The Cabinet of Doncaster Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, to consider a range of important matters. Key decisions on the nomination of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the acceptance of significant grant funding for sustainable transport improvements are on the agenda. The meeting will also include a comprehensive review of the council's financial and performance position for the 2025-26 fiscal year, alongside an update on housing performance.

Doncaster Humberhead UNESCO Biosphere Nomination

A significant item for discussion is the potential designation of the Doncaster Humberhead Levels as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This initiative, aligned with the Doncaster Delivering Together Strategy and the Economic Strategy 2030, aims to establish the first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the North of England. The report outlines that Biosphere Reserves are internationally recognised learning places for sustainable development under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, focusing on balancing biodiversity conservation with sustainable economic and community activities. It is emphasised that this designation will not introduce new restrictions or regulations on land use. The proposal centres on the nationally significant peatlands of the Doncaster Humberhead Levels, which are ecologically rich, serve as vital carbon sinks, and are important habitats for rare species, though they are also vulnerable, as evidenced by the 2020 wildfire on Hatfield Moors. The report details a proposed timeline for the application, with submission to the UK MAB Committee planned for June 2026. The potential benefits for Doncaster citizens include improved community health and wellbeing through access to cleaner environments and high-quality green spaces, strengthened local economies through nature-based enterprise and sustainable tourism, attraction of national and international investment, enhanced climate resilience, and a boost to local identity and pride. The Cabinet will be asked to approve the progression of the submission to UNESCO and acknowledge the need for ongoing funding and resources for the management of the Biosphere.

Trans Pennine Trail Improvements

The Cabinet will consider accepting a grant of £1,222,093 from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement. This funding is earmarked for walking, wheeling, and cycling improvements along a specific section of the Trans Pennine Trail, between Melton Road and the Boat Inn. This scheme represents phase two of improvements, following the completion of phase one between York Road and Melton Road in June 2024. The report highlights that current surfacing conditions along the riverside are poor, leading to accessibility issues, particularly after flood events, and that sections of the trail have begun to erode. The proposed works include 3100 meters of improved surfacing, new seating at two locations, modifications to two existing access controls to create two-way gates, and new directional signage. Consultation with the Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Trust and local ward members has indicated strong support for these upgrades. The scheme directly addresses the SYMCA objective of decarbonising transport and promoting modal shift from cars to active travel. The funding must be utilised by 31 March 2027, with a three-month construction period anticipated.

2025-26 Quarter 4 Finance and Performance Improvement Report

A comprehensive report detailing the financial and performance outlook for Quarter 4 and summarising the delivery against the Corporate Plan and Budget for 2025-26 is scheduled for review. The report notes the ongoing economic uncertainty, with international factors and the conflict in the Middle East impacting fuel and energy prices, and consequently UK inflation. Locally, Doncaster's economy is described as tracking close to benchmarks, with an employment rate above regional averages but wage levels slightly below. The report indicates a balanced outturn position for the year-end, with a net overspend of £1.2m being funded by the release of earmarked reserves as planned. However, ongoing overspends are highlighted in areas such as Adult Social Care, Culture & Commercialisation, and Children, Young People & Families. The report also details a deficit of £13.3m for the Dedicated Schools Grant (High Needs Block). This is the final report against the 2025-26 budget and Corporate Plan, with the next cycle monitoring the new budget and corporate plan for 2026-27. The Cabinet will be asked to approve and comment on the quarter 4 performance and financial information, including noting allocations in the Capital Programme and the addition of a new strategic risk concerning the Failure to deliver the national Prevent agenda.

St. Leger Homes of Doncaster Limited (SLHD) Performance Update

An update on St. Leger Homes of Doncaster Limited's (SLHD) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs) for the fourth quarter and the year ended 31 March 2026 is to be presented. The report indicates that 22 out of 31 measured KPIs were met or were within agreed tolerances of their targets. The update includes detailed commentary on specific KPIs, such as rent arrears, void rent loss, average days to re-let properties, and tenant satisfaction with overall services and repairs. Notably, performance in areas like rent arrears, average hotel stays for homeless households, and the percentage of settled accommodation at the prevention stage are reported as being better than target. However, areas such as void rent loss, average days to re-let standard properties, and the percentage of homes not meeting the Decent Homes Standard require further attention. The report also includes benchmarking data from Housemark and details on tenant perception surveys. The Cabinet is recommended to note the progress of SLHD's performance and its contribution to the Council's strategic priorities.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:00 am in the Council Chamber at the Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster. Members of the public are welcome to attend, with arrangements in place for registration and seating. The meeting will be recorded for broadcast via the Council's website.