The Cabinet of Doncaster Council met on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, to discuss a range of financial and performance reports, alongside strategic initiatives for the borough. Key topics included the allocation of grant funding for economic development and skills, the refresh of the council's culture strategy, plans for expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and a comprehensive review of the council's financial performance and operational delivery for the third quarter of the 2025-26 financial year. Updates were also provided on the performance of St. Leger Homes of Doncaster Limited (SLHD).

Local Growth Fund and Economic Inactivity Trailblazer Funding

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the receipt of grant funding for the Local Growth Fund (LGF), which is acting as a transitional replacement for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and the allocation for the Economic Inactivity Trailblazer programme for 2026/27. The LGF, totalling £3,789,256, aims to boost productivity, pay, jobs, and living standards through initiatives focused on communities and place, supporting local businesses, and developing people and skills. The Economic Inactivity Trailblazer programme, receiving £1,705,225, focuses on creating a joined-up local offer for work, health, and skills support for economically inactive individuals. The report highlighted that these are one-year allocations, posing a risk to future programme continuity. Recommendations included approving the acceptance of the grants, delegating authority for agreeing terms and conditions, approving capital elements of the LGF into the capital programme, and approving detailed spending plans.

Refreshing Doncaster's Culture Strategy

A significant item on the agenda was the proposed refresh of Doncaster's Culture Strategy, extending its vision to 2035. The existing strategy, launched in 2022, was reviewed, incorporating feedback from over 900 community conversations held across the borough. The refreshed strategy focuses on three key priorities: Creative Health, aiming to ensure everyone can access creative activities for wellbeing; Creative Economy, focused on making Doncaster an attractive place for investment and tourism, creating jobs, and driving economic growth; and Creative Learning and Skills, to empower learners of all ages through creativity. The strategy is underpinned by four values: Be creative communities together, Be creative for wellbeing, Be a maker of opportunities, and Be champions of creative futures. The report recommended Cabinet approval of the revised strategy, noting that its development and delivery would largely utilise existing resources.

Local Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

The Cabinet was set to discuss plans for a major expansion of public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across South Yorkshire, supported by the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) programme. South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and the four South Yorkshire councils are jointly progressing an £18 million+ capital programme, funded by £8.9 million in government grant and private investment, aiming to deliver over 4,000 EV chargepoints across the region, with approximately 1,000 allocated to Doncaster. A single Chargepoint Operator (CPO) will be procured through a 15-year concession contract, with the private partner responsible for funding, installation, ownership, and maintenance. This approach aims to ensure equitable distribution of investment, particularly supporting residents without off-street parking. Recommendations included approving the joint contract award for a CPO and delegating authority for entering into the contract and inter-authority agreement.

Quarter 3 2025-26 Finance and Performance Improvement Report

This report provided an overview of the council's financial and performance outlook for the third quarter of the 2025-26 financial year. It highlighted an ongoing projected overspend of £5.2 million, consistent with the previous quarter, attributed to various factors including shortfalls in income targets and increased expenditure in areas such as Adults Social Care (£7.8m overspend), Culture & Commercialisation (£1.0m overspend), Place (£1.7m overspend), and Children, Young People & Families (£1.6m overspend). These pressures were partially offset by deferred Neighbourhood Renewal Fund income and contingency budgets. The report detailed proposals for releasing £5.2 million from earmarked reserves to address the projected overspend and outlined ongoing activities to reduce the in-year deficit, such as reviewing vacancies and considering spending restrictions. A significant projected deficit of £18.0 million was also noted for the Dedicated Schools Grant (High Needs Block). Cabinet was asked to note virements and allocations of block budgets in the Capital Programme.

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

The Cabinet received an update on St. Leger Homes of Doncaster Limited's (SLHD) performance for the third quarter of the 2025-26 financial year, covering Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs). The report indicated a generally positive performance, with 21 out of 30 measured KPIs meeting or being within agreed tolerances of their targets. Improvements were noted in areas such as sickness days and void relet times. The Tenant Perception Survey results for 2025/26 were also presented, showing generally positive outcomes, with most measures remaining stable or improving compared to previous years. The annual Value for Money (VFM) statement for 2024/25 was also included, concluding that SLHD continues to be a low cost, mid to high performing organisation when benchmarked against its peers. Cabinet was asked to note the progress of SLHD's performance and its contribution to the council's strategic priorities.