Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Council Meeting held on Thursday, 24th January, 2019, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

“I would like to make Council aware that I have been informed about the Stronger Towns fund and with regard to this, the amount estimated for Yorkshire and the Humber is £197million, which has been announced today.  We are not certain of how much funding we will get.  Our estimate equates to roughly £12 million for Doncaster if based on a population basis, over 6 years.

We are also not aware whether this is new money or whether it is recycled money.  If it is new money, we always welcome that.  Homes Bonus monies, that is not new monies, that is top sliced money and we as an Authority have lost £20m, much more than the sums being paid.  We will wait to see what comes forward and all the information that comes from that.  I need to re-emphasise that according to the Centre for Cities ‘Cities Outlook 2019’, Northern Cities budgets have faced the biggest cut, with Doncaster ranked the third hardest hit by Austerity in percentage terms.  So, any money that comes we want, but more importantly, we don’t want it to be just a recycled way of presenting money before us.”

Councillor Nigel Ball, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure and Culture, made the following announcement:-

“I would like to share a bit of good news with Full Council regarding our Cycle Track at the Dome, where work is to start from next week.  Obviously, that has come to fruition now in terms of spades on the ground.  I wanted to make you aware that it is the Cycle Track that is being developed there, which will ensure that Doncaster is recognised as an International and National venue for cycling.  It will really put us on the map.  Hopefully it will be an inspiration to our people and our communities, and future generations as well. This will build on our reputation as a cycling venue and event holder nationally.  It is being funded by British Cycling through Sport England.  I just wanted to make full Council aware what is taking place this week in terms of hitting the ground running.  I think it is something from our perspective, that we should be proud of.”

None received for this meeting.

There were no questions from the public received for this meeting.

Prior to Council’s consideration of the report, the Chair of Council, Councillor Majid Khan, reminded Members of the legal requirement to include in the minutes, details of how each Elected Member has voted on decisions relating to the budget and level of Council Tax. Therefore, items 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 would all be subject to a recorded vote and voting preferences would be documented in the minutes of this meeting.

The Monitoring Officer, Scott Fawcus, made reference to the Public Sector Equality Duty within the Revenue Budget report and the Housing Revenue Account Budget (HRA), and reminded Members that Equality issues were fundamental to the exercise of the functions of all Public Authorities.  He stated that it was inevitable that the implementation of some of the budget proposals would have a significant impact on services, service users and individuals and groups, particularly those persons with protected characteristics within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010, which are age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnerships.

The Monitoring Officer outlined that within the various budget reports, the financial challenges faced by all Councils were large and that it was difficult to make savings on the scale required without any impact on services and residents, and there would inevitably be some impact on particular groups, including those with protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act.

Members noted that the Council was not legally obligated to reject savings with negative impacts on any particular groups, but must consider carefully and with rigour, the impact of its proposals on the Public Sector Equality Duty and take a reasonable and proportionate view about the overall impact on particular groups, and seek to mitigate negative impacts where possible.  In this context, the Council’s proposals for achieving savings were considered to be reasonable overall, and took adequate account of the duties set out under the Equality Act.

The Monitoring Officer informed Members that Appendix K of the Budget report, listed those budget proposals which would require the production of Due Regard Statements and which would require further decision making prior to implementation.  In relation to the HRA Budget, Appendix C detailed the comprehensive Due Regard Statement.

In relation to the HRA Budget, the Monitoring Officer outlined that Appendix C of the report detailed the comprehensive Due Regard Statement and that when considering this report, Members should consider the contents of that Due Regard Statement and their obligations under the Equality Act, 2010.

Subsequently, the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, presented the report to Council, which sought approval of the Revenue Budget proposals for 2019/20 to 2020/21.

The Mayor wished to inform colleagues that there had been no let-up by the Conservative Government; their continuing cuts to Council Budgets had left the Local Authority with another significant budget gap that the Council has had to meet, with a further £13m gap predicted for 2020/21.  In referring to a comment made by Theresa May  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

The Council considered a report presented by the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, which outlined the Capital Strategy and Capital Budget proposals for the next four years, 2019/20 to 2022/23.

The Mayor stated that despite the Government’s Revenue Budgets cuts, it was vital that the Council continued to invest in Doncaster’s future for the benefit of its residents, and to stimulate economic growth and job creation.  She was therefore pleased to introduce the Capital Budget proposals which would see an estimated £323m of investment across the Borough over the period 2019/20 to 2022/23, which would continue to stimulate growth and prosperity, with £135m spend planned for 2019/20.  The investment would further improve education, housing, infrastructure, retail, leisure and culture, as well as attracting investors and visitors to the Borough.  In particular, residents would see significant progress on a number of important projects to revitalise the Borough’s Town Centres and drive forward the Borough’s economy.

Members were informed that with regard to Highways, an estimated £4.9m of Local Transport Plan Capital funded works would be programmed for highway, bridge and street lighting maintenance schemes in 2019/20.  In addition, it was anticipated that around 15,000 square metres of permanent patching repairs would be undertaken in 2019/20, in support of pothole repairs, pothole prevention measures and routine maintenance.

In respect of the Urban Centre Masterplan, this year residents and businesses would see significant progress on a number of schemes, including:-

• An improved gateway into the Town Centre at the Railway Station, making major improvements to the area for Railway Station users, and encouraging visitors and new investment to Doncaster; and

• Construction of the new Central Library, Museum and Art Gallery would continue and works would commence on the Doncaster University Technical College, furthering the development of the Civic and Cultural Quarter with both sites expected to be open in 2020.

The Mayor reported that in terms of Major Transport and Economic Development Schemes, the Council would continue its success in using major transport and economic development schemes to deliver new jobs, economic growth and housing which included:-

• £12.7m earmarked for the DN7 Unity Hatfield Link Road which was expected to deliver over 3,000 homes, 395,000m² of commercial floor space and a local centre, with new retail and educational facilities over a 30 year timeframe; and

• The £10.3m A630 Westmoor Link would unlock housing and employment sites by introducing new infrastructure improvements, including high capacity junctions and widening a narrow railway bridge.

The Mayor added that where the private sector had been unable to deliver on its own, the Council was stepping in to help bring new economic development schemes to fruition.  At Lakeside, the Council development of Herten Triangle would deliver new leisure facilities with a number of restaurant, cafe and drive through units, and, as well as creating jobs for local people, the project was expected to generate £500,000 per year in rent, and around £300,000 per year of new business rates, helping to offset the impact of Conservative Government cuts.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 70.

The Council considered a report, presented by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Glyn Jones, Cabinet Member for Housing and Equalities, which set out the Mayor’s proposals for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget for the 2019/20 financial year and the medium term financial forecast for the next three years.

The Deputy Mayor reported that it was proposed that housing rents would be decreased by 1% in 2019/20 which was a statutory change that was included within the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016, and 2019/20 was the final year where there would be a 1% rent reduction.  The decrease made a small weekly difference for tenants, but every little helped in the current economic climate.  He pointed out that the average rent in Doncaster would be the lowest of all South Yorkshire Councils at £69.40 per week, and that it was also proposed that there would be inflationary increases in the charges for garages, enclosed gardens and district heating.

The Deputy Mayor reported that the HRA continued to fund almost £30m of investment into the Council stock each year over the next four years; the main areas of investment were energy efficiency improvements, including replacement boilers and other thermal efficiency works for hard to treat, non-traditional properties and external works such as new roofs, including fascias, gutters and soffits. In addition, the Council House New Build Programme would be completed, which had already been approved, which included properties in Edlington, Balby, Conisbrough and Wheatley. The Deputy Mayor explained that changes to the borrowing rules for the HRA and additional match funding that the Council had identified, provided a real opportunity to accelerate the Council’s New Build Programme in future years, and following the completion of the Housing Needs Survey, the Council would be approving an ambitious and exciting medium term plan for future New Build Council Housing.

The Deputy Mayor added that this year, 2019 marked100 years since the ambitious 1919 Housing Act, known as the Addison Act, which promised subsidies from the UK Government to help finance the construction of the very first social housing in the Country.  He commented that the Council was proud of its Council housing; it met the Doncaster Decency Standard and was provided at very affordable rent levels.  This Budget would ensure that the standard of all properties was maintained, many would receive further improvements, the day to day services which tenants received would be excellent and that the Council would deliver additional new build Council housing.

To conclude, the Deputy Mayor sought Council’s approval of the HRA Budget and rent decrease proposals.

Following the presentation of the Housing Revenue Account Budget 2019/20 proposals, Members were afforded the opportunity to comment on the report.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 21.4, a recorded vote was taken on the recommendations contained within the report, which was declared as follows:-

For - 47

The Chair of Council, Councillor Majid Khan, the Vice-Chair of Council, Councillor Linda Curran, the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71.

Mayor Ros Jones introduced the Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2019/20 to 2022/23, which provided details of the Strategy for the management of the Council’s finances and provided a framework for the operation of the Treasury Management Strategy function with the Council.

The Mayor stated that the Council must ensure that the Authority had access to money to pay its bills, and it was vital that Council managed its finances effectively, in the best interests of local residents.  She explained that the Treasury Management Strategy set out how the Council would optimise its cash flow and secure the most effective arrangements to support its long term funding needs over the next four years.

The Mayor reported that investment interest rates remained low, but forecast interest rates were due to rise over the term of the Strategy.  However, despite current volatility, the general consensus was that any issues would be slow and steady.  In terms of borrowing, this continued to be taken to support the Capital Programme and refinance matured loans, but this would be taken over the short term and at very low rates, which was less than 1.5% to keep interest costs as low as possible.  Further borrowing would be needed to help fund the Capital Programme, which would be taken when needed, and at the most advantageous interest rates achievable.

Overall, the Mayor believed that the Strategy was a sensible, prudent and appropriate approach to managing the Council’s financing requirements.

Members were then afforded the opportunity to comment on the report.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 21.4, a recorded vote was taken on the recommendations contained within the report, which was declared as follows:-

For - 46

The Chair of Council, Councillor Majid Khan, the Vice-Chair of Council, Councillor Linda Curran, the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Glyn Jones, and Councillors Nick Allen, Duncan Anderson, Lani-Mae Ball, Nigel Ball, Iris Beech, Joe Blackham, Rachael Blake, Nigel Cannings, Phil Cole, Mick Cooper, Jane Cox, Steve Cox, Susan Durant, Neil Gethin, John Gilliver, Martin Greenhalgh, Pat Haith, John Healy, Rachel Hodson, Charlie Hogarth, Mark Houlbrook, David Hughes, Eva Hughes, Ken Keegan, Jane Kidd, Tosh McDonald, Chris McGuinness, Sue McGuinness, Bill Mordue, John Mounsey, David Nevett, Jane Nightingale, Ian Pearson, Cynthia Ransome, Tina Reid, Andrea Robinson, Kevin Rodgers, Derek Smith, Frank Tyas, Austen White, Sue Wilkinson and Paul Wray.

Against - 2

Councillors R. Allan Jones and Jonathan Wood.

Abstain - 0

On being put to the meeting, the recommendations contained within the report were declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED that

(1)      the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2019/20 to 2022/23 and the Prudential Indicators included, be approved; and

(2)      the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy, as detailed in paragraphs 26 to 27 and in Appendix B of the report, be approved.

The Council considered a report, introduced by the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, which set out how the Council Tax was calculated and made recommendations regarding Doncaster Council’s Council Tax requirement for 2019/20.

It was proposed that Doncaster Council’s element of the Band D Council Tax charge be increased by 4.99% for 2019/20 to £1,351.43. The proposals included an increase in the core Council Tax of 2.99%, as set out in the 2019/20 Revenue Budget report and an increase in the Adult Social Care precept of 2%.

The Mayor reported that just under 88% of domestic properties in Doncaster fell into Bands A, B and C with 59% falling in Band A. The proposals equated to a charge of £900.95for a Band A property, which was an increase of £0.82 per week.

The report included an increase in Council Taxes ofthe Joint Authorities (South Yorkshire Police and South Yorkshire Fire), which represented an overall increase of 5.91% for Doncaster residents.

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

Councillor Neil Gethin made reference to previousassurances given that the Hillsborough tragedy would be funded by Central Government and sought further clarification from the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, whether this has had a direct impact on the increase in the Council Tax precept for Policingbeing levied on the residents of Doncaster by the Police and Crime Commissioner.  Councillor Gethin also asked the Mayor to provide further information about the current review of Policing in South Yorkshire and the role undertaken by PSCOs.

In response, the Mayor stated that she was unable to confirm what level of funding had been provided by Central Government and therefore undertook to provide a written response in respect of both issues raised by Councillor Gethin.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 21.4, a recorded vote was taken on the recommendations contained within the report, which was declared as follows:-

For - 42  

The Chair of Council, Councillor Majid Khan, the Vice-Chair of Council, Councillor Linda Curran, the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Glyn Jones, and Councillors Duncan Anderson, Lani-Mae Ball, Nigel Ball, Iris Beech, Joe Blackham, Rachael Blake, Nigel Cannings, Phil Cole, Mick Cooper, Susan Durant, Neil Gethin, John Gilliver, Pat Haith, John Healy, Rachel Hodson, Charlie Hogarth, Mark Houlbrook, David Hughes, Eva Hughes, Ken Keegan, Jane Kidd, Tosh McDonald, Chris McGuinness, Sue McGuinness, Bill Mordue, John Mounsey, David Nevett, Jane Nightingale, Ian Pearson, Tina Reid, Andrea Robinson, Kevin Rodgers, Dave Shaw, Derek Smith, Frank Tyas, Austen White, Sue Wilkinson and Paul Wray.

Against - 7

Councillors Nick Allen, Jane Cox, Steve Cox, Martin Greenhalgh, R. Allan Jones, Cynthia Ransome and Jonathan Wood.

Abstain - 0

On being put to the meeting, the recommendation contained within the report was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED that the Council approve a Band D Council Tax for 2019/20 of £1,351.43 for Doncaster Council services and pass the appropriate Statutory Resolutions,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 73.

The Council considered a report, presented by Mayor Ros Jones, which sought approval of an updated Corporate Plan for 2019/20, which provided a clear direction for the work of the Council for the next year.

The Mayor stated that the Council had continued to modernise, integrate services and deliver significant budget savings. This had been combined with broader place shaping work.

The Mayor highlighted some of the Council’s achievements over the past year, which included:-

·         The completion of the Phase 2 of the Great Yorkshire Way;

·         Record levels of investment, house building and employment;

·         Agreement for a new University Technical College; and

·         Events like the Tour de Yorkshire and Museum of the Moon

Members were informed that the updated Plan was framed around the same 5 themes as the current Plan:-

·         The 4 Doncaster Growing Together priority themes; and

·         The cross-cutting ‘Connected Council’ theme.

The Mayor explained that this sharpened the focus on inclusive growth and the ‘Areas for Action’ for the ‘Working’ theme which had been updated to reflect the new Inclusive Growth Strategy.

The Mayor stressed that the Council faced further budgetary challenges and that the updated Plan highlighted a number of ‘must do’ imperatives across all themes, including:-

·         Community level work to harness local strengths;

·         Early intervention and prevention; and

·         Targeting services to the residents and communities that needed them most

The Mayor stated that she was grateful to Overview and Scrutiny for considering the updated Plan and providing feedback and support.

Despite budget challenges and Brexit uncertainty, the Mayor was looking forward to:-

·         The University Technical College which strengthened Doncaster’s case to become a University City;

·         The re-opening of the Wool Market in March 2019;

·         ‘Doncaster Creates 2020-22’ and the proposed investment at High Melton;

·         The start of the DN7/Unity Link at Junction 5 of the M18;

·         The Council’s continued push for a Train Station at the Airport; and

·         The ‘Tour de Yorkshire’ returning and the hosting of the Cycling World championships

To conclude, the Mayor reported that the Council would continue to work with its partners to improve the Borough as a place to live, work, invest and visit.

Members were afforded the opportunity to comment on the report.

RESOLVED that updated 2019/20 Corporate Plan, be approved.    

(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 from Elected Members had been received for this meeting.

B.     Questions Without Notice

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.2, the Chair of Council sought questions from Elected Members during question time.

A.     Questions to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones

Q.  Councillor Dave Shaw asked the following question:-

“Jeremy Corbyn backed recent Climate Change strikes involving our young people.  He tweeted ‘Climate change is the greatest threat that we all face, but it is the school kids of today whose futures are most on the line. They are right to feel let down by the generation before them and it’s inspiring to see them making their voice heard’.  Conversely, Theresa May condemned them saying they were wasting lesson time and increasing Teachers’ workloads.  If Doncaster Cchool children take part in the global day of action on 15th March, will you be inspired like Jeremy Corbyn, or scathing like Theresa May?”

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

“I am inspired that our young people are concerned about Air Quality and the present and the future.  Therefore, I believe that we really should support our young people moving forward.  However, I would urge them to take a day of action on a weekend rather than during the week, so that they do not lose out on their education.  I know that there are rules whether children attend school or not, but isn’t it great that are young people are actually concerned about their futures and concerned about the present day as well.  We support their intentions because it is right and proper and is great to see, however, I would urge them to undertake this day of action on weekends and not disrupt their schooling.”

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

There were no questions put to the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Glyn Jones, Cabinet Member for Housing and Equalities.

C.    Questions to Councillor Nigel Ball, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure and Culture

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

D.    Questions to Councillor Joe Blackham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene and Trading Services

There were no questions put to Councillor Joe Blackham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene and Trading Services.

E.     Questions to Councillor Rachael Blake, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care

There were no questions put to Councillor Rachael Blake, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care.

F.     Questions to Councillor Nuala Fennelly, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools

In the absence of Councillor Nuala Fennelly, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, the Chair of Council informed Members that any questions for Councillor Fennelly should be submitted in writing to the Executive Office after the meeting and a response would be provided accordingly.

G.    Questions to Councillor Chris McGuinness, Cabinet Member for Communities, Voluntary Sector and the Environment

There were no questions put  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

The Council considered a report which informed Members of Key Decisions taken under Special Urgency Provisions, which had been taken by the Executive between the period 5th March, 2018 and 22nd February, 2019. The ability to take decisions under Special Urgency was provided for within legislation and reflected in the Access to Information Procedure Rules, as set out in the Council’s Constitution. 

The report informed Council that one decision had been taken under Special Urgency provisions during the period:-

·                Proposed acquisition of land at Waterfront, Doncaster

The decision was taken by Councillor Joe Blackham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene and Trading Services, in consultation with Councillor Paul Wray, Chair of the Regeneration and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Panel.  A copy of the Decision Record was circulated to all Members of the Council on 6th June, 2018.

RESOLVED that the action taken in accordance with Special Urgency provisions of the Access to Information Procedure Rules, be noted.

A.        Sheffield City Region Combined Authority held on 28th January, 2019.

B.      Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Board held on 14th January, 2019.

C.      South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority held on 14th January, 2019.

D.      South Yorkshire Pensions Authority Local Pension Board held on 17th January, 2019.

E.      South Yorkshire Pensions Authority held on 17th January, 2019.

F.      South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel held on 3rd December, 2018.

G.      Team Doncaster Strategic Partnership held on 27th November, 2018.

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

A.      Sheffield City Region Combined Authority held on 28th January,

          2019.

B.      Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Board held

          on 14th January, 2019.

C.      South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority held on 14th

          January, 2019.

D.      South Yorkshire Pensions Authority Local Pension Board held

          on 17th January, 2019.

E.      South Yorkshire Pensions Authority held on 17th January, 2019.

F.      South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel held on 3rd December,

          2018.

G.      Team Doncaster Strategic Partnership held on 27th November,

          2018.