Harry Harrison
@hharrisonjourno.bsky.social
Local Democracy Reporter for Doncaster
Views my own/RTs ≠ endorsements | Direct messages are open
Email: [email protected]
Views my own/RTs ≠ endorsements | Direct messages are open
Email: [email protected]
Top tier headline that none of us would have the chance to see without the Local Democracy Reporting Service...
"Weeing and pooing in street and anti-social driving among activities banned in proposed order"
"Weeing and pooing in street and anti-social driving among activities banned in proposed order"
Defecating in street among activities banned in proposed order
People are being asked what they think of the proposed new public space protection order for Stockton town centre, with a separate order for Norton
www.gazettelive.co.uk
December 9, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Top tier headline that none of us would have the chance to see without the Local Democracy Reporting Service...
"Weeing and pooing in street and anti-social driving among activities banned in proposed order"
"Weeing and pooing in street and anti-social driving among activities banned in proposed order"
REPORT: Doncaster Council’s spending deficit against the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) will be £19.1m in 2025/26 alone, papers have revealed
Local authorities still await word from government on how it plans to deal with this significant national issue
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/politic...
Local authorities still await word from government on how it plans to deal with this significant national issue
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/politic...
Doncaster's SEND spending deficit to reach £19.1million in 2025/26, papers show
The projected in-year deficit for Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) spending at the City of Doncaster Council will be nearly £20million at the end of 2025/26, reports show.
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk
December 8, 2025 at 4:55 PM
REPORT: Doncaster Council’s spending deficit against the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) will be £19.1m in 2025/26 alone, papers have revealed
Local authorities still await word from government on how it plans to deal with this significant national issue
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/politic...
Local authorities still await word from government on how it plans to deal with this significant national issue
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/politic...
More than one-in-10 St Leger Homes properties are "non-decent", cabinet papers have revealed
Less than 8% of council properties did not meet the Decent Homes Standard after 2025/26 Q1, but a "significant" increase puts this up to 12% after Q2
Less than 8% of council properties did not meet the Decent Homes Standard after 2025/26 Q1, but a "significant" increase puts this up to 12% after Q2
One-in-10 council properties in Doncaster "non-decent", report reveals
More than one-in-10 St Leger Homes of Doncaster (SLHD) properties do not meet the “decent homes standard”, it has been revealed.
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk
December 8, 2025 at 2:19 PM
More than one-in-10 St Leger Homes properties are "non-decent", cabinet papers have revealed
Less than 8% of council properties did not meet the Decent Homes Standard after 2025/26 Q1, but a "significant" increase puts this up to 12% after Q2
Less than 8% of council properties did not meet the Decent Homes Standard after 2025/26 Q1, but a "significant" increase puts this up to 12% after Q2
REPORT: A councillor in Doncaster has defected to Advance UK, after defecting from Reform UK
Cllr Nicola Brown revealed she was leaving Nigel Farage's in a statement to me this morning
She's been welcomed with open arms by Advance's leader Ben Habib ⬇️
Cllr Nicola Brown revealed she was leaving Nigel Farage's in a statement to me this morning
She's been welcomed with open arms by Advance's leader Ben Habib ⬇️
Doncaster councillor quits Reform UK and defects to Ben Habib's Advance UK
A Doncaster councillor has quit Reform UK for a second time to join Advance UK, a recently registered political party backed by Tommy Robinson.
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk
December 8, 2025 at 12:38 PM
REPORT: A councillor in Doncaster has defected to Advance UK, after defecting from Reform UK
Cllr Nicola Brown revealed she was leaving Nigel Farage's in a statement to me this morning
She's been welcomed with open arms by Advance's leader Ben Habib ⬇️
Cllr Nicola Brown revealed she was leaving Nigel Farage's in a statement to me this morning
She's been welcomed with open arms by Advance's leader Ben Habib ⬇️
NEW 🚨: Councillor Nicola Brown has defected from Reform UK to Ben Habib's Advance UK, she has confirmed to the LDRS
She will become Advance's first councillor on the City of Doncaster Council. Mr Habib called her a "principled lady... concerned about the state of the country".
She will become Advance's first councillor on the City of Doncaster Council. Mr Habib called her a "principled lady... concerned about the state of the country".
December 8, 2025 at 12:04 PM
NEW 🚨: Councillor Nicola Brown has defected from Reform UK to Ben Habib's Advance UK, she has confirmed to the LDRS
She will become Advance's first councillor on the City of Doncaster Council. Mr Habib called her a "principled lady... concerned about the state of the country".
She will become Advance's first councillor on the City of Doncaster Council. Mr Habib called her a "principled lady... concerned about the state of the country".
The NHS South Yorkshire ICB has gone ahead with proposals to cut the number of IVF cycles it will offer from two to one
Much to the disappointment of local councillors
Much to the disappointment of local councillors
"Heartbreaking" - NHS IVF cycles in South Yorkshire cut to one by health bosses
The decision from South Yorkshire health bosses to reduce the number of IVF cycles available on the NHS is “shocking”, councillors in Doncaster have said.
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk
December 5, 2025 at 11:13 AM
The NHS South Yorkshire ICB has gone ahead with proposals to cut the number of IVF cycles it will offer from two to one
Much to the disappointment of local councillors
Much to the disappointment of local councillors
Doncaster Council's projected overspend at the end of 2025/26 has been reduced by over 20% since the end of Q1
But... it remains a "significant issue" at £5.2m
Story below ⬇️
But... it remains a "significant issue" at £5.2m
Story below ⬇️
Projected overspend at Council slashed by 20% but remains "significant issue"
The City of Doncaster Council’s projected overspend at the end of the current financial year has been slashed by over 20 per cent, but remains “clearly a significant issue”, papers show.
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk
December 4, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Doncaster Council's projected overspend at the end of 2025/26 has been reduced by over 20% since the end of Q1
But... it remains a "significant issue" at £5.2m
Story below ⬇️
But... it remains a "significant issue" at £5.2m
Story below ⬇️
A report to Mayor Ros Jones' cabinet meeting next week has revealed plans for safety improvements at a busy city centre crossing
It'll come with a £1.4m price tag, if the money is accepted by cabinet
It'll come with a £1.4m price tag, if the money is accepted by cabinet
Council plans for major changes at busy Doncaster city centre crossing revealed
New and improved active travel infrastructure for walkers, wheelers and cyclists will improve safety for a busy Doncaster city centre crossing, if £1.4million in funding is approved next week.
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk
December 4, 2025 at 1:25 PM
A report to Mayor Ros Jones' cabinet meeting next week has revealed plans for safety improvements at a busy city centre crossing
It'll come with a £1.4m price tag, if the money is accepted by cabinet
It'll come with a £1.4m price tag, if the money is accepted by cabinet
Health on the High Street looks set to take another step closer next week
Mayor Ros Jones and her cabinet are recommended to approve a lease and sub-lease to bring NHS services to Doncaster city centre
Mayor Ros Jones and her cabinet are recommended to approve a lease and sub-lease to bring NHS services to Doncaster city centre
Council set to sub-lease empty Waterdale unit to NHS
Long-awaited ‘Health on the High Street’ services look set to be coming to Doncaster city centre, as Mayor Ros Jones’ cabinet looks set to sub-lease a vacant Waterdale unit to a local NHS trust.
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk
December 3, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Health on the High Street looks set to take another step closer next week
Mayor Ros Jones and her cabinet are recommended to approve a lease and sub-lease to bring NHS services to Doncaster city centre
Mayor Ros Jones and her cabinet are recommended to approve a lease and sub-lease to bring NHS services to Doncaster city centre
The climate minister has said the UK is going through a "transition" and should take advantage of the declining price of solar energy
Katie White MP was responding to a question from me about Whitestone Solar Farm, which councils in Rotherham and Doncaster have publicly opposed
Katie White MP was responding to a question from me about Whitestone Solar Farm, which councils in Rotherham and Doncaster have publicly opposed
UK 'going through a transition', says minister quizzed on huge solar farm project
The UK is going through a transition and needs to take advantage of the declining price of solar, the climate minister has said.
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk
December 3, 2025 at 11:32 AM
The climate minister has said the UK is going through a "transition" and should take advantage of the declining price of solar energy
Katie White MP was responding to a question from me about Whitestone Solar Farm, which councils in Rotherham and Doncaster have publicly opposed
Katie White MP was responding to a question from me about Whitestone Solar Farm, which councils in Rotherham and Doncaster have publicly opposed
An excellent story from the BBC Yorkshire team
'Our local hospital's broken hearing services have failed us'
'Our local hospital's broken hearing services have failed us'
NHS apologises for Doncaster audiology services failings
Hundreds of adults and children facing long waits for hearing tests and treatment due to failings.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 3, 2025 at 10:18 AM
An excellent story from the BBC Yorkshire team
'Our local hospital's broken hearing services have failed us'
'Our local hospital's broken hearing services have failed us'
REPORT: Oliver Coppard has said he is "really confident" for the future of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, but acknowledged it is not without risk
The first of two stories from yesterday's Great Northern Conference in Doncaster
Read below ⬇️
The first of two stories from yesterday's Great Northern Conference in Doncaster
Read below ⬇️
South Yorkshire Mayor "confident" for future of Doncaster Sheffield Airport
The Mayor of South Yorkshire has said he is “really confident” for the future of Doncaster Sheffield Airport during a panel discussion at the 2025 Great Northern Conference.
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk
December 3, 2025 at 10:13 AM
REPORT: Oliver Coppard has said he is "really confident" for the future of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, but acknowledged it is not without risk
The first of two stories from yesterday's Great Northern Conference in Doncaster
Read below ⬇️
The first of two stories from yesterday's Great Northern Conference in Doncaster
Read below ⬇️
Councillor Nicola Brown has rejoined Reform UK Doncaster days after quitting the party to sit as an independent
Doncaster councillor rejoins Reform UK days after quitting party
A councillor in Doncaster has rejoined Reform UK days after quitting the party to sit as an independent.
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk
December 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Councillor Nicola Brown has rejoined Reform UK Doncaster days after quitting the party to sit as an independent
This is Diane.
Diane is a 70yo pensioner paying an eye-watering £150pw to top up the heating on her council flat in Doncaster
She says nearby buildings have had upgrades from St Leger Homes, but her's, Chevet House, has been forgotten
Diane is a 70yo pensioner paying an eye-watering £150pw to top up the heating on her council flat in Doncaster
She says nearby buildings have had upgrades from St Leger Homes, but her's, Chevet House, has been forgotten
December 1, 2025 at 12:15 PM
This is Diane.
Diane is a 70yo pensioner paying an eye-watering £150pw to top up the heating on her council flat in Doncaster
She says nearby buildings have had upgrades from St Leger Homes, but her's, Chevet House, has been forgotten
Diane is a 70yo pensioner paying an eye-watering £150pw to top up the heating on her council flat in Doncaster
She says nearby buildings have had upgrades from St Leger Homes, but her's, Chevet House, has been forgotten
Labour minister Miatta Fahnbulleh MP was in Doncaster yesterday morning, announcing £20m in Government funding for the city centre
Mayor Ros Jones told councillors at full council that £7m would be used on regenerating Doncaster Markets
Mayor Ros Jones told councillors at full council that £7m would be used on regenerating Doncaster Markets
£20million announced for city centre regeneration in minister visit
Doncaster has been awarded £20million by the government to transform the city centre.
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk
November 28, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Labour minister Miatta Fahnbulleh MP was in Doncaster yesterday morning, announcing £20m in Government funding for the city centre
Mayor Ros Jones told councillors at full council that £7m would be used on regenerating Doncaster Markets
Mayor Ros Jones told councillors at full council that £7m would be used on regenerating Doncaster Markets
NEW: Former Reform UK parliamentary candidate Irwen Martin has resigned as Doncaster branch chairman, as a local councillor quits the party to sit as an independent
Doncaster Reform Branch chairman steps down and councillor quits party
A prominent member of Doncaster Reform UK has resigned as branch chairman, alongside a local councillor who will now sit as an independent.
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk
November 28, 2025 at 12:23 PM
NEW: Former Reform UK parliamentary candidate Irwen Martin has resigned as Doncaster branch chairman, as a local councillor quits the party to sit as an independent
NEW: Doncaster Councillor Guy Aston has resigned as leader of the Reform UK group
In a message to his party colleagues, Aston claimed to have received "unpleasant, vitriolic texts that border on abuse", including from his own councillors
In a message to his party colleagues, Aston claimed to have received "unpleasant, vitriolic texts that border on abuse", including from his own councillors
Reform UK leader resigns after being defeated in council chamber by his own party
Reform UK Councillor Guy Aston has stepped down as group leader on the City of Doncaster Council, claiming he has received “vitriolic texts that border on abuse” from members of his own party.
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk
November 28, 2025 at 11:28 AM
NEW: Doncaster Councillor Guy Aston has resigned as leader of the Reform UK group
In a message to his party colleagues, Aston claimed to have received "unpleasant, vitriolic texts that border on abuse", including from his own councillors
In a message to his party colleagues, Aston claimed to have received "unpleasant, vitriolic texts that border on abuse", including from his own councillors
BREAKING: Cllr Guy Aston has resigned as leader of the Reform UK group on the City of Doncaster Council "effective immediately"
In a message to party colleagues, Cllr Aston says he has been subject to "vitriolic texts that border on abuse" from people, including his own Cllrs
In a message to party colleagues, Cllr Aston says he has been subject to "vitriolic texts that border on abuse" from people, including his own Cllrs
November 28, 2025 at 10:53 AM
BREAKING: Cllr Guy Aston has resigned as leader of the Reform UK group on the City of Doncaster Council "effective immediately"
In a message to party colleagues, Cllr Aston says he has been subject to "vitriolic texts that border on abuse" from people, including his own Cllrs
In a message to party colleagues, Cllr Aston says he has been subject to "vitriolic texts that border on abuse" from people, including his own Cllrs
REPORT: Doncaster Sheffield Airport has passed its last legislative hurdle after councillors approved £57m of borrowing
Doncaster Council approves £57million in borrowing to support DSA reopening
The reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport has passed its last legislative hurdle after councillors approved £57million in borrowing to support the project.
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk
November 27, 2025 at 4:15 PM
REPORT: Doncaster Sheffield Airport has passed its last legislative hurdle after councillors approved £57m of borrowing
BREAKING: Doncaster Council has approved £57m in borrowing to support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport
November 27, 2025 at 3:35 PM
BREAKING: Doncaster Council has approved £57m in borrowing to support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport
NEW: Message from the Donny Reform UK WhatsApp show a very clear whip for the DSA borrowing vote today
Anything but a yes vote could result in suspension, according to this message from Cllr Ioan Craciun (group whip)
Hints that not turning up to meeting is best bet for no votes
Anything but a yes vote could result in suspension, according to this message from Cllr Ioan Craciun (group whip)
Hints that not turning up to meeting is best bet for no votes
November 27, 2025 at 8:24 AM
NEW: Message from the Donny Reform UK WhatsApp show a very clear whip for the DSA borrowing vote today
Anything but a yes vote could result in suspension, according to this message from Cllr Ioan Craciun (group whip)
Hints that not turning up to meeting is best bet for no votes
Anything but a yes vote could result in suspension, according to this message from Cllr Ioan Craciun (group whip)
Hints that not turning up to meeting is best bet for no votes
REPORT: Auditors highlight 'conflict of interest' risks over Doncaster council officers holding positions as directors of Fly Doncaster Ltd
Council will take advice on the matter, following recommendations by Grant Thornton
Council will take advice on the matter, following recommendations by Grant Thornton
'Conflict of interest’ concerns over council officers’ places on airport board
The City of Doncaster Council’s external auditors have recommended the authority take advice over potential conflicts of interest arising by having senior officers on the board of its Doncaster Sheffi...
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk
November 26, 2025 at 6:38 PM
REPORT: Auditors highlight 'conflict of interest' risks over Doncaster council officers holding positions as directors of Fly Doncaster Ltd
Council will take advice on the matter, following recommendations by Grant Thornton
Council will take advice on the matter, following recommendations by Grant Thornton
REPORT: Reform UK fallout begins after group leader's joint statement with Labour Mayor
Jason Charity, a former member of Guy Aston's top team, has stepped back to the backbenches over disagreements over the group's direction
Jason Charity, a former member of Guy Aston's top team, has stepped back to the backbenches over disagreements over the group's direction
Senior Reform councillor steps down from leadership after fallout with party leader
A senior Reform UK councillor on the City of Doncaster Council has resigned from the party’s local leadership group, citing disagreements over the direction taken by the leader.
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk
November 26, 2025 at 2:51 PM
REPORT: Reform UK fallout begins after group leader's joint statement with Labour Mayor
Jason Charity, a former member of Guy Aston's top team, has stepped back to the backbenches over disagreements over the group's direction
Jason Charity, a former member of Guy Aston's top team, has stepped back to the backbenches over disagreements over the group's direction
A very, very upset Reform UK councillor has been in touch
Cllr Aston hasn’t any “back bone”, they say
They recommend I “bring popcorn” to full council this Thursday
Cllr Aston hasn’t any “back bone”, they say
They recommend I “bring popcorn” to full council this Thursday
NEW: Mayor Ros Jones and leader of Doncaster Reform UK (the opposition) are “in agreement” on the need for borrowing to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport
Councillors will vote on the borrowing on Thursday
Councillors will vote on the borrowing on Thursday
Labour mayor and Reform UK leader "in agreement" on need for borrowing for airport
The Labour Mayor of Doncaster and leader of the Reform UK group on the City of Doncaster Council are “in agreement” on the borrowing required to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA).
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 9:02 PM
A very, very upset Reform UK councillor has been in touch
Cllr Aston hasn’t any “back bone”, they say
They recommend I “bring popcorn” to full council this Thursday
Cllr Aston hasn’t any “back bone”, they say
They recommend I “bring popcorn” to full council this Thursday
NEW: Mayor Ros Jones and leader of Doncaster Reform UK (the opposition) are “in agreement” on the need for borrowing to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport
Councillors will vote on the borrowing on Thursday
Councillors will vote on the borrowing on Thursday
Labour mayor and Reform UK leader "in agreement" on need for borrowing for airport
The Labour Mayor of Doncaster and leader of the Reform UK group on the City of Doncaster Council are “in agreement” on the borrowing required to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA).
www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 6:54 PM
NEW: Mayor Ros Jones and leader of Doncaster Reform UK (the opposition) are “in agreement” on the need for borrowing to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport
Councillors will vote on the borrowing on Thursday
Councillors will vote on the borrowing on Thursday