Doncaster Matters was born in November 2024 in a small office in Doncaster.
The objective was to create a small group of people who cared deeply about the city and its people and who wanted to do something about it. Doncaster has been in freefall for over 30 years and is now a very sorry reflection of the people their hopes and dreams. We know it matters that things need to improve, and we need to inspire people to vote so we can set about reviving our lost city.
Our first step was to encourage likeminded people join Reform UK, a party that we thought shared our values and beliefs.
We then set out to create an apolitical video diary that presents Doncaster in a fair light. We want to counter voter apathy by offering a way forward with a new party, Reform UK that respects everyone’s rights. Doncaster Matters video is the first step …
The steady decline of Doncaster is bizarrely chronicled on the Councils own website. By drilling down through the often tiresome and complicated wording that is used in report after report you can find some sad truths.
Labour have run Doncaster for over 30 years, and year after year have promised to reduce / address crime.
Yet 86% of people who say they never visit the city centre say they feel unsafe there.
The crime rate in Doncaster is 41% higher than in Yorkshire and the Humber, and 85% higher than England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Violent and sexual offences are 3 times the national average
The crime rate in Doncaster is 41% higher than Yorkshire and the Humber and 85% higher than England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Doncaster is among the top 5 most dangerous major towns,
Drugs is trending upwards compared to the national average, with a Crime Rate Index trend of 1.27 times the national average as of Sep 2024.
In the year leading up to March 2024, Doncaster recorded 2,797 fly-tipping incidents, marking an increase from 2,632 incidents in the previous year.
Household waste constituted 67% of the illegally dumped materials, ranging from black bags to discarded furniture and carpets.
Between November 2023 and October 2024, there were 8,529 reported fly-tipping incidents in Doncaster.
In 2019, Doncaster Council declared a climate emergency. In 2020, they commissioned the development and adoption of an Environment & Sustainability Strategy 2020-2030 which sets out 111 actions that we aim to take to reduce Doncaster’s emissions
The Council has planted 100,000 trees apparently but nowhere in the accounts does it state at what cost.
The International Energy Agency based in Paris estimates, Doncaster’s annual CO₂ emissions account for approximately 0.0039% of global emissions.
Between 2021 and 2023, the City of Doncaster Council spent a total of £729,966.80 on pothole repairs. The annual expenditures were £275,863.99 in 2021, £349,494.51 in 2022, and £167,608.30 in 2023.
The City of Doncaster Council utilizes external contractors for pothole repairs. Specific details about these contractors and the rates negotiated with them are withheld under Section 43 of the Freedom of Information Act, which exempts information that could prejudice commercial interests…. whose interests exactly?
Are you wondering why, at the age of 66, I’ve decided to step up and make a difference? Let me share my story.
Background and Business Experience
For over 25 years, I’ve managed a family business in Doncaster, providing employment for 10 people directly or indirectly. This experience has given me firsthand insight into the frustrations stemming from Brexit and the lack of action by our MPs to advocate for us.
Family and Multicultural Insights
I’m fortunate to have a multicultural family. While my children are grown, my grandchildren are still in school, providing me with a clear understanding of the current education system and the younger generation’s perspectives. With extended family living in Germany, Italy, and Egypt, I grasp the daily challenges we all face.
Concerns and Vision
For the past two decades, our MPs and previous governments have treated us as if we’re ignorant of our own concerns. They haven’t listened or acted on our behalf, and as a result, our infrastructure is deteriorating.
I believe we, as a country and a region, are underselling ourselves. Doncaster has failed to progress because our representatives have been too politically correct to truly represent the majority.
Why Reform UK?
The answer lies in the name: Reform. Our country is broken. In an ideal world, we could rebuild it from scratch. But in reality, I see families struggling, youngsters losing hope, and the elderly being neglected daily.
Change is imperative, and Reform UK is where we must begin.
My Commitment to You
I promise to stand up and put your interests first. I don’t conform to political correctness; I speak the truth as I see it. We have an opportunity to enact change, even if it’s just a warning shot to the other parties.
Irwen Martin – A Voice for Doncaster. A Voice for Change.