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The Committee scrutinised the One Planet Cardiff annual review and its proposed Green Growth Proposition before Cabinet considers them on 26 February 2026. It also examined the draft Corporate Plan 2026-2029 and the draft 2026/27 budget proposals as they relate to its areas. On each of these it agreed that the Chairperson will write to the relevant Cabinet Member with the Committee's comments.
Apologies were received from Councillor Parry.
No declarations of interest.
The minutes of the meeting held on 15 January 2026 were approved by the Committee as a correct record and were signed by the Chairperson.
Decision as recorded
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
The Committee received a report providing background information to aid the scrutiny of a draft report to Cabinet regarding the One Planet Cardiff Strategy Annual Review which was due to be considered by Cabinet at their meeting on 26 February 2026. Members were advised that the Cabinet report provides an annual review of the One Planet Cardiff Strategy (OPC) and requested that Cabinet consider agreeing an Action Plan and the Green Growth Proposition. Members were asked to note that Cardiff Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and published the One Planet Cardiff (OPC) Strategy in 2021. The Strategy aims for the Council to be carbon neutral by 2030 and to collaborate with stakeholders to achieve a carbon neutral city in the same year. Despite progress in identifying priorities and initiating carbon reduction actions, reaching net zero by 2030 remains challenging without increased focus and significant government and partner investment. The Local Area Energy Plan completed in 2024 identified the urgent need to improve energy efficiency and expand renewable energy generation in the city. Audit Wales in 2021 recommended clearer strategic direction and increased implementation pace, as well as addressing skills gaps to support net zero delivery. Members were advised that since publishing their ‘Stronger, Fairer, Green’ Strategy the administration has placed climate change at the heart of the Council agenda. Internal Council policy has also been reinforced. In September 2022 the Council debated and passed a motion in relation to climate injustice which called for the Council to become more ‘globally responsible’ in tackling climate change. The report is the fourth review of the OPC strategy and it included the fourth annual Operational Carbon Analyses findings in additional to UK government’s statistics relating to the city as a whole. Analysis of the data has led to the development of the Green Growth Proposition, which proposes two areas of focus: local renewable energy generation and domestic energy retrofit. The Chairperson welcomed Councillor Dan De’Ath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning and Transport, Andrew Gregory, Director of Planning, Transport and Environment and Gareth Harbombe, Operational Manager - Energy and Sustainability, to the meeting. Following a statement from the Cabinet Member, the officers were invited to deliver a presentation. The Chairperson invited Members to comment, raise questions or seek clarification on the information received. Those discussions are summarised as follows: · A Member asked what collaboration was being undertaken with neighbouring authorities. The Operational Manager stated that some projects are very localised such as the solar farm and the heat network. However, others are not, such as the Solar Together project. Cardiff Council led the project on behalf of the Cardiff Capital Region. The second round is being led by Cardiff Capital Region. There are also many forums where Cardiff Council shares information and best practice with its neighbours. For example, Local Area Energy Plans are formed on a regional basis, and regional meetings track progress against the plan. · A Member noted the intention to support residents move towards renewable energy solutions in the future. The Member asked what was being done in terms of supporting other renewable energy initiatives such as hydrogen and the tidal lagoon project. The Operational Manager stated that there are currently active discussions taking place around the tidal lagoon project which are being led by the Cardiff Capital Region. Funding has been applied for to undertake a research project in partnership with Wales and West Utilities in respect of utilising hydrogen power to support and further de-carbonise the heat network. · A Member considered that there has been a breakdown in the wider consensus around climate change and the way to tackle it generally. The Member requested the Cabinet Member to renew Cardiff’s commitment to continuing with its approach and clarify the administration’s approach to engaging with residents. The Cabinet Member stated that the administration is absolutely committed to seriously addressing the climate crisis. The Cabinet Member recognised that residents will sometimes object to the steps being taken to address the issue, but the climate crisis is of such importance that it would be a dereliction of duty as elected representatives not to take the matter seriously and to take steps to address this. The Cabinet Member considered that most Members in Cardiff recognise the issue and understand the urgency. · The Cabinet Member considered that in terms of communicating with residents, it was a very different environment than 5 years ago with some political parties having very different policies on this issue and therefore it would be necessary to provide an evidence base that the switch to renewable sources of energy is the solution to cost of living difficulties rather than the cause. Members were advised that research suggests that residents wish to move towards renewables but one of the barriers to doing so it that the market is very confusing. Therefore, there is a very important role for the Council in providing assurance that contractors are providing a quality service and products. · A Member noted the reference in the report to community bonds schemes. The Member asked what evidence there was from community bond schemes in other cities and whether co-operative models for the concept were being considered. The Cabinet Member stated that underlying idea behind such schemes is collectivism – people, businesses and organisations coming together rather than working in isolation can achieve bigger and more effective results. Community bond schemes are common and many local authorities are running schemes. Third party not-for-profit facilitators can come in to run community bond schemes at no risk to the authority. Community bond schemes are an established way to raise funds and, whilst generally these are not excessive amounts, such schemes represent a way to engage with the public. · A Member welcomed the decision to designate Climate Lead Officers in each service area of the authority. The Cabinet Member considered that the targets set are challenging but have changed the mindset of the organisation. The administration wants officers to buy into and contribute towards the One Planet Cardiff initiative. · Referring to Impact Assessments, a Member considered that it would be useful to receive further details regarding the community engagement that would be undertaken with those in each protected characteristic. The Member also asked how impact assessments could be used to drive engagement. The Cabinet Member accepted that different projects would affect different communities in different ways. However, it was important to get the message across to those affected about the benefits to moving towards low carbon energy. · The Cabinet Member and officers were asked to comment on the biggest risk factors in the event of policy shift following the Senedd Elections in May. · Responding to a point made by the Committee, the Director stated that RLDP contains policies which look for opportunities and identify areas for increased energy generation. However, national planning policy does not yet allow the authority to require that all new housing to have renewable sources of energy. The Welsh Government is able to introduce such a policy. · A Member requested that officers provide further detail in relation to the large increase of emissions relating to procurement. The Operational Manager stated that a carbon factor analysis of procurement has been undertaken following national government methodologies. The analysis provides an average figure for kilograms of carbon emitted per pound of spend. The averages are applied to the amounts spent and, therefore, if spend it higher then carbon emissions will be higher. There authority is now specifying in its procurement specifications that we are using lower carbon products and recyclable materials. However, those local actions are not picked up at a national level. In Cardiff considerable expenditure has been made on projects such as flood defences and a local heat network which address the climate emergency agenda. · Officers were asked to provide the overall cost of reducing emissions. Officers stated that overall cost was very difficult to assess and the data was not available. The Cabinet Member stated that it was important to understand that there was a cost to not reducing emissions also. · A Member referred to the responses received to the Ask Cardiff Survey and noted that the One Planet Cardiff was ranked last in terms of priorities by those members of the public who responded. It was therefore important to engage with the public and get the messaging right. The national consensus on climate change has shifted and the costs involved must be considered. The Director responded that one of the positives of the report is that the projects identified are about economic growth, energy efficiency and looks at improved outcomes in terms of health and social equity. · A Member asked how close the authority was to developing additional solar farms in the city. The Operational Manager stated that the proposals are at an early stage. Discussions with National Grid are ongoing and an outline design has been completed. Feasibility studies and costings have been undertaken particularly on battery storage and linking generation to some of the other activities at Lamby Way, such as vehicle charging. The key stage at present it to apply to complete a grid application to connect to the National Grid and get a final cost for those works which would include an element of technical design. This was forecast to be completed within 6 months. If the cost is within the general affordability envelope a detailed business case will be presented to Cabinet within 12 months. · Members asked whether the One Planet Cardiff strategy is compatible with the Local Development Plan and whether new developments can come forward and remain net zero. The Director stated that there would be a journey to fully align policies but fundamentally the LDP was about sustainable development and LDP is a key instrument to achieving the One Planet Strategy. · Members welcomed the progress made and highlighted the importance of getting that message out to members of the public. The Member noted that much of the direct funding previously provided to the Council from Welsh Government is now provided to the Cardiff Capital Region. The Member asked what the Council’s relationship with CCR is like and what CCR priorities will be. The Operational Manager stated that in general relationship is very good. Regular monitoring meetings are taking place on the Local Area Energy Plan alongside other meetings. Some schemes are very local but the Solar Together (Switch Together) has demonstrated that there is an appetite to install solar in the region and officers are investigating whether the scheme can be extended. However, large scale projects such as a tidal lagoon or Aberthaw Power Station are controlled at a regional level. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
The Committee received a report providing Members with an opportunity to scrutinise those sections of the draft Corporate Plan 2026-29 and draft 2025/26 Budget Proposals that related to the Cabinet Portfolios and service areas within the remit of the Committee. The Cabinet will consider the Committee’s comments and recommendations prior to finalising their budget proposals. The report provided a summary of the background and context within which the draft budget proposals have been set and how the draft budget proposals and the draft Capital Programme align with the Corporate Plan 2026-29.
Part of an issue followed across 5 meetings
Decision as recorded
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
The Chairperson welcomed Councillor Chris Weaver, Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation and Performance, Chris Lee, Corporate Director Resources and Ian Allwood, Head of Finance to the meeting. Following a statement from the Cabinet Member the officers delivered a presentation providing an overview of the 2026-269 Budget Proposals. The Chairperson invited Members of the Committee to comment, seek clarification or raise questions on the information provided. Those discussions are summarised as follows: · A Member asked what the biggest risk areas are to the Corporate Plan would be should there be a major shift in policy in the Welsh Government. The Cabinet Member stated that the biggest risk would be to grant funding for the Capital Programme. In the immediate term the authority has existing policy legislation and existing plans which are being followed. The authority would need to respond to any policy changes but the administration’s mandate is very clear. · A Member requested further details on the process for aligning the Corporate Plan with the directorate structure given the transition towards a new structure. The Cabinet Member stated that there is a thread that runs through the Corporate Plan, to Directorate Delivery Plans and beyond and it is possible to move the Directorate Delivery Plans within the Corporate Plan to align with the new structure. The Corporate Director Resources indicated that the budget papers accord with the new structure also. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Decision as recorded
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
The Chairperson welcomed Councillor De’Ath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning and Transport and Andrew Gregory, Director of Planning, Transport and Environment to the meeting. The Cabinet Member delivered a statement providing an overview of the 2026-27 Budget Proposals in relation to this portfolio. The Chairperson invited Members of the Committee to comment, seek clarification or raise questions on the information provided. Those discussions are summarised as follows: · A Member noted that much of the direction of travel in terms of sustainable transport is dependent on external funding. The Cabinet Member was asked to comment on the areas where he felt there could be potential difficulties in the future. The Cabinet Member stated that the way cycling infrastructure is funding has changed in recent months and will now be looked at on a regional basis. In the event that there is a change of government in Wales, Cardiff will strongly make a case for continuing to be a pioneer in terms of active travel. The Director stated that much of the work due to take place over coming years is fully funded such as the first stage of the Cardiff Metro, clean air initiatives in Castle Street and the Newport Road Bus Corridor and cycle route. · A Member asked whether the date for completion of 2028 for the new railway station on Crwys Road was realistic. The Director stated that Welsh Government and Transport for Wales have made a commitment to provide a new station. Works will being on site in 2027 and are forecast to be completed in 12 months. · A Member requested comments on the discussions taking place with Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and Cardiff Bus on the new franchising model for buses and whether Cardiff Bus and other municipal bus operators could complete under the new model. The Cabinet Member advised that discussions are ongoing but protecting Cardiff Bus is a priority for the administration. There were no signs that Cardiff Bus would be unable to compete at this stage. · A Member referred to the announcement by the UK Government regarding the new stations on the railway line between Cardiff and Newport. The Member asked what implications those developments might have moving forward given that Welsh Government had already previously indicated their support for those developments. The Director stated that the recent announcement did not commit to any additional funding but broadly committed to support the prospectus for the new stations and other developments in Cardiff. Both stations are currently on the prioritised list for funding from Welsh Government. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Decision as recorded
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
The Chairperson welcomed Councillor Norma Mackie, Cabinet Member for Waste, Street Scene and Environmental Services; Andrew Gregory, Director of Planning, Transport and Environment; and Matt Wakelam, Assistant Director Street Scene to the meeting. The Cabinet Member made a statement on the 2026-27 Budget Proposals in relation to this portfolio. The Chairperson invited Members of the Committee to comment, seek clarification or raise questions on the information provided. Those discussions are summarised as follows: · A Member noted the additional funding for addressing potholes on roads in the city. The Member asked whether the additional funding was sufficient given the scale of the problem following severe weather conditions during the winter period. The Cabinet Member stated that whilst the extra funding is welcome the administration recognises the scale of the problem and the underlying condition of road surfaces. The Assistant Director stated that there has been a 100% increase in the number of potholes needing repair due to the very wet winter, as wet weather not only causes potholes but also prevents timely repairs. · Members considered that it was important to explain to the public why temporary repairs, although not permanent, were necessary. The Cabinet Member stated that some communication has been done around this issue. · A Member asked that, given the predictions for more extreme whether events due to climate change, whether the money is being invested in the right way. The Cabinet Member stated that officers will apply their expertise and decide what sort of treatments were most appropriate. · A Member asked how the proposed restructure will affect the directorates approach. The Cabinet Member stated that much of the new portfolio falls within the existing portfolio and it was not anticipated that there would be a great deal of difference. It was anticipated that the portfolio would be easier to manage. The Director added that there would be some synergies across the new department. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Decision as recorded
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
The Chairperson welcomed Councillor Norma Mackie, Cabinet Member for Waste, Street Scene and Environmental Services;; and Matt Wakelam, Assistant Director Street Scene to the meeting. The Cabinet Member made a statement on the 2026-27 Budget Proposals in relation to this portfolio. The Chairperson invited Members of the Committee to comment, seek clarification or raise questions on the information provided. Those discussions are summarised as follows: · A Member requested comments on the plans to provide a HWRC in the north of Cardiff. The Assistant Director Street Scene stated that there was capacity within the existing HWRCs. However, the authority was looking to work with the third sector in relation to providing a ‘reuse’ facility in partnership with existing operators in the City within that space. · A Member noted the reference made to developing a new recycling strategy in the report. The Member asked for further details. The Assistant Director Street Scene stated that the path towards the 70% recycling target requires tangible steps to achieve the target. The draft strategy will be put out to consultation after the election in May. · A Member referred to the KPI regarding enforcement actions. The Member asked how enforcement was changing so that the total number of enforcement actions was reducing. The Cabinet Member stated that additional new enforcement officers were being employed and there were could a greater emphasis on education. The Assistant Director Street Scene stated that enforcement is used as a last resort. Street Scene Officers will become increasingly digitalised and their aim to improve behaviour. · A Member noted the significant savings made from waste but asked whether the cost of replacement recycling sacks are included in the calculations. The Assistant Director advised that the green plastic bags that were replaced by the sack came at a cost. The cost of replacement sacks is monitored and it is considerably less than the amount spent on the co-mingled green bags previously. It was considered that as people increase their recycling they are requesting additional sacks. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
No urgent items.
Members were advised that the next Environment Scrutiny Committee is scheduled for 13 March 2026.
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The minutes record no declarations of interest.
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