Ros Jones' draft budget identifies £4.4million in "savings" - including raising Markets Car Park fares
Mayor Ros Jones has proposed £4.4million of new savings over the next four years in her budget, including cuts which are the equivalent of four full time members of staff losing their jobs.
Savings came from an increase in evening and weekend charges at the Market Car Park, from £1 to £1.20, and the introduction of a charge for Cantley Park Pitch and Putt, which was previously free.
It is also proposed that the City of Doncaster Council will charge private businesses for the removal of graffiti, previously a free of charge service.
Despite the section of the report being titled as “savings”, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands it can also include new increases in income.
The Mayor’s budget proposals require the approval of full council before they can be implemented, and Reform UK’s group leader, Cllr Craig Ward, has suggested his party will table an “alternative balanced budget”.
Mayor Jones’ savings proposals will include an increase in volunteering-levels at community libraries across the borough and a restructuring of the library service which will see a reduction in full time officers.
The proposals reveal the council can also save £500,000 in 2026/27 by pausing recruitment on some vacancies, where services have still been provided, which have existed for more than 12 months.
Projections in the proposals reveal Doncaster Council expects to save £8,000 from the fare increase at the Market Car Park, and £15,000 each for introducing charges at Cantley Park Pitch & Putt and for graffiti removal.
The City of Doncaster Council will meet on February 26, 2026, to discuss budget proposals.
As previously reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Mayor Jones has also proposed a 4.99 per cent council tax hike – the maximum allowed – and £248million in capital spending for 2026/27.
This capital investment will be funded, in part, by £87m of borrowing.