Agenda and minutes

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 in relation to the death of Councillor Alan Jones, Ward Member for Norton and Askern on 16th August, who had passed away after a short illness.

Members noted that Councillor Jones had been an Askern Spa Ward Member from May 2011 to 2015, and more recently, a Ward Member for Norton and Askern. During his time as a Councillor, he had sat on the Planning Committee since his election in 2011, and had served on all four Overview and Scrutiny Panels as well as the Audit Committee, and additionally represented the Council on the Scrutiny Panel for the Police and Crime Commissioner.

In accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct, Councillor Craig Sahman declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in relation Agenda Item No. 10, as his property was in close proximity to the revised proposed route of the HS2 project.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 14th July, 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 announcements:-

“Brodsworth Hall and Gardens has won a Gold medal at the recent Britain in Bloom with the Royal Horticultural Society for the Yorkshire area at the York award ceremony.  Brodsworth won in the Category 8E Country House, Estates, Parks and Gardens.

I would also like to offer our congratulations to Doncaster’s, Jo Butterfield who won the gold medal in the F51 Club throwing at the Rio Para Olympic Games with a world record throw of 22.81m.  Well done Jo.

I would also like to announce that Doncaster Council has been selected for a Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.  It demonstrated how Doncaster supports and advocates the employment of veterans. This is a huge honour as few Authorities have received this accolade.”

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

“I would like to place on record my thanks and gratitude to people for their kind words and support over the recent difficult weeks.”

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Glyn Jones, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Equalities, made the following announcement:-

“Members will recall that we’ve previously agreed in this Chamber to a Sheffield City Region Devolution deal that would bring new powers to the Combined Authority, provided it was headed by an Elected Mayor.  The deal would see an extra £30million per year for 30 years placed in the Combined Authority’s hands, for economic growth in the City Region as part of a wider Devolution deal, with new powers and funding totalling £1.3billion.  This Chamber unanimously signed up to that proposal on the basis that Devolution did require an Elected Mayor and could not take place without one.  Since that deal was signed, lots of things have happened, including the Brexit vote and a new Prime Minister with a new Government.  There is significant uncertainty around Devolution and the position of the Elected Mayors, which has raged all over the summer.

I’ve represented the Council twice recently at the Combined Authority, as consultation has taken place across the region about the devolution of powers and funding.  The consultation showed that local residents and businesses were supportive of devolving powers to the City Region and to Bassetlaw and Chesterfield joining as full constituent members.  At present, City Region Mayoral elections are scheduled to go ahead next year, although the actual powers of the Mayor are not yet formalised.  These must be finalised within the next six weeks and placed into statutory orders, if the existing timetable is to be met.

On Monday, the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority met and agreed to submit responses to the public consultation to the Secretary of State, marking the next step in the Devolution journey.  However, in view of the Government’s uncertainty over Elected Mayors, slower than expected progress has been made in moving the deal forward, as the Government has bedded in, and in light of legal action from Derbyshire County Council, who  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4, the Chair of Council, Councillor David Nevett, proposed the variation of the order of business to consider Agenda Item 10 immediately after Agenda Item 6, due to the level of public interest in the issue.

RESOLVED that in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4, the order of business be varied by considering Agenda Item 10 immediately after Agenda Item 6.

(a)    Question from Mr. A. Foley, 15 Don View, Mexborough, S64 0JE, to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Will DMBC consider a point where financial benefits to the Borough outweigh the negative impact of HS2 Ltd's revised route, if so, what does DMBC consider a fair price for the sacrificing of approximately 250 homes and businesses, years of disruption to an arterial route through the Dearne Valley and the destruction of the environment in Old Denaby, Mexborough and Barnburgh?”

(b)    Question from Mr. P. Douglas, 72 Comelybank Drive, Mexborough, S64 0EP, to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“When was Doncaster Council first aware of the route change (as announced by HS2 - David Higgins on 7thJuly) that meant approx 250 homes would need to be demolished within the Doncaster boundaries?”

(c)    Question from Mrs. R. Ridler, 74 Comelybank Drive, Mexborough, S64 0EP, to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“How is DMBC working to stop HS2 affecting the Doncaster area, what assistance will it give local residents if the route is approved in November, or are you just focused on getting a parkway station in the Borough?”

(d)    Question from Mr. M. Huddleston, 42 Comelybank Drive, Mexborough, to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Firstly, I would like to say that we should be pushing to halt the HS2 route as we all agree that it is a complete and utter waste of public money. But we all know that there is a possibility that this will go ahead. So, as a resident at the Shimmer Estate, I would like to know if the Council has the same powers as Sheffield Council in turning down the new proposed route through Mexborough.  Do they have the power to put forward alternative routes that miss out our estate or any other residential housing within the area?”

(e)    Question from Mr. D. Goddard, 16 Benita Avenue, Mexborough, S64 0NB, to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Where exactly does Doncaster Council stand with regard to HS2.  Does it a) support all those affected by the route change as announced on 7th July 2016, b) want an additional benefit to the region despite all those constituents affected and blighted, c) oppose HS2 as not required as the capacity and speed can be achieved with no demolitions within the councils boundaries, d) other - (if other please detail)?”

(f)   Question from Mrs. S. Douglas, 72 Comelybank Drive, Mexborough, S64 0EP, to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“What practical help can be offered by the Council for those whose blighted homes are to be demolished and also those whose homes are permanently blighted but not to be demolished.  For example, could there be a reduction in council taxes for the blighted properties, interest free loans for those in need of monetary assistance, assurances that people whose homes are to be demolished will be able to buy a new home of the same standard including flooring etc and alternative accommodation  ...  view the full agenda text for item 35.

(A)   Question from Mr. A. Foley, 15 Don View, Mexborough, S64 0JE, to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Will DMBC consider a point where financial benefits to the Borough outweigh the negative impact of HS2 Ltd's revised route, if so, what does DMBC consider a fair price for the sacrificing of approximately 250 homes and businesses, years of disruption to an arterial route through the Dearne Valley and the destruction of the environment in Old Denaby, Mexborough and Barnburgh?”

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

“Thank you for your question Mr Foley.

My position is that the damage to our area, particularly the devastating impact on the Shimmer estate and its residents, is entirely unacceptable. I will not support this proposal under any circumstances. What makes the situation even more astonishing is that we are being asked to accept this enormous damage and at the same time gain less economic benefit.

I believe that an appropriate proposal for HS2 in our region could deliver economic growth, create jobs and help improve opportunities, whilst vastly reducing the impact on local residents and communities.

This proposal does not achieve that aim. Instead, it will:-

Destroy much needed brand new and high quality houses, forcing people out of their homes;

Compromise potential new housing sites, limiting our ability to drive forward regeneration in the area;

Cut the number of trains serving the Sheffield City Region from five per hour to only ‘up to 2 per hour’;

Increase journey time to the region from 68 minutes to 83 minutes (up to 22%); and

Cut all services to Birmingham and Leeds.

Regrettably, I am not confident that HS2 Ltd is focused on maximising economic benefits to our region, or minimising the impact on residents. It is clear to me that these new plans were put forward simply to drive forward a project in difficulty and save £1bn from the cost pressures it faces. That is being done at the expense of our region. It is unacceptable and we will oppose the proposals.”

(B)    Question from Mr. P. Douglas, 72 Comelybank Drive, Mexborough, S64 0EP, to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“When was Doncaster Council first aware of the route change (as announced by HS2 - David Higgins on 7thJuly) that meant approx 250 homes would need to be demolished within the Doncaster boundaries?”

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

“Thank you for your question Mr Douglas.

The Council and colleagues across the region have been in contact with HS2 for a number of years, primarily regarding the location for the station in our region, which has been the subject of much discussion.

The longstanding recommendation from HS2 Ltd was that the station should be located at Meadowhall, in order to deliver economic benefits and connectivity throughout South Yorkshire. Doncaster Council first became aware that a change to the recommended station location was likely to be announced at meetings on 21st June  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

“This Council objects to the new proposals for HS2 in the Sheffield City Region, which were announced on 7th July.

When compared to the previous recommended HS2 route and station at Meadowhall, the new proposals put forward by HS2 Ltd will provide fewer train services, reduce job creation, reduce connectivity, damage the environment and have a devastating impact on communities in our borough, in particular the destruction of over 200 homes in Mexborough and the surrounding areas.

This proposal is bad for local residents, communities, Doncaster and the Sheffield City Region. Doncaster Council therefore calls on the Secretary of State to reject the recommendation.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.1, a Motion was submitted by the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, and Seconded by Councillor Andy Pickering:-

“This Council objects to the new proposals for HS2 in the Sheffield City Region, which were announced on 7th July.

When compared to the previous recommended HS2 route and Station at Meadowhall, the new proposals put forward by HS2 Ltd will provide fewer train services, reduce job creation, reduce connectivity, damage the environment and have a devastating impact on communities in our Borough, in particular the destruction of over 200 homes in Mexborough and the surrounding areas.

This proposal is bad for local residents, communities, Doncaster and the Sheffield City Region.  Doncaster Council therefore calls on the Secretary of State to reject the recommendation.”

An amendment to the Motion was Moved by the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, in that the second paragraph of the Motion be amended to read as follows:-

“When compared to the previous recommended HS2 route and Station at Meadowhall, the new proposals put forward by HS2 Ltd will provide fewer train services, reduce job creation, reduce connectivity, damage the environment and have a devastating impact on communities in our Borough and the Wards it affects, in particular the destruction of over 200 homes in Mexborough and the surrounding areas.”

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

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

For – 48

Against – 0

Abstain – 0

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

                 RESOLVED that Council objects to the new proposals for HS2 in the Sheffield City Region, which were announced on 7th July.

When compared to the previous recommended HS2 route and Station at Meadowhall, the new proposals put forward by HS2 Ltd will provide fewer train services, reduce job creation, reduce connectivity, damage the environment and have a devastating impact on communities in our Borough and the Wards it affects, in particular the destruction of over 200 homes in Mexborough and the surrounding areas.

This proposal is bad for local residents, communities, Doncaster and the Sheffield City Region.  Doncaster Council therefore calls on the Secretary of State to reject the recommendation.

RESOLVED that in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 32.1, the meeting stand adjourned at 7.10 p.m. to be reconvened, on this day at 7.15 p.m.

The meeting reconvened at 7.15 p.m.

The Council considered a report, presented by the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, which proposed an improved core annual ‘define & deliver’ cycle which more clearly linked together the key annual processes for defining and delivering improved outcomes for residents.

It was reported that Doncaster Council had come a long way in the last three years by improving governance arrangements, coming out of Government intervention early and delivering a three year budget to effectively manage the national austerity measures.  Doncaster was now one of the most improved Councils in the country, as recognised by the Local Government Chronicle in 2015.

In expressing her appreciation to everyone including Councillors, Officers and partners who had helped to make that happen, the Mayor stated that further improvements could always be made to continue to drive the Council forward.  The Mayor therefore recommended an improved annual Council approach for linking knowledge about the needs of residents to priority setting and in turn action that impacts on quality of life for local people.

Members were informed that the Council had already embarked upon a modernisation programme and was beginning to deliver services in innovative ways.  Looking to the next four years, the Council’s purpose remained the same; to ensure that communities thrived, create the right climate for good growth and deliver modern value for money services with a strong sense of partnership.  Continuing to improve governance was essential to achieving this.

It was also reported that each year the Council updated its priorities and agreed a budget to deliver them, the timetable of which was planned well in advance.  However, the effectiveness of this process would be improved by:-

•   An annual State of the Borough assessment and engagement which would provide an up to date understanding of how the Borough was changing and the needs of residents;

•   Improvements to the service planning and staff performance review processes to ensure that the priorities agreed by Council were translated into effective action earlier;

•   Better integrating the assessment of Strategic Risks in the priorities and budget setting process; and

•   Consolidating the previous year’s corporate quarterly monitoring reports into an Annual Report to show the Council’s contribution to delivery of Borough outcomes.

Annex 1 to the report, proposed a high-level annual timetable for completing these interlined processes within a 4 year Strategic Planning horizon, which aimed to ensure that the efforts of the Council were focussed on the improvements that mattered most to residents and the long-term success of Doncaster.

The Mayor was delighted that the proposal had already been supported through the cross-party Overview and Scrutiny process and thanked Elected Members for their involvement.

RESOLVED that

(1)       an annual timetable be established for completing the key processes of a ‘define & deliver’ cycle, as a key building block of good governance;

(2)       the annual timetable be captured on the Council’s Forward Plans (including the Forward Plan of Key Decisions and the rolling agendas);

(3)       the Constitution be amended to include within Article 3.01 – Functions of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

The Council considered a report presented by the Chief Executive, Jo Miller, which sought approval to appoint Stephen James Mawson as Doncaster Council’s Section 151 Officer, with effect from 1st October, 2016.

It was noted that the position of S151 Officer was currently held by Simon Wiles, Director of Finance and Corporate Services.  However, in line with the Council’s Flexible Working Policy, Simon Wiles was reducing his working week to 4 days and as a result, considered it appropriate to relinquish the role of S151 Officer.

Steve Mawson currently held the role of Deputy Section 151 Officer and held the required qualification of a CIPFA Qualified Accountant.  Faye Tyas would take on the role of Deputy Section 151 Officer, supporting and covering for Steve Mawson in his absence.

Following the presentation of the report, Members were afforded the opportunity to comment.

RESOLVED that

(1)       Stephen James Mawson be appointed as Doncaster Council’s Section 151 Officer with effect from 1st October, 2016, until further determination; with effect from 1st October 2016, Stephen James Mawson’s title will become ‘Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Director - Finance’; and

(2)       the Monitoring Officer update the Constitution where necessary, to reflect the changes to Officer designations outlined within the report.

The Council considered a report which sought the appointment of a Conservative Councillor, in accordance with the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority’s (SCRCA) political balance requirements, as Doncaster Council’s representative on the SCRCA’s Transport Committee, following the recent resignation of Councillor Steve Cox from this body.

It was reported that at the meeting of Full Council on 7th March 2013, it was agreed that Doncaster Council would join the SCRCA, which became a legal entity on 1st April, 2014.  Since that time, the Council had appointed Member representatives to the SCRCA’s Overview and Scrutiny, Transport and Audit Committees.

Members noted that the membership of the SCRCA Transport Committee was subject to political proportionality across the 4 South Yorkshire districts.  Currently, this equated to Doncaster Council being entitled to nominate 3 representatives (voting members) on this body, i.e. 2 x Labour and 1 x Conservative.  Following the recent resignation of Councillor Steve Cox, the Council was asked to appoint a replacement Member representative from the Conservative Group, to join the remaining two representatives; Councillors Joe Blackham and Bill Mordue.

RESOLVED that Councillor R. Allan Jones be appointed as the Conservative representative on the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority’s Transport.

(i)        Question on Notice to the Executive:-

None received for this meeting.

(ii)       Questions without Notice to the Executive and the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee, Councillor John Mounsey.

A.     Questions on Notice

No questions on Notice from Elected Members, had been received for this meeting.

B.     Questions Without Notice

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

A.  Questions to Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster

Q.   Councillor Jonathan Wood asked the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Today is a historic day for Doncaster; we have come together and done things the right way and I would like to congratulate the Mayor on receiving a unanimous vote for the Motion. 

I have spoken to you out of the meeting about the HS2 and its detrimental effect on the affected Wards in the Borough.

I would like to bring to your attention a Petition against the HS2, and ask that everyone signs this E-Petition.  If you search for this petition on the internet, by googling ‘Yorkshire Against HS2 Provision’ https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/162601), it will bring you to the link to access the petition and sign your name. 

If we get 100,000 signatures against this petition, it will be debated in Parliament.  This Petition has come out of Wakefield and Rotherham but it needs support from our Council.  Additionally, there are groups working very hard together in Sprotbrough and the rural villages to fight this proposal, and have produced a pre-written letter against the HS2 that I would ask you to send out in your name on our behalf, one to the Prime Minister, Theresa May, and one to Chris Grayling.  We need to choke this off before it goes out to consultation. 

Please will you support us?”

A.     The Mayor gave the following response:-

“Subject to reading what you’re asking me to support; yes.  If it says what you have summed it up to say, then yes, I will sign the E-Petition, and I am happy for you to pass on your letter to the Communications Team who will look at that with me.”

Q.   In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.7, Councillor Jonathan Wood asked the following supplementary question:-

“I wouldn’t expect anything more at this point; this is about getting the people participating.  There are 55 Members of this house, they need to get on line and read the petition?”

A.     The Mayor gave the following response:-

“I will read it.  I meant everything I said today.  I proposed and endorsed the Motion, your answer is there, but I will never agree to signing anything without reading it first.”

B.        Questions to the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Glyn Jones, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Equalities

Q.   Councillor Sean Gibbons asked the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

       “There is to be a public meeting held in Mexborough on the 29th September in opposition to the HS2.  Would the Deputy Mayor, the Mayor, Members of Cabinet or any Senior Officers support us at the meeting on the night?”

A.     Councillor Glyn Jones gave the following response:-

“Subject to my availability, as I don’t have my diary with me at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

A.        South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel held on 4th March, 2016.

B.        Sheffield City Region Combined Authority held on 9th May, 20th June, 27th June and 1st August, 2016.

C.        South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority held on 27th June (Annual) 27th June (Ordinary) and 25th July, 2016 and Section 41 Briefing Notes for June and July, 2016.

D.        South Yorkshire Pensions Authority held on 26th May, 9th June (Annual) 9th June (Ordinary) and 30th June, 2016.

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

A.      South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel held on 4th March, 2016;

B.      Sheffield City Region Combined Authority held on 9th May, 20th June, 27th June and 1st August, 2016;

C.      South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority held on 27th June (Annual), 27th June, (Ordinary), and 25th July, 2016 and Section 41 Briefing Notes for June and July, 2016; and.

D.      South Yorkshire Pensions Authority held on 26th May, 9th June (Annual), 9th June (Ordinary) and 30th June, 2016.