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Cardiff Council's Cabinet met on 20 March 2025. It approved a learning disability strategy and a new day centre at Oak House, St Mellons, subject to grant funding, and a draft Play Sufficiency Assessment for public consultation. It also extended the passenger transport procurement system to 2028, agreed that the council will run its own school improvement services, and recommended a pay policy statement to full Council.
The minutes of the Cabinet Meeting of 27 February were approved.
Cabinet received the report entitled “Filming in Cardiff” presented by Cllr Peter Wong, it was agreed that a response to their recommendations would be provided in the usual timescales.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that 1. the Cardiff Living Well with a Learning Disability Strategy for Adults 2024-2029 be approved. 2. the use of Oak House be approved to develop a new Complex Needs Day Centre, subject to grant funding as set out in the report.
Cllr Julie Sangani declared a personal interest in this item as she undertakes work for Learning Disability Wales Cllr Peter Littlechild declared and personal and prejudicial interest in this item as a project he is working on is mentioned within the report. Cllr Littlechild left the meeting for this item. Cabinet received a report entitled "Cardiff Council Living Well with a Learning Disability Strategy for Adults 2024-2029". The report seeks Cabinet approval for the strategy and the development of a new Complex Needs Day Centre, subject to confirmation of grant funding. The report highlights that approximately 2-3% of the population in Wales has a learning disability, equating to around 7,000 people in Cardiff. As of December 2024, Cardiff Council’s Learning Disability Service was supporting 1,186 local people and their carers by providing a range of services including information, social work advice, and care and support where required. The strategy emphasizes the importance of supporting unpaid carers and providing good quality respite and day services, noting that 65% of individuals known to the service live at home with family or carers. The strategy details five key aims: improving health, wellbeing, and access to timely support; providing accessible information and developing opportunities to support independence; promoting collaboration and increasing independence, choice, and control; improving transition from child to adult services; and embedding a close-to-home approach. The report also highlights the need for a new Complex Needs Day Centre to replace the current site in Tremorfa, which is no longer fit for purpose. The proposed new site, Oak House in St Mellons, would provide better accommodation and allow the service to expand to meet increasing demand. The strategy aims to deliver high-quality, cost-effective services to meet growing demand in a sustainable way, with a clear direction for Cardiff in meeting local priorities while being fully aligned with regional partnership plans. RESOLVED: that 1. the Cardiff Living Well with a Learning Disability Strategy for Adults 2024-2029 be approved. 2. the use of Oak House be approved to develop a new Complex Needs Day Centre, subject to grant funding as set out in the report.
Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that 1. The publication of the draft 2025 – 2028 Play Sufficiency Assessment and Executive Summary on the Council website for the statutory 28-day period be approved. 2. Authority be delegated to the Director for Childrens Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Children's Services and Tackling Poverty & Supporting Young People, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport & Parks and the Cabinet Member for Education, to approve and submit to Welsh Government by 30th June 2025, the final version of the Play Sufficiency Assessment, Executive Summary and Action Plan, having considered the results of the consultation. 3. Authority be delegated to the Director for Childrens Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Children's Services and Tackling Poverty & Supporting Young People, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport & Parks and the Cabinet Member for Education to work with partners and Lead Officers to complete the final Action Plan, for its submission to Welsh Government by 30th June 2025. 4. Authority be delegated to the Director for Childrens Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Children's Services and Tackling Poverty & Supporting Young People, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport & Parks and the Cabinet Member for Education, to establish a working group for children’s play, inviting key stakeholders to contribute to, and develop a vision for play with the support of Child Friendly City; embracing the shared responsibility for ensuring the actions set out in the Action Plan is met. 5. Submission of an annual progress report on the Play Sufficiency Assessment action plan be approved to Cabinet, the Public Service Board, and the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee escalating any significant risks if necessary.
Cabinet received the Play Sufficiency Assessment 2025-2028. The report emphasizes the statutory requirement for Local Authorities to assess and secure adequate play opportunities for children residing in their areas, as mandated by the Welsh Government. The PSA (Play Sufficiency Assessment) aims to enhance and protect the time, space, and permission children have to play, acknowledging the role of all professionals in fulfilling this duty. The assessment process involved extensive consultations with internal and external partners, as well as children and young people, to gather data on play opportunities in Cardiff. The strategy outlines several key areas for development, including improving communication and partnerships to support Cardiff's commitment to being a Child-Friendly City, raising the profile of play training, and supporting children with additional needs and/or disabilities to access meaningful play opportunities. The report also highlights the need for improved transition between services working with children and young people at different stages of life. The report seeks Cabinet approval to establish a working group for children's play, and invites key stakeholders to contribute to and develop a vision for play in Cardiff. It was noted that an annual progress report on the PSA action plan will be submitted to Cabinet, the Public Service Board, and the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee, escalating any significant risks if necessary. RESOLVED: that 1. The publication of the draft 2025 – 2028 Play Sufficiency Assessment and Executive Summary on the Council website for the statutory 28-day period be approved. 2. Authority be delegated to the Director for Childrens Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Children's Services and Tackling Poverty & Supporting Young People, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport & Parks and the Cabinet Member for Education, to approve and submit to Welsh Government by 30th June 2025, the final version of the Play Sufficiency Assessment, Executive Summary and Action Plan, having considered the results of the consultation. 3. Authority be delegated to the Director for Childrens Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Children's Services and Tackling Poverty & Supporting Young People, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport & Parks and the Cabinet Member for Education to work with partners and Lead Officers to complete the final Action Plan, for its submission to Welsh Government by 30th June 2025. 4. Authority be delegated to the Director for Childrens Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Children's Services and Tackling Poverty & Supporting Young People, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport & Parks and the Cabinet Member for Education, to establish a working group for children’s play, inviting key stakeholders to contribute to, and develop a vision for play with the support of Child Friendly City; embracing the shared responsibility for ensuring the actions set out in the Action Plan is met. 5. Submission of an annual progress report on the Play Sufficiency Assessment action plan be approved to Cabinet, the Public Service Board, and the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee escalating any significant risks if necessary.
Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that 1. the extension of the existing Passenger Transport Dynamic Procurement Process from 31st August 2025 to 31st March 2028 be approved to enable contracts to be awarded via the DPS until 31st March 2028. 2. subject to the future budget allocation an increase of the value of contracts to be allocated via the DPS from £138.8 million to a total value of £170.8 million. This revised amount will cover the value of all new contracts allocated from 1st September 2018 until the expiry date of the contracts up to 31st August 2032. 3. Authority be delegated to the Director of Planning Transport and Environment in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Members and Directorate budget holders for Education, Children’s and Adult Services, to procure and deliver contracts subject to budget being available. 4. It be noted that if the budget requirement exceeds the current allocation available having considered the availability of external funding or in year efficiencies then this will need to be brought back to Cabinet for approval as part of the budget setting process.
Cabinet received a report entitled Passenger Transport Procurement. The report seeks Cabinet approval to extend the expiry date of the Passenger Transport Dynamic Procurement System (DPS) from 31st August 2025 to 31st March 2028. Additionally, it requested an increase in the delegation of spend authority by a further £32 million, raising the total from £138.8 million to £170.8 million, to cover the value of contracts allocated via the DPS until their expiry on 31st August 2032. The report highlights the need to re-engage and expand the existing supplier base for tendering contracts, aiming to increase competition and reduce contract rates. The extension of the DPS Framework would enable new suppliers to enrol and deliver savings identified in the Passenger Transport Review. The review emphasizes the importance of optimising home-to-school transport arrangements by utilising larger vehicles, thereby reducing the number of vehicles contracted and increasing the number of pupils transported on each route It was noted that the new Procurement Act 2023, effective from 24th February 2025, necessitates the extension of the existing DPS within 12 months of this date. Extending the DPS would provide the Council with flexibility to tender any contracts required to meet its statutory duties and additional time to plan and implement a smooth transition to a new Shared Market Framework over the next three years. Cabinet noted the need for supplier workshops and training sessions to support new and existing contractors in navigating the DPS and the reverse electronic auction system. RESOLVED: that 1. the extension of the existing Passenger Transport Dynamic Procurement Process from 31st August 2025 to 31st March 2028 be approved to enable contracts to be awarded via the DPS until 31st March 2028. 2. subject to the future budget allocation an increase of the value of contracts to be allocated via the DPS from £138.8 million to a total value of £170.8 million. This revised amount will cover the value of all new contracts allocated from 1st September 2018 until the expiry date of the contracts up to 31st August 2032. 3. Authority be delegated to the Director of Planning Transport and Environment in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Members and Directorate budget holders for Education, Children’s and Adult Services, to procure and deliver contracts subject to budget being available. 4. It be noted that if the budget requirement exceeds the current allocation available having considered the availability of external funding or in year efficiencies then this will need to be brought back to Cabinet for approval as part of the budget setting process.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that • that school improvement services be delivered by Cardiff Council as outlined in sections 6 - 14 of the report. • It be agreed that the proposed Professional Learning and Curriculum Support service, will continue to be delivered on a regional basis as outlined in sections 17 - 20 of the report, and that Rhondda Cynon Taf Council becomes the host local authority for the arrangement. • the governance arrangements for the proposed regional Professional Learning and Curriculum Support service should transfer to a collaboration arrangement as outlined in sections 25 - 26 of the report be approved. • the financial position as detailed at sections 34 - 35 of the report be noted. • Authority be delegated to the Director of Education and Lifelong Learning, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education, to implement the revised school improvement service models in Cardiff.
Cabinet received a report entitled "Proposed School Improvement Services in Cardiff". The report seeks Cabinet approval for the future operating models for school improvement and professional learning and curriculum support, previously provided by the Central South Consortium Joint Education Service The report details the extensive engagement and co-construction process with schools to develop a detailed operating model for school improvement in Cardiff. This process involved Local Authority Officers, Headteachers from all sectors, and Chairs of Governors. The proposed model emphasizes school-to-school working through Collaborative Learning Partnerships (CLPs), which will drive continuous improvement and raise outcomes for all learners. Subject to approval, it is proposed that in the first year (2025/26), all schools will form CLPs based on horizontal collaboration, with secondary schools working with each other, primary schools working with each other, and special schools working together. The new Cardiff School Improvement and Development Team will support CLPs and develop wider collaborations for broader improvement initiatives. It was noted that the team will also provide capacity for schools requiring more intensive and bespoke support, such as those in an Estyn category or facing significant challenges. The Local Authority will maintain oversight of school activities, emphasizing collective responsibility and fostering strong local collaboration and partnership working between school leaders and the local authority. The report also addresses the national context for professional learning and curriculum support, noting the establishment of a new National Professional Learning and Leadership Support body in April 2025. This body will be responsible for the development and delivery of professional learning in areas such as school leadership, research and enquiry, coaching and mentoring, and improving teaching practice based on evidence and research. The regional professional learning and curriculum support service will be rebranded to reflect its new focus and remit, continuing to support the breadth of the curriculum with reduced central capacity It was further noted that the new governance arrangements for the proposed regional professional learning and curriculum support service will transfer to a collaboration arrangement, ensuring accountability and effective delivery of school improvement functions. RESOLVED: that • that school improvement services be delivered by Cardiff Council as outlined in sections 6 - 14 of the report. • It be agreed that the proposed Professional Learning and Curriculum Support service, will continue to be delivered on a regional basis as outlined in sections 17 - 20 of the report, and that Rhondda Cynon Taf Council becomes the host local authority for the arrangement. • the governance arrangements for the proposed regional Professional Learning and Curriculum Support service should transfer to a collaboration arrangement as outlined in sections 25 - 26 of the report be approved. • the financial position as detailed at sections 34 - 35 of the report be noted. • Authority be delegated to the Director of Education and Lifelong Learning, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education, to implement the revised school improvement service models in Cardiff.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that • Officers be authorised to consult on proposals to extend the age range of Ysgol Gymraeg Coed-Y-Gof from 4-11 to 3-11 by establishing a nursery unit as part of the school from September 2026. • It be noted that officers will bring a report on the outcome of the consultation to a future meeting to seek authorisation as to whether to proceed to publish proposals in accordance with section 48 of The School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013.
Cllr Peter Bradbury declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item as his wife is Chair of Governors at the school and a family member attends the school Cllr Bradbury left the room for this item and took no part in decision making. Cabinet received a report regarding the proposals to extend the age range of Ysgol Gymraeg Coed-Y-Gof. The report seeks authorisation to undertake public consultation on proposals to extend the age range of Ysgol Gymraeg Coed-Y-Gof from 4-11 to 3-11 by establishing a nursery unit as part of the school from September 2026. The report highlights the alignment of this proposal with Cardiff’s Education Investment Strategy Caerdydd 2024-2033, which aims to strengthen and improve the city's education system in support of the "Stronger, Fairer, Greener" goals. The strategy emphasises the importance of collaboration between schools and partners to enhance learning opportunities, support the development of the education workforce, and secure efficiencies through best value practices Additionally, the proposal aligns with Cardiff’s Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP) and the Welsh Government's "Cymraeg 2050" strategy, which aims to achieve one million Welsh speakers by 2050. It was noted that Ysgol Gymraeg Coed-Y-Gof is a two-form entry Welsh-medium primary school located in the Pentrebane area of Cardiff, serving pupils aged 4-11. The school shares a site and main building with Pentrebane Primary School, an English-medium primary school with nursery provision. The establishment of a nursery class at Ysgol Gymraeg Coed-Y-Gof would support the growth of Welsh-medium education and align with the outcomes and aspirations of both the Bilingual Cardiff 5-year Strategy and Cardiff Council’s 10-year WESP. The report also details the analysis of local demand for Welsh-medium nursery places, indicating sufficient population to support the establishment of a nursery class at Ysgol Gymraeg Coed-Y-Gof. The proposed nursery class would initially operate with 24 part-time places, with capacity for expansion if needed. The establishment of the nursery class would provide continuity and progression in children’s learning from the age of three, support the school’s sustainability, and enhance the opportunity to address individual developmental and cultural needs. RESOLVED: that • Officers be authorised to consult on proposals to extend the age range of Ysgol Gymraeg Coed-Y-Gof from 4-11 to 3-11 by establishing a nursery unit as part of the school from September 2026. • It be noted that officers will bring a report on the outcome of the consultation to a future meeting to seek authorisation as to whether to proceed to publish proposals in accordance with section 48 of The School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013.
Part of an issue followed across 4 meetings
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that the attached Council’s draft School Admission Arrangements 2026/2027 as set out in the Admission Policy 2026/2027 attached at Appendix 1 to this report be determined.
Cabinet considered the proposed school admission arrangements for the academic year 2026/2027. The report seeks Cabinet approval for the Council’s draft School Admission Arrangements for the academic year 2026/2027, in compliance with Section 89 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 and the Education (Determination of Admission Arrangements) (Wales) Regulations 2006 . The report highlighted the statutory requirement for Admission Authorities to review their School Admission Arrangements annually and determine them by 15 April in the school year beginning two years before the school year to which the arrangements apply. The report emphasises the Council’s commitment to developing a Bilingual Cardiff and supporting the Welsh Government’s vision of one million Welsh speakers by 2050. The Council’s Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP) 2022-2031 and the Bilingual Strategy aim to increase the number of Welsh speakers and promote the use of the language throughout the city. Additionally, the report notes that the Council will continue to monitor birth rates, housing yields, and patterns of take-up in Welsh-medium provision to meet any increased demand. The Council’s draft School Admissions Policy 2026/2027 was issued for consultation on 03 December 2024 to all required consultees, including Headteachers, Governing Bodies, Diocesan Directors, and neighbouring Local Education Authorities. The consultation closed on 17 January 2025, and no responses were received. Key proposed changes to the arrangements for 2026/2027 compared to the previous year included updates to the text regarding children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) who have an Individual Development Plan (IDP), invitations to schools not coordinating their admissions to join the arrangements, and updates to dates for on-time and late applications. Additionally, paragraphs were added about late appeals, the need for new applications for nursery pupils moving up to Reception, and the allocation of places to multiple birth siblings. RESOLVED: that the attached Council’s draft School Admission Arrangements 2026/2027 as set out in the Admission Policy 2026/2027 attached at Appendix 1 to this report be determined.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that 1. the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan 2025-2026 be approved for presentation to Welsh Government. 2. the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) Compliance Policy be approved.
Cabinet considered the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan. The HRA Business Plan is a crucial document that outlines the Council's strategy for managing its housing assets, ensuring transparency, and planning the housing management strategy effectively. The plan is essential for securing the Major Repairs Allowance Grant from the Welsh Government, which is currently valued at £9.57 million. The Business Plan aims to ensure the efficient use of housing assets, increased transparency of the HRA, and precise planning of the Council’s housing management strategy. The primary source of income for the HRA is the rent paid by tenants, with the Welsh Government's rent policy allowing for a maximum annual uplift of CPI +1% each year from 2020/21 to 2024/25, extended to 2025/26. The Cabinet had previously decided to increase rents by the full allowable amount of 2.7% for 2025/26. Key priorities outlined in the Plan include compliance with the new Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS 2023), building new Council homes, maintaining existing homes and neighbourhoods, supporting tenants, and preventing and addressing homelessness. The WHQS 2023 introduces new measures such as external storage, water efficiency measures, and a significant emphasis on decarbonisation. The Plan also details the financial resources and planning required to achieve these goals, highlighting the need for significant Welsh Government investment to meet the decarbonisation targets. RESOLVED: that 1. the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan 2025-2026 be approved for presentation to Welsh Government. 2. the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) Compliance Policy be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the Cardiff’s Hubs and Libraries Strategy 2024 – 2029 be approved.
Cabinet considered the Hubs and Library Strategy 2024-2029. The strategy aims to enhance the services provided by Cardiff's Hubs and Libraries, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the community. The Hubs and Libraries Strategy 2024-2029 sets out a single vision for delivering high-quality services and support tailored to the specific needs of each community. The vision is supported by key aims and detailed "We Will" commitments. The strategy emphasises inspiring and promoting the enjoyment of reading, learning, creativity, and culture. It also aims to provide accurate and trusted sources of specialist advice and information, support those most impacted by the cost of living, and enable access to technology and digital formats to promote greater digital inclusion. The strategy highlights the success of Cardiff's Hubs and Libraries, noting that during 2023/24, there were over 2.1 million physical visits and 453,000 visits to the Hub website. Nearly 2 million physical books were borrowed, and 15,845 new members joined the library. The strategy also outlines the results of public consultations, which informed the development of the key aims and commitments. The strategy includes a section on each key aim, detailing the wide range of work already underway and the extra steps that will be taken to meet these aims. The "We Will" commitments cover various areas, such as monitoring customer preferences for books, ensuring high-quality impartial advice, delivering cost-of-living assistance, enhancing digital support, supporting employment and upskilling, empowering children and young people, promoting health and wellbeing, offering volunteer opportunities, delivering inclusive spaces, and extending provision through outreach sessions. RESOLVED that the Cardiff’s Hubs and Libraries Strategy 2024 – 2029 be approved.
Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that Council be recommended to 1. confirm that the decision to agree the Pay Policy Statement constitutes agreement to implement the cost of living pay increases determined by the relevant negotiating body effective from 1st April 2025, as accounted for in the Budget set and agreed by Council on 6th March 2025. 2. determine that any additional financial implications arising from the national pay agreements determined after this date that cannot be met within the Council’s Revenue Budget will be referred to Council for consideration and decision. 3. approve the attached Pay Policy Statement (2025/26) Appendix 1.
Paul Orders, Sarah McGill, Chris Lee, Debbie Marles and Tracey Thomas declared a personal and pecuniary interest in this item. Paul Orders, Sarah McGill, Chris Lee, Debbie Marles and Tracey Thomas left the meeting. Gavin Happe joined the meeting in order to answer any technical questions. Cabinet considered the Pay Policy Statement 2025-26. The Pay Policy Statement provides a framework to ensure that employees are rewarded fairly and objectively without discrimination. It includes policies relating to the level and elements of remuneration for each chief officer, remuneration on recruitment, increases and additions to remuneration, the use of performance-related pay and bonuses, and the approach to payments upon ceasing employment. The statutory requirement to prepare a Pay Policy Statement annually was noted, with the first statement having been in place since 31 March 2012. The 2025/26 statement continues to comply with this legislation, ensuring that the Council's pay structures are compliant with equalities legislation. The policy also includes information about redundancy payments, which are calculated with reference to a week's pay up to a maximum of £700.00, including employer's pension contributions where appropriate. Additionally, the Council's approach to managing the gender pay gap was noted. The data for 2024 shows a mean pay gap of 0.40% and a median pay gap of 3.44%, indicating that female employees generally have lower pay than male employees. It was noted that the Council remains committed to narrowing this gap and ensuring equal pay for work of equal value. RESOLVED: that Council be recommended to 1. confirm that the decision to agree the Pay Policy Statement constitutes agreement to implement the cost of living pay increases determined by the relevant negotiating body effective from 1st April 2025, as accounted for in the Budget set and agreed by Council on 6th March 2025. 2. determine that any additional financial implications arising from the national pay agreements determined after this date that cannot be met within the Council’s Revenue Budget will be referred to Council for consideration and decision. 3. approve the attached Pay Policy Statement (2025/26) Appendix 1.
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