Doncaster Council Explains 2025 Election Impact on Tax, Housing Decisions

Reform UK gained control of Doncaster Council in the 2025 local elections, winning 37 of 55 seats, while Labour dropped to 12 seats and Conservatives to 6. This outcome replaced the previous balance of power and set the direction for subsequent budget and planning choices.

The 2025 Election Result

The change in council composition followed the local elections held in 2025. Reform UK secured a clear majority with 37 seats out of the total 55 available. Labour retained 12 seats and the Conservatives held 6. The new majority has since shaped responses to fiscal pressures and government-mandated planning updates.

Budget and Tax Adjustments

Under the new council the proposed 2025/26 council tax increase was reduced to 2% from the Mayor's initial 4.99% proposal. Officials have warned this adjustment may cause a £14.6 million shortfall by 2028/29 and risk a Section 114 notice. The decision reflects priorities set after the election while highlighting longer-term financial constraints.

Planning and Development Requirements

Government planning reforms forced Doncaster to create a new Local Plan, raising the annual housing target from 920 to 1,235 units, with the new plan expected to be adopted by April 2029. In early 2025 the Cabinet approved a new 25-year strategy for Doncaster City Centre that includes an immediate 12-month action plan and a £32m development adjacent to the train station targeting completion in January 2027. Doncaster Council has also submitted expressions of interest to become a regional Artificial Intelligence Growth Zone, backed by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and industry partners. These steps follow directly from the altered political control and the updated national requirements.

Future updates to the Local Plan and city centre strategy will be reported as they progress through formal approval stages.