Agenda and minutes

No declarations of interest were made at the meeting. 

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 19th July, 2018, be approved as a true record and signed by the Chair.

Councillor Nuala Fennelly, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, made the following announcements:-

“It has recently been announced that Doncaster has been awarded a University Technical College. This project is being led in partnership by Doncaster Chamber, working closely with Sheffield & Sheffield Hallam Universities, industry partners and local employers; it will bring the curriculum to life through project based work.  This college is part of a bigger plan to provide our young people with a choice in how they want to be educated. It will provide technical along with traditional studies from the age of 14 and give them better job prospects within Doncaster. When we invest in people to develop their skills and capabilities, we all benefit from a stronger economy and society. The college is set to open in September 2020 and will be a welcome addition to the Civic and Cultural Quarter.

I would also like to say congratulations to all of our GCSE and A-Level students for their provisional results. They have done really well and I am pleased to see that their hard work and dedication has been rewarded.

Additionally, our Key Stage 2 SATS results figures for Doncaster schools show that outcomes have improved in all subjects; reading, writing and maths. Schools across the Borough have closed the gap on the national average in all subject areas, with Doncaster improving at a greater rate both regionally and nationally.”

Councillor Rachael Blake, Cabinet Member for Adult Health and Social Care, made the following announcement:-

“Improvements have been made with our continuing with Health Care Assessments. Health Care support is provided to people who have been identified as having long term primary health care needs.  It is provided either in the form of either fully NHS funded or jointly NHS and social care packages of support. This can include funding support in people’s own home, in residential care or other settings.

The reason it is important is because people who qualify for Continuing Health Care will get all, or part of their long-term support needs met through NHS funding. NHS funded care packages attract no client financial contribution and therefore parts of the support package are effectively free of charge to Doncaster residents who are eligible.   

Last year, our performance in assessing people for continuing health care needs (which has to be done in 28 days) was 60% in Q1 for people who were assessed within the 28 days and by Q4, we had 98% of people assessed, taking us from average to one of the top performers nationally for assessing continual health care needs. We are achieving 98% and the overall target set nationally by NHS England is 80%. This makes a huge difference to residents and families, and to the health and social care system and it is a very good example of the success that DMBC and Doncaster CCG have of an integrated approach working effectively.”                                                                           

(a)       Question from Mr. Stuart Exelby, on behalf of Doncaster Unite: Retired Members Branch, to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Could the Mayor and Council Members give a commitment to the continuous support for all concessionary travel, because without this commitment, Doncaster will be failing the elderly, disabled and the economy of Doncaster?”

(b)     Question from Mr. Stuart Adams to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“As you look to dispose of further assets and as all previous assets disposed of at Lakeside have been converted for retail and housing use, such as the large field now being turned into Willow Grange, can you at least make some provision to consult with residents and allow part of this land to be used to create a public community space such as a park, picnic or play area for all residents and users of the lake to enjoy?”

(c)     Question from Mrs. Rachael Peace to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“As Doncaster Council has agreed to use a certain amount of funding to support extra Police Officers in the town centre.  I would like to know where exactly is this funding to be taken from to support this and will it have a detrimental effect on the area from which it is taken?”

(d)     Question from Mr. Doug Wright, on behalf of ‘Keep Our NHS Public’ to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“The Health and Social Care Joint Commissioning Management Board (JCMB) is responsible to the Council Cabinet and Doncaster CCGB Governing Board.  Unlike the CCGB, DMBC does not publish any information about JCMB meetings.

The public has the right to be involved in the consultation and planning of healthcare services, including the challenge of the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw NHS (SYB) financial gap of £139.5M required by 2020/21.

Will you:-

1. Publicise JCMB meetings and minutes

2. Agree to the public attending meetings and asking questions

3. Inform this meeting of DMBC's projected contribution towards SYB's financial gap of £139.5M

NB. Current CCG projected contribution is around £30m?”

(A)         Question from Mr. Stuart Exelby, on behalf of Doncaster Unite: Retired Members Branch, to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Could the Mayor and Council Members give a commitment to the continuous support for all concessionary travel, because without this commitment, Doncaster will be failing the elderly, disabled and the economy of Doncaster?”

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

“The English National Concession Travel Scheme (ENCTS), which entitles senior citizens to free off peak travel on buses across England, is a national scheme. Therefore, it cannot be changed unless a decision is made by Central Government.

Only the discretionary concession of free rail travel to the disabled and half price rail fares within South Yorkshire for the elderly is a decision that can be changed at local level. We are not aware of any plans to remove this at this time.

We recognise the benefits, not just to the economy, of this scheme, but also to the health and wellbeing of our residents. If we become aware of any threat to the scheme we will challenge this.”

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

“I welcome your response, but as you know, with the Tory Government we do not know what we’ve got or what we are going to get.  As long as DMBC and its Councillors promise to take the Government on if they show any sign of taking the concessionary rate away in Doncaster, you will get the full backing of UNITE?”

In response, the Mayor gave the following reply:-

“I will repeat what I said. It is a National issue and I hope all of the people in the Chamber will work with the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, and engage with them and take on the Government.”

(B)    Question from Mr. Stuart Adams to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“As you look to dispose of further assets and as all previous assets disposed of at Lakeside have been converted for retail and housing use, such as the large field now being turned into Willow Grange, can you at least make some provision to consult with residents and allow part of this land to be used to create a public community space such as a park, picnic or play area for all residents and users of the lake to enjoy?”

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

“The land use at Lakeside is a planning matter and the area has been allocated as a mixed use regeneration area under the UDP (Unitary Development Plan) which would take into account open space provisions as part of the land allocation process.  As sites are sold under the capital disposals programme, potential purchasers are responsible for consulting with Planning and any open space provisions will be specified by Planning and I would assume reflected in the prospective purchasers offer bid to the Council.”

(C)    Question from Mrs. Rachael Peace to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

The Council considered a report that provided an updated State of the Borough Assessment for 2018, which aligned with the themes within the Doncaster Growing Together Strategy of Living, Working, Learning and Caring.

In presenting the report to Council, the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, stated that:-

“A year ago, we saw a major milestone for Doncaster as we jointly launched ‘Doncaster Growing Together’.  This was a commitment from public services across Team Doncaster and our communities to work together on ambitious reform programmes to ensure our Borough moves forward and is a thriving place to learn, work, live and care. This plan was unanimously agreed by the whole of the Team Doncaster partnership; It is not ‘the Council plan’; it is our joint partnership for the Borough.

Alongside this, we also launched the first ever State of the Borough Assessment. For the first time, Team Doncaster and the public had a high level of strategic Borough assessment of this kind looking at the ‘state’ of our Borough, people and place.

We are now one year on and we have much to celebrate and reflect on and we have the opportunity to see two documents alongside one another as twin publications:-

1.     The State of the Borough Assessment which identifies and analyses quality of life in the Borough; and

2.     The Doncaster Growing Together Impact Report which demonstrates the impact of joint reforms across Team Doncaster and within our communities.

These are the reforms that we agreed at Full Council a year ago and we can now take stock of the work done within the first year of a four year programme. We of course have not finished our work.  However there are clearly many achievements to be proud of across Team Doncaster and our communities.

These are both standalone documents in their own right, however we should consider these as twin publications.

I would encourage the opportunity now to discuss both the State of the Borough and the Impact Report, informing our policies, approaches and understanding of our communities and the progress we have made when we focus on working together as a collective partnership. This is the only way we can continue to transform and ensure that Doncaster continues to grow together.”

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

RESOLVED that

(1)        the State of the Borough assessment be noted;

(2)        the assessment be used to inform priorities to improve quality of life in Doncaster (in line with its constitutional role to inform the policy and budget setting process);

(3)        the Doncaster Growing Together Impact report be noted; and

(4)        the assessment of Doncaster Growing Together impact over the past year, be agreed.

The Council considered a report, which was introduced by Councillor Richard Allan Jones, that sought approval to bestow the Freedom of the Borough on Yvonne Woodcock, which would offer recognition and endorsement of her tireless charity and voluntary work and many years of Public service.

Members noted that Yvonne served as an Elected Councillor on Doncaster Council for over 20 years, as well as serving as the Civic Mayor in 1998/99 Municipal Year, during which time she raised over £20,000 for her chosen charities. 

Yvonne supports countless charities and community groups in a voluntary capacity and has raised thousands of pounds for charities, arranging and attending fundraising events, regularly opening her own home and gardens on many occasions, to raise funds.

Yvonne still volunteers around the Finningley Ward and serves on the Airport Committee as an honorary member and volunteer, and also attends the Cantley Community Centre Committee and regularly assists with events.  She was also the main fundraiser for the Royal British Legion’s Annual Poppy Appeal in that area, raising thousands each year for that charity.

Yvonne also spends a lot of time helping at the Mansion House being a longstanding and active member of the Friends of The Mansion House Group.  She is also involved in Doncaster Minster and Doncaster Cultural Leisure Trust, becoming an honorary member when she stood down as a Councillor and remaining a DCLT Board Member. 

The nomination was considered consistent with the requirement to bestow an award to someone who was considered a person of distinction and person, who had in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the Borough.

In affording Members the opportunity to speak on the item, Councillors paid tribute to Yvonne and whole heartedly supported the request to confer the Freedom of the Borough. Members conveyed their thanks and appreciation to Yvonne in devoting many years to Doncaster and its residents.

RESOLVED that the Council support the application and agree to bestow the Freedom of the Borough on Yvonne Woodcock.

The Council considered a report, which was introduced by Councillor Bill Mordue, that sought approval to confer the Freedom of the Borough on Tony Sockett. In doing so, it would allow the citizens of Doncaster to offer recognition and endorsement of his tireless charity and voluntary work over many years.

Members noted that Tony served as an Elected Councillor for 11 years serving the Bentley community and also took on the role of Civic Mayor during the 2007/08 Municipal Year.  Throughout his working life as a Teacher and Youth worker, Tony has always worked to promote the Borough and its residents and in his former role as the Council’s Assistant Director of Leisure Services Directorate, he promoted youth work, sports development, cultural services international 'Town Twinning' and the Civic Theatre; all causes which remained close to his heart to this day.

Tony was also heavily involved in the community’s celebrations to mark the 800th anniversary of the first Doncaster Charter.  He had always supported his community and worked with a range of voluntary projects including the Cooke Almshouse Trust, establishing the Bentley Area Community Partnership (BACUP) and served as Secretary to the 'A Junction' Project at Askern.  He was successful in a bid to secure funds for additional youth work resources from the Department of Education and Science, and Network North was established providing support to disengaged young people across the North of Doncaster.

Tony continues to support his community ensuring the Almshouses were managed effectively and until recently, sitting as a member of the Danvm Drainage Commissioners to assist in protecting people and their property in the area against river and surface water flooding through water level management.  As Secretary of the Bentley Area Community Partnership, he continues to raise funding for events and good causes in the area and his community by volunteering and serving on a number of local community groups and committees.

In affording Members the opportunity to speak on this item, Councillors paid tribute to Tony and whole heartedly supported the request to confer the Freedom of the Borough. Members conveyed their thanks and appreciation to Tony for his tireless charity and voluntary work, and years of public service.

RESOLVED that Council support the application and agree to bestow the Freedom of the Borough on Tony Sockett.

That this Council notes:-

·         With concern that the government has made fracking a central plank of the UK’s energy policy.

·         That the Government have granted exploratory licenses to allow companies to conduct shale gas testing at a number of sites across the country (mainly in the north of England).

·         That in areas where exploratory drilling is under consideration, local residents have expressed concern.

·         That the Labour Party manifesto at the 2017 General Election included a clear commitment to ban fracking.

·         That all planning applications relating to fracking must be considered on their merits in planning terms, within the rules set out by the Government.

That this Council, therefore:-

a)    Regrets the decision of the then Liberal Democrat Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey, to lift the national ban on fracking in 2012.

b)    Commits to not allow any fracking activities, including survey work, on Council owned or controlled land and property.

c)    Regrets that the Government now appear to be determined to force fracking on areas, regardless of local opinion.

d)    Supports the position taken by the Labour Party calling on the Government to ban fracking and focus on unlocking the jobs and growth that a low-carbon energy infrastructure can provide for our industry, workforce and communities.

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

“That this Council notes:-

·       With concern that the Government has made fracking a central plank of the UK’s energy policy.

·       That the Government have granted exploratory licenses to allow companies to conduct shale gas testing at a number of sites across the country (mainly in the North of England).

·       That in areas where exploratory drilling is under consideration, local residents have expressed concern.

·       That the Labour Party manifesto at the 2017 General Election included a clear commitment to ban fracking.

·       That all planning applications relating to fracking must be considered on their merits in planning terms, within the rules set out by the Government.

That this Council, therefore:-

a)    Regrets the decision of the then Liberal Democrat Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey, to lift the national ban on fracking in 2012.

b)    Commits to not allow any fracking activities, including survey work, on Council owned or controlled land and property.

c)     Regrets that the Government now appear to be determined to force fracking on areas, regardless of local opinion.

d)    Supports the position taken by the Labour Party calling on the Government to ban fracking and focus on unlocking the jobs and growth that a low-carbon energy infrastructure can provide for our industry, workforce and communities.”

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

A vote was taken on the Motion proposed by Councillor Dave Shaw which was declared as follows:-

For - 40

Against - 0

Abstain - 4

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

          RESOLVED that this Council notes:-

·       With concern that the Government has made fracking a central plank of the UK’s energy policy.

·       That the Government have granted exploratory licenses to allow companies to conduct shale gas testing at a number of sites across the country (mainly in the North of England).

·       That in areas where exploratory drilling is under consideration, local residents have expressed concern.

·       That the Labour Party manifesto at the 2017 General Election included a clear commitment to ban fracking.

·       That all planning applications relating to fracking must be considered on their merits in planning terms, within the rules set out by the Government.

This Council, therefore:-

a)    Regrets the decision of the then Liberal Democrat Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey, to lift the national ban on fracking in 2012;

b)    Commits to not allow any fracking activities, including survey work, on Council owned or controlled land and property;

c)     Regrets that the Government now appear to be determined to force fracking on areas, regardless of local opinion; and

d)    Supports the position taken by the Labour Party calling on the Government to ban fracking and focus on unlocking the jobs and growth that a low-carbon energy infrastructure can provide for our industry, workforce and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

(i)           Questions on Notice to the Executive:-

None received for this meeting.

(ii)           Questions without Notice to the Executive and the Chairs of the Audit Committee, Elections and Democratic Structures Committee, Health and Wellbeing Board and Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee.

A.      Questions on Notice

No questions on notice 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 following question:-

“It is a question regarding something that happened during the summer months at Skelbrooke and the quarry there.  We heard a statement from Councillor Nigel Ball that we should not as a Council, let multi-nationals, the words he used, ‘rip things up and move along without any consequence’.  We have in Skelbrooke, a large lagoon that was the result of quarrying operations.  Quarry operators are typically granted under a 25 year temporary permission, usually with an obligation that the land was going to return to the state from whence it came.  The reality is that there is a large hole there which is filled with water and has been for some time.

Sadly, we had a death this summer; a young man who did nothing more than tried to cool off and go swimming in the lake.  A sad loss of life and very avoidable.  Avoidable simply because if we hold companies and operators like this to account, we have the ability to return the land to whence it came and restore the land, and make it into a park or something of that nature.

We would like your support Mayor to return things like this to whence they came and I hope you will endorse this?”

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

“I am quite shocked that this has not been brought up before because really it should be dealt with by Planning Enforcement.  Therefore, if Planning Enforcement is not pursuing it, you can quite easily email Councillor Chris McGuinness and ask him to take it up as the Planning Portfolio Holder.”

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

“Thank you Mayor, but it has been raised many times by the local community.  You are absolutely right that it does sit in Planning and Enforcement, but unfortunately, it seems to get stuck in the ‘quagmire’.  If you are going to support us could you possibly ‘chivvy’ Chris along and if you could give some support, it would certainly be very welcome.  Hopefully, you will give me a commitment that you will give Chris a ‘nudge’?”

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

“Councillor Wood, I would ask you to put it in an email, copy me in and we will always pursue and answer questions.”

Q.  Councillor Cynthia Ransome asked the following question:-

“Regarding the question I asked you last month regarding the film studio in my Ward; your response was totally inadequate.  I still have no information.  It may satisfy you spending tax payers money, but it does not satisfy me.  Why am I being denied an adequate answer?”  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

A.        Sheffield City Region Combined Authority held on 30th July, 2018.

B.      Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Board held on 6th August, 2018.

C.      South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority held on 25th June (Annual), 25th June (Ordinary) and 23rd July, 2018.

D.      South Yorkshire Pensions Authority Local Pension Board held on 7th June, 2018.

E.      South Yorkshire Pensions Authority held on 7th June (Annual) and 7th June (Ordinary) 2018.

F.      South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel held on 2nd July, 2018.

G.      Team Doncaster Strategic Partnership held on 5th June, 2018.

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

A.     Sheffield City Region Combined Authority held on 30th July, 2018.

B.     Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Board held on 6th August, 2018.

C.     South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority held on 25th June (Annual), 25th June (Ordinary) and 23rd July, 2018.

D.     South Yorkshire Pensions Authority Local Pension Board held on 7th June, 2018.

E.     South Yorkshire Pensions Authority held on 7th June (Annual) and 7th June (Ordinary) 2018.

F.     South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel held on 2nd July, 2018.

G.     Team Doncaster Strategic Partnership held on 5th June, 2018.