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Cabinet considered three main items. It recommended that Council approve the Welsh Language Standards Annual Report 2025-26 and related policies. It approved a competitive tender for Phase 1a of the Cardiff to Newport Sustainable Transport Corridor, including Kingsway improvements. It noted the 2025/26 budget outturn, which ended balanced.
Apologies were received from – Cllr Lynda Thorne, Cllr Sarah Merry, Cllr Ed Stubbs, Cllr Peter Littlechild
There were no declarations of interest.
The minutes of the Cabinet meeting of 28 May 2026 were approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that Council be recommended to 1) Approve the Welsh Language Standards Annual Report 2025-26 (attached as APPENDIX A) prior to formal publication in accordance with the Welsh Language Standards (Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011). 2) Approve the content of the revised Bilingual Cardiff Bilingual Council (attached as APPENDIX 2) The development, implementation, and publication of this policy on the Council’s intranet in accordance with the Welsh Language Standards, under the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011. 3) Approve the Single Impact Assessment of the Bilingual Cardiff Bilingual Council policy (attached as APPENDIX 3). 4) To agree and approve the content of Cardiff Council’s revised Guidance on Dealing with Welsh Language Calls (attached as APPENDIX 4) in accordance with the Welsh Language Standards, under the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011.
Cabinet received the Welsh Language Standards Annual Report 2025–26, which set out the Council’s statutory duties under the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011. The report outlines the legislative framework underpinning the Welsh Language Standards and reaffirmed the Council’s responsibility to ensure that Welsh is treated no less favourably than English in service delivery and employment practices. It was noted that Welsh language use in Cardiff continues to grow, with the latest Annual Population Survey indicating that 96,800 residents aged three and over are able to speak Welsh, representing 26.4% of the city’s population. This reflects a sustained upward trend in both the number and proportion of Welsh speakers in recent years, with Cardiff recording the highest number of Welsh speakers of any local authority in Wales. The report highlights key achievements against the Welsh Language Standards and the Bilingual Cardiff Strategy, including continued increases in the number of Council employees with Welsh language skills, significant participation in Welsh language training, and extensive translation and interpretation activity supporting Council services and meetings. Progress was also noted in promoting Welsh-medium education, strengthening youth provision, and supporting cultural initiatives such as Tafwyl. RESOLVED: that Council be recommended to 1) Approve the Welsh Language Standards Annual Report 2025-26 (attached as APPENDIX A) prior to formal publication in accordance with the Welsh Language Standards (Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011). 2) Approve the content of the revised Bilingual Cardiff Bilingual Council (attached as APPENDIX 2) The development, implementation, and publication of this policy on the Council’s intranet in accordance with the Welsh Language Standards, under the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011. 3) Approve the Single Impact Assessment of the Bilingual Cardiff Bilingual Council policy (attached as APPENDIX 3). 4) To agree and approve the content of Cardiff Council’s revised Guidance on Dealing with Welsh Language Calls (attached as APPENDIX 4) in accordance with the Welsh Language Standards, under the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011.
Part of an issue followed across 4 meetings
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that 1. the commencement of a competitive tender process for Phase 1a of the Cardiff to Newport Sustainable Transport Corridor (including Kingsway Public Realm Improvements) be approved, to be procured via the South East Wales Highway Framework (Lot 9) (with associated Contract Notice on Sell2Wales). 2. the Evaluation Criteria of 60% cost, 30% quality and 10% social value be approved. 3. Authority be delegated to the Assistant Director of Planning and Transport in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport, the Council's Section 151 Officer and the Director of Governance and Legal Services to award the contract to the successful tenderer and to take all necessary steps to mobilise and deliver Phase 1a, including completing pre-construction activities and undertaking any necessary engagement updates, and deal with any ancillary matters. 4. It be noted that the Assistant Director of Planning and Transport will act as the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for the scheme and will be accountable for ensuring delivery of the project objectives and benefits.
Appendix 8 of the report is not for publication as it contains exempt information pursuant to the provisions of Schedule 12A Part 4 paragraphs 14 of the Local Government Act 1972 and in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information Appendix 9 of the report is not for publication as it contains exempt information pursuant to the provisions of Schedule 12A Part 4 paragraphs 16 of the Local Government Act 1972 Cabinet considered the report on the Cardiff to Newport Sustainable Transport Corridor – Phase 1a (including Kingsway Public Realm Improvements), which seeks approval to commence a competitive tender process for the first phase of a strategic transport and public realm scheme within the city centre. The report sets out how Phase 1a forms part of a wider programme to improve sustainable transport connectivity between Cardiff and Newport, supporting bus priority, active travel, and wider regeneration objectives, while contributing to air quality improvements and compliance with legal limits. Phase 1a focuses on the city centre section between North Road and West Grove, delivering a segregated cycleway, upgraded junctions and crossings, and targeted highway and bus stop improvements. A key element includes the removal of the Boulevard de Nantes subway and its replacement with a street-level crossing, alongside the transformation of Kingsway into a greener, more accessible public space with improved pedestrian links, new planting, and enhanced civic connections. The proposals aim to create a safer, more inclusive environment, prioritising walking, cycling and public transport while improving the quality of the public realm. It was noted that the scheme aligns with the Council’s strategic priorities, including the Clean Air Plan, Transport White Paper and wider regional transport objectives, and is expected to deliver benefits such as improved bus reliability, enhanced active travel infrastructure, better accessibility to employment and services, and reduced carbon emissions. RESOLVED: that 1. the commencement of a competitive tender process for Phase 1a of the Cardiff to Newport Sustainable Transport Corridor (including Kingsway Public Realm Improvements) be approved, to be procured via the South East Wales Highway Framework (Lot 9) (with associated Contract Notice on Sell2Wales). 2. the Evaluation Criteria of 60% cost, 30% quality and 10% social value be approved. 3. Authority be delegated to the Assistant Director of Planning and Transport in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport, the Council's Section 151 Officer and the Director of Governance and Legal Services to award the contract to the successful tenderer and to take all necessary steps to mobilise and deliver Phase 1a, including completing pre-construction activities and undertaking any necessary engagement updates, and deal with any ancillary matters. 4. It be noted that the Assistant Director of Planning and Transport will act as the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for the scheme and will be accountable for ensuring delivery of the project objectives and benefits.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that 1. the report and actions taken in respect of the Council’s Revenue and Capital Outturn position for 2025/26 be noted. 2. It be noted that this report will form an appendix to the Financial Statements report to be considered at a Council meeting in the Autumn of 2026.
Cabinet considered the Budget Monitoring Outturn report for 2025/26, which set out the Council’s final financial position against the budget approved in March 2025. It was noted that, despite an in-year projected overspend reported at Month 9, the Council achieved a balanced revenue outturn position at year end. This reflected ongoing financial pressures across a number of service areas, but also the impact of mitigation measures including additional external funding, careful financial management and the release of contingencies. Cabinet noted that Directorates reported a net overspend of £2.090 million, primarily driven by pressures within Economic Development, Children’s Services and Planning, Transport and Environment. These pressures included income shortfalls, demand-led service costs and market volatility. The Directorate overspend was offset by underspends within Capital Financing of £4.346 million, together with favourable positions in Council Tax collection and Discretionary Rate Relief, resulting in an overall balanced position. It was further noted that savings targets were not fully achieved, with an overall shortfall against Directorate savings proposals, reflecting the continued challenging financial environment. Cabinet also considered the position on reserves and balances, noting that the General Fund balance was maintained, and earmarked reserves increased, providing some financial resilience going forward. The capital financing underspend was largely attributed to the timing of borrowing and capital expenditure, alongside higher interest income on cash balances. It was noted that the Council continues to face significant longer-term financial challenges and that efficiencies alone would not be sufficient to address these pressures without potential service impacts. Cabinet further considered the capital outturn, noting that significant investment had been delivered across key priority areas including housing, education, transport and regeneration. However, there was variance against the planned programme, largely due to the timing of project delivery and external funding. It was recognised that the scale and complexity of the capital programme, alongside external factors such as planning and grant availability, continued to present challenges. RESOLVED: that 1. the report and actions taken in respect of the Council’s Revenue and Capital Outturn position for 2025/26 be noted. 2. It be noted that this report will form an appendix to the Financial Statements report to be considered at a Council meeting in the Autumn of 2026.
There were no urgent items.
There were no items exempt from publication.
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The minutes record no declarations of interest.
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