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Cabinet met on 15 May 2025. It made appointments to joint committees, adopted a Corporate Parenting Strategy and a Local Flood Risk Strategy, approved a Corporate Safeguarding Policy, and approved the council's response to a Senedd consultation on bus reform. It also changed how cladding work on two high-rise blocks will be procured and awarded a building contract for the first block at Channel View.
The minutes of the Cabinet meeting of 20 March 2025 were approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED; that (i) the appointments to joint committees for 2025/26 as set out in Appendix A to this report be approved; (ii) authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council (and relevant political group leader/s in the case of Glamorgan Archives Joint Committee), to make any changes to Cabinet appointments to joint committees that may be required following the meeting of Cabinet on 15 May 2025 and during the 2025/26 municipal year; and (iii) the agreed joint committee appointments be reported to full Council for information (and approval, as required).
An amendment sheet was circulated which includes Appendix A which was marked to follow at the time of publication. Cabinet received a report making nominations to Joint Committees. Appointments to joint committees which discharge executive functions are to be made by the Cabinet under The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements)(Discharge of Functions)(Wales) Regulations 2002 and Article 10.1(b) and (c) of the Council’s Constitution. RESOLVED; that (i) the appointments to joint committees for 2025/26 as set out in Appendix A to this report be approved; (ii) authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council (and relevant political group leader/s in the case of Glamorgan Archives Joint Committee), to make any changes to Cabinet appointments to joint committees that may be required following the meeting of Cabinet on 15 May 2025 and during the 2025/26 municipal year; and (iii) the agreed joint committee appointments be reported to full Council for information (and approval, as required).
Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that – • Council be recommended to note the content of the Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee Annual Report 2024/25 (attached at Appendix 1). • the Corporate Parenting Strategy 2025-2028 (including Corporate Parenting Annual Delivery Plan 25-26) (Appendix 2/3) be approved.
Cabinet received the Corporate Parenting Annual Report and Strategy. The report provides a comprehensive overview of progress made during 2024–2025 and outlines the strategic direction for 2025–2028. The report reaffirms the Council’s commitment to its role as a corporate parent, ensuring that children looked after and care leavers are supported to thrive, with the same aspirations and care that any good parent would provide. The report highlights the five strategic priorities set out in the new Corporate Parenting Strategy: improving emotional health and wellbeing; better connections and improved relationships; a comfortable, safe, and stable home; educational achievement, employment, and training; and involving and celebrating children and young people. The report emphasises the co-production of the strategy which is shaped by the voices of care-experienced young people and informed by consultation with a wide range of stakeholders. The report details achievements to date, including the expansion of the Young Persons Gateway, the success of the Bright Futures and Bright Start programmes, and the continued development of trauma-informed services such as Enfys and Goleudy. The importance of partnership working was emphasised, with contributions from health, education, housing, and voluntary sector partners playing a key role in delivering improved outcomes. The Cabinet expressed their thanks to the Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee, officers, and young people who contributed to the development of the strategy. An amendment sheet was circulated to amend recommendation 2 of the published Cabinet report. RESOLVED: that – • Council be recommended to note the content of the Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee Annual Report 2024/25 (attached at Appendix 1). • the Corporate Parenting Strategy 2025-2028 (including Corporate Parenting Annual Delivery Plan 25-26) (Appendix 2/3) be approved.
Part of an issue followed across 3 meetings
Cabinet received a report titled “Adoption of the Local Flood Risk Strategy 2025”. The report outlines Cardiff Council’s statutory duty, as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), to adopt a local flood risk strategy under Section 10 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. The updated strategy integrates both the flood risk strategy and the flood risk management plan into a single document, streamlining communication and implementation across stakeholders. The report highlights the increasing threat of flooding due to climate change and emphasises the importance of a coordinated approach to managing local flood risks, particularly from surface water, groundwater, and ordinary watercourses. It was noted that the strategy is structured around nine strategic objectives, supported by 26 high-level measures and 36 specific actions. These are categorised under development and policy, prevention and response, and community collaboration. The strategy also uses the Welsh Government’s Communities at Risk Register to prioritise interventions across council wards, aligning local efforts with national priorities. The role of other risk management authorities, including Natural Resources Wales and D?r Cymru Welsh Water, in addressing risks from main rivers, coastal flooding, and sewer system is also acknowledged. RESOVLED: that 1. the adoption of the updated Local Flood Risk Strategy 2025 be approved. 2. the local flood risk strategy be submitted to The Welsh Government for review.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that 1. It be noted that the Welsh Government’s Bus Services (Wales) Bill and associated supporting documents, including proposals for the reform of bus services in Wales. 2. It be noted that the proposed submission of a draft response to the Senedd’s Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee’s consultation on the Bus Services (Wales) Bill by the closing date of 13th May 2025, as set out in paragraph 16 of the report. 3. the response to the Senedd’s Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee’s consultation on the Bus Services (Wales) Bill, as set out in Appendix A be approved. 4. Subject to approval by Cabinet in recommendation 3 above, authority be delegated to the Director of Planning, Transport & Environment to submit the approved final consultation response to the Senedd’s Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee. 5. It be noted there will be a further report to Cabinet regarding the Council’s shareholder interests in Cardiff City Transport Services Limited (trading as Cardiff Bus) following an assessment of options and impacts of bus reform.
Cabinet considered a report regarding Bus Reform, the report outlines the implications of the Bus Services (Wales) Bill and the opportunities it presents for transforming local bus services across Cardiff and Wales. It was noted that the Bill proposes a franchising model as the principal mechanism for delivering bus services, alongside provisions for direct service provision and operator permits. Members noted that the reform aims to address declining bus patronage and improve service reliability, affordability, and integration. The Bill includes duties for Welsh Ministers to develop a national bus network plan and enables local authorities to establish municipal bus companies. The report notes the potential benefits of reform, including better coordination, integrated ticketing, and improved access for vulnerable groups, but also recognised the challenges, particularly around funding, governance, and operational complexity. The report also notes the Council’s draft response to the Senedd’s Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee consultation, which had been submitted ahead of the 13 May 2025 deadline, subject to Cabinet approval. The response highlights concerns about the financial sustainability of the proposed franchising model, the need for local flexibility, and the importance of reinvesting surplus revenue locally to support service improvements. RESOLVED: that 1. It be noted that the Welsh Government’s Bus Services (Wales) Bill and associated supporting documents, including proposals for the reform of bus services in Wales. 2. It be noted that the proposed submission of a draft response to the Senedd’s Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee’s consultation on the Bus Services (Wales) Bill by the closing date of 13th May 2025, as set out in paragraph 16 of the report. 3. the response to the Senedd’s Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee’s consultation on the Bus Services (Wales) Bill, as set out in Appendix A be approved. 4. Subject to approval by Cabinet in recommendation 3 above, authority be delegated to the Director of Planning, Transport & Environment to submit the approved final consultation response to the Senedd’s Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee. 5. It be noted there will be a further report to Cabinet regarding the Council’s shareholder interests in Cardiff City Transport Services Limited (trading as Cardiff Bus) following an assessment of options and impacts of bus reform.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that the Cardiff Council Corporate Safeguarding Policy (2025-2028) be approved.
Cabinet received the Corporate Safeguarding Policy 2025–2028. The report details Cardiff Council’s statutory responsibilities under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and recommends approval of the updated policy to ensure continued compliance and best practice in safeguarding children and adults at risk of harm. The policy sets out the Council’s corporate commitment to safeguarding and the arrangements in place across all directorates to ensure that employees, contractors, volunteers, and elected members understand their responsibilities with regarding to corporate safeguarding. The policy is structured around five thematic areas: Safe Governance, Safe Employment, Safe Workforce, Safe Practice, and Safe Partnerships. Cabinet noted the significant progress made since the last policy was published in 2022, including a rise in mandatory safeguarding training compliance from 65% to 93% and the development of accessible training options for non-desk-based staff. It was noted that governance arrangements have been strengthened by appointing Designated Safeguarding Persons (DSPs) in each directorate and the establishment of a Corporate Safeguarding Delivery Group. The policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains aligned with Welsh Government guidance and evolving safeguarding needs. RESOLVED: that the Cardiff Council Corporate Safeguarding Policy (2025-2028) be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that • the proposed change to the procurement route for the over-cladding of Nelson House and Loudoun House and the amended funding requirement set out in the report be approved. • all aspects of the procurement process for the over-cladding of Nelson and Loudoun House (including but not limited to approval to commence the procurement, evaluation criteria and contractual arrangements up to and including award of contract/s and any ancillary matters) be delegated to the Director of Adults Housing and Communities in consultation with the Cabinet Member Housing and Communities, Corporate Director Resources and Director of Governance and Legal Services. • the JCT Design & Build contract for Block A within phase 1 of the Channel View regeneration project be awarded to Wates Residential for the contract sum identified in confidential appendices.
Appendices A - E to this report are exempt by virtue of paragraphs 14 & 21 of Parts 4 and 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. Cllr Ash Lister declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this matter as a family member resides at Channel View. Cllr Lister left the meeting and took no part in decision making. Cabinet received a report regarding the over-cladding of Nelson House and Loudoun House high-rise flats and the award of a JCT Design & Build contract to Wates Residential for Block A of Phase 1 of the Channel View regeneration scheme. The report, presented by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Lynda Thorne, outlined the revised procurement strategy for the cladding works and sought approval to proceed with the main construction contract for Block A. In relation to Nelson and Loudoun House, Cabinet noted that the original procurement route via the SEWSCAP framework had proven unviable due to limited contractor interest, largely stemming from the high-risk nature of the project and the evolving Building Safety Regime in Wales. Following further market engagement and technical advice, it was recommended that an openly advertised two-stage procurement process be adopted to attract specialist cladding contractors. The revised cost estimate for the works stands at approximately £25.7 million, with Welsh Government grant funding of £25 million agreed in principle. Cabinet also considered progress on the Channel View regeneration project, which represents the Council’s largest estate redevelopment initiative. Following the successful execution of the Umbrella Agreement with Wates Residential, and the completion of enabling works, Cabinet approved the award of the JCT Design & Build contract for Block A. This phase will deliver 102 new council homes as part of a wider plan to replace 180 existing properties with up to 400 mixed-tenure homes. The scheme incorporates enhanced fire safety measures, improved public realm, and community facilities. Cabinet acknowledged that while the scheme does not meet standard viability thresholds due to the inclusion of communal and non-residential elements, it offers significant social value and long-term savings in housing and care costs. The report confirmed that funding is in place within the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme, and that Social Housing Grant approval is anticipated. Cabinet therefore approved the proposed procurement changes and contract award to ensure continuity of delivery and alignment with the Council’s housing and regeneration objectives. RESOLVED: that • the proposed change to the procurement route for the over-cladding of Nelson House and Loudoun House and the amended funding requirement set out in the report be approved. • all aspects of the procurement process for the over-cladding of Nelson and Loudoun House (including but not limited to approval to commence the procurement, evaluation criteria and contractual arrangements up to and including award of contract/s and any ancillary matters) be delegated to the Director of Adults Housing and Communities in consultation with the Cabinet Member Housing and Communities, Corporate Director Resources and Director of Governance and Legal Services. • the JCT Design & Build contract for Block A within phase 1 of the Channel View regeneration project be awarded to Wates Residential for the contract sum identified in confidential appendices.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
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