning permission at all !! to continue as a staging post for HGVs  for another 18 months!

The site is NOT fit for purpose and the access is  sited on a blind bend, dangerous for pedestrians and motorists.

Can we reassure residents that their concerns are being heard and we review and consider all of the objections seriously?”

(b)      From Councillor John Cooke to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Our fresh produce market are a jewel in the crown of Doncaster, yet many stall holders are unhappy with the rents, and charges applied by this Council and many are now considering their future, which is extremely worrying with so many businesses moving out of the town centre.

With the advent of Christmas would the council please consider these long standing stall holders and look at reducing their charges before they start voting with their feet, along with lifting parking charges on market days to encourage people to come in to the town and benefit from this fantastic award winning market of ours.

I am sure all councillors would support our local market and promote this most valuable of assets?”

A.     Questions on Notice

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

(a)    From Councillor Clive Stone to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

Q. “For past 18 months, Rossington has been blighted by a huge increase in waste processing, and an increase in heavy good vehicles, with no regard to the community.

Despite having an alternative route, Vehicles are travelling through the heart of Rossington past 3 junior schools.

DMBC Planning are looking at granting retrospective planning permission for this lorry park which has been used since August of last year with no planning permission at all!! To continue as a staging post for HGVs for another 18 months!

The site is not fit for purpose and the access is sited on a blind bend, dangerous for pedestrians and motorists.

Can we reassure residents that their concerns are being heard and we review and consider all of the objections seriously?”

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

“Thank you for your question Councillor Stone.

I am also concerned about this issue. I would like to reassure you, and residents in Rossington, that the Council is working hard to try and help resolve the problem.

The increase in HGV movements to the Attero Waste Recycling Site occurred because the Environment Agency issued an Environmental Permit Variation.  This variation allowed an increase in the volume of waste imported to the site annually. It was done without any consultation with the Council.

Since this time, the Council has been working hard to ensure that the waste processing sites along Bankwood Lane are operating in line with their planning permissions, specifically in terms of hours of operation.

Enforcement action has been undertaken and Breach of Condition Notices have been served on three waste operators. A significant level of monitoring has been carried out by Officers in the Enforcement Team, to ensure compliance with the notices.  Ultimately, the best solution would be to create new access into the Industrial Estate which takes traffic away from residential areas whilst supporting businesses to flourish.

The Council has therefore been exploring this opportunity with key local businesses and landowners; we are in advanced discussions over the provision of a new link road from the Great Yorkshire Way, which would reduce the amount of traffic on the local highway network.  Through these negotiations, I am hopeful that the project can be delivered.

In the meantime, we must deal with the matter in hand as effectively as possible, within planning regulations and the law. Unfortunately, planning conditions cannot be retrospectively set to limit activity or stipulate routing.  The Council has no traffic or highway powers to be able to restrict the volume or type of vehicles using the public highway to legitimately access these premises.  Any weight limits for example, would need to allow exemptions for access.  I would however, certainly encourage operators to make good use of the new access to Rossington in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.

A.        South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel held on 9th June and 8th July, 2016.

B.        Sheffield City Region Combined Authority held on 12th September, 2016.

C.        South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority held on 19th September, 2016 and Section 41 Briefing Notes for September, October and November, 2016.

D.        South Yorkshire Pensions Authority held on 6th October, 2016.

RESOLVED that the Minutes and Briefing Notes of the following Joint Authorities be noted:-

A.    South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel held on 9th June and 8th July, 2016;

B.    Sheffield City Region Combined Authority held on 12th September, 2016;

C.   South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority held on 19th September, 2016, and Section 41 Briefing Notes for September, October and November, 2016; and

D.   South Yorkshire Pensions Authority held on 6th October, 2016.