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 recent death of former Councillor Paul Coddington.

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 21st September, 2023, 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 Duncan Anderson made the following announcements:-

“I am delighted to announce that Maria Jacob, a pupil at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Rossington, was appointed as Doncaster’s Junior Civic Mayor at a ceremony held at the Mansion House on the 13th October, 2023.  Many congratulations to Maria and indeed all the young people who submitted an application.

We also appointed 13 new Primary Ambassadors whose role is to champion children's voice and work on issues important to children.

I would also like to say a massive thank you to Evia Shaw-Lewis, the out-going Junior Civic Mayor, whom I have had the privilege to work with during my time in office, as well as the previous Primary Ambassadors, all of whom did a fantastic job representing the young people of Doncaster.

This weekend Doncaster held it’s Remembrance Observances to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military, and civilian servicemen and women, in the two World Wars and later conflicts.  On Saturday 11th November, we gathered on the steps of the Mansion House to observe the national 2 minutes silence and on Remembrance Sunday, a service was held at the Cenotaph, and later at Doncaster Minster.  It was both humbling and a great honour to be part of these services, and I would like to thank all those involved in the organisation of the event, and all those that joined us to pay their respects to those that made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms that we enjoy today.

I would like to offer the Councils best wishes to Canon David Stephens. Canon Stephens has announced his retirement and will be greatly missed. He has been a friend to this Council, a pillar of the community and the cornerstone of many civic events.  He is a friend to many and whoever takes on his position has big shoes to fill.  His last service at the Doncaster Minster will be on 4th February, 2024 and I invite as many of you as possible to attend.

I am proud to announce that two charities in Doncaster;  Firefly Cancer Awareness and Support, and the Cantley Neighbourhood Centre, are amongst the organisations across the UK that have been awarded the first ever King’s Award for Voluntary Service.  Formerly known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, it was established in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee.  It is equivalent to an MBE and is the highest honour awarded to voluntary groups, and is given for their outstanding community service.

Firefly provide free transport to local cancer patients and their families to regional treatment hospitals, using their fantastic team of volunteer drivers, and Cantley Neighbourhood Centre provides fellowship, comfort and advice, food, clothing and refreshments and signposting for health and well-being.  I would like to formally record our congratulations to both organisations on receiving this award and thank them for the tremendous work that they do.”

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

Can  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

None received for this meeting.

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

(i)        Questions on Notice to the Executive:-

None received for this meeting.

(ii)          Questions without Notice to the Executive and the Chairs of Committees.

A.   Questions on Notice

There were no questions on notice received from Elected Members 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 the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones

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

“In terms of the Hickleton bypass that you mentioned in your announcements, this comes under the purse strings of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Authority, so can you provide assurance that Councillor Ransome and myself will be included in any discussions relating to this?”

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

“I will update you of course as discussions are held, but if you listen to my earlier announcement, you have heard the dates when it will come into force.  If that is the case, it will be after the next Election but we will keep people updated as we have done with Doncaster Sheffield Airport.  It has to be apportioned fairly and go through the MCA; I will always fight for our fair share.”

Q.    From Councillor Nick Allen to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Do you think future Council Meetings can be live streamed rather than just recorded?”

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

“I do not know what the cost implications of this would be.  I have no problem with live streaming taking place.”

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

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

C.     Questions to Councillor Lani-Mae Ball, Cabinet Member for Early Help, Education, Skills and People

There were no questions put to Councillor Lani-Mae Ball, Cabinet Member for Early Help, Education, Skills and People.

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

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

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

There were no questions put to Councillor Joe Blackham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Enforcement.

F.     Questions to Councillor Rachael Blake, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care and Equalities

There were no questions put to Councillor Rachael Blake, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care and Equalities.

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

In the absence of Councillor Phil Cole, Cabinet Member for Finance, Traded Services and Planning, Members were asked to submit any questions in writing to the Executive Office and a written response would be provided.

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

In the absence of Councillor Jane Nightingale, Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources, Members were asked to submit any questions in writing to the Executive Office and a written response would be provided.

I.       Questions to Councillor Mark  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

A.  South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board held on 12th September, 2023.

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority - 120923

B.  South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority held on 11th September, 2023.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Authority - 11th September

C.  South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel held on 25th September, 2023.

South Yorkshire Police & Crime Panel - 250923

D.  Team Doncaster Executive held on 14th June, 2023 (attached).

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

A.     South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board held on 12th September, 2023.

B.     South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority held on 11th September, 2023. 

C.     South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel held on 25th September, 2023.

D.     Team Doncaster Executive held on 14th June, 2023.