Doncaster Council: Mayor Jones drawing up 2026/27 budget after receiving details of new Government settlement

Mayor Ros Jones announced that the City of Doncaster Council is developing proposals for its 2026/27 budget after receiving a multi-year financial settlement from the Government – the first in over a decade. This settlement provides funding certainty for three years (2026/27 – 2028/29), enabling planned investment in areas like highways, council housing, flood prevention, leisure centres, school places, and town/city centre regeneration. The council is also progressing with significant regeneration projects, including the redevelopment of Waterdale and Colonnades, and new leisure centre investments.

Despite the positive outlook, Mayor Jones highlighted significant financial pressures, particularly in adults’ and children’s social care, which currently account for over 70% of the council’s expenditure due to an ageing population and rising demand. The council is currently facing an in-year deficit of £5.2m, with Adults’ Social Care experiencing the largest overspend, forecasted at £6.3m, largely due to high spending on social care services, including SEND provision.

Mayor Jones and council staff are working through the details of the settlement and preparing budget proposals to be presented to the cabinet and full council in February. The refreshed Doncaster Borough Strategy for 2026-2030, detailing numerous regeneration projects, is also set for approval next week.

(Source：Doncaster Free Press)