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Cabinet chose a Workplace Parking Levy as its preferred road user payment option and agreed to consult the public before any final decision. It noted a temporary increase of 60 Year 7 places at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf for 2027/28. It approved buying 60 social rented homes and a community centre at Medallion House in Cathays, subject to conditions. It also approved the plan for re-commissioning housing support for young people and the Annual Property Plan, and sent three annual reports to Full Council.
Apologies were received from Councillor Lee Bridgeman and Councillor Peter Littlechild.
Councillor Jen Burke declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in item 7. She is a governor at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf. Councillor Rodney Berman declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in item 7. He is a governor at Ysgol Y Berllan Deg. Councillor Peter Bradbury declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in item 7. He has family members who attend Ysgol Coed Y Gof and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr. Councillor Bethan Proctor declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in item 7. She is a governor of and has family members who attend Ysgol Y Wern. Councillor Jen Burke declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in item 9. She is a Ward Councillors for Llandaff North. Councillors Chris Weaver, Norma Mackie, and Sarah Merry declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in item 10. They are Ward Councillors for Cathays. Councillor Ash Lister declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in item 11. He is employed by an organisation that provides accommodation and support to children and young people. Councillor Emma Reid-Jones declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in item 12. She has a close family member in receipt of Council services.
The minutes of the Cabinet meeting of the 18 June 2026 were approved.
Cabinet received the Inquiry report of the Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee entitled "Access and Experience of Adult Social Care Services for Older Ethnic Minority Communities" and agreed to respond within the usual timescales.
Cabinet received the Inquiry report of the Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee entitled "Improving City Centre Daytime Users' Experiences" and agreed to respond within the usual timescales.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that 1. the Workplace Parking Levy be approved as the preferred Road User Payment Scheme option to progress to preparation of a Full Business Case (WelTAG Stage 3). 2. proceeding with public consultation and further stakeholder engagement on the full range of Road User Payment scheme options, to inform updating of the Equality Impact Assessment and the preparation of the Full Business Case, be approved. 3. Cardiff Council Officers be approved to work with Welsh Government Officers on the timely introduction of relevant regulations under the Transport Act 2000. 4. It be noted that there will be a further report to Cabinet and Full Council on the recommendations of the Full Business Case WelTAG Stage 3 for a final decision.
Cabinet considered the Road User Payment Scheme Outline Business Case, which set out the outcome of the WelTAG Stage 2 assessment of options for securing additional, ring-fenced investment in Cardiff’s transport network. The report highlighted the need for a frequent, reliable, affordable and convenient public transport network, particularly improved bus services, to support the city’s continued growth, reduce congestion and enable more sustainable travel. It noted that existing recurring transport funding was insufficient to deliver the scale of improvement required. Cabinet noted the significant investment already made in rail, bus, active travel and the public realm, including the South Wales Metro, Cardiff Bus Interchange, Metro Central, bus-priority measures and cycle routes. However, bus use remains below 2019 levels, car ownership and pressure on the road network had increased, and residents continue to identify improved bus frequency and reliability as their highest transport priority. The report details that the Outline Business Case assessed a Road User Charge, a Workplace Parking Levy and a do-minimum option. The Workplace Parking Levy was recommended as the preferred option because it would place a lower burden on residents, be simpler and less costly to implement, require less infrastructure and have a shorter delivery timescale than a direct charge on drivers. The levy would apply to employers providing workplace parking and was estimated to generate approximately £10 million in net revenue each year, which would be ring-fenced for transport improvements. It was noted that the detailed design of any scheme, including its charging level, exemptions and discounts, has not yet been determined. These matters would be developed through the Full Business Case and informed by public consultation, stakeholder engagement and further equality assessment. The consultation will include the full range of feasible road user payment options to ensure that the process remained open, robust and legally sound. A further report will be presented to Cabinet and Full Council following completion of the Full Business Case, consultation and stakeholder engagement, before any final decision is taken. RESOLVED: that 1. the Workplace Parking Levy be approved as the preferred Road User Payment Scheme option to progress to preparation of a Full Business Case (WelTAG Stage 3). 2. proceeding with public consultation and further stakeholder engagement on the full range of Road User Payment scheme options, to inform updating of the Equality Impact Assessment and the preparation of the Full Business Case, be approved. 3. Cardiff Council Officers be approved to work with Welsh Government Officers on the timely introduction of relevant regulations under the Transport Act 2000. 4. It be noted that there will be a further report to Cabinet and Full Council on the recommendations of the Full Business Case WelTAG Stage 3 for a final decision.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that (i) the planned temporary increase to intakes at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf by 60 places for the 2027/28 school year be noted. (ii) Officers be authorised to take the appropriate actions to allow for the increased intakes as set out in (i). (iii) the revenue and capital implications arising from the increased intakes, and identified investment works to support the increased intakes be noted. (iv) It be noted that a further report on long-term sustainable growth of Welsh-medium education will be presented to Cabinet in autumn 2026.
Councillor Jen Burke declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in this item as she is a governor at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf. Councillor Rodney Berman declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in this item as he is a governor at Ysgol Y Berllan Deg. Councillor Peter Bradbury declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in this item as he has family members who attend Ysgol Coed Y Gof and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr. Councillor Bethan Proctor declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in this item as she is a governor of and has family members who attend Ysgol Y Wern. Cabinet considered a report on the outcome of public engagement regarding short-term changes to Welsh-medium secondary education for the 2027/28 school year. The report addressed a projected one-year increase in demand for Year 7 places and proposed a temporary increase of 60 places at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf. It was noted that intakes were expected to return within existing capacity from 2028/29. The engagement, undertaken between 12 February and 26 March 2026, sought views on five options for temporarily expanding provision. A total of 393 responses were received, including formal submissions, stakeholder surveys, proforma and email responses. The stakeholder survey identified the option to increase the Glantaf intake by 60 places as the highest-rated proposal overall. Having considered stakeholder feedback and technical assessments the report concludes that a single-site increase at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf provided the most direct and deliverable response to demand. It was noted that site assessments have confirmed that sufficient teaching accommodation is available, subject to careful operational management and targeted capital works to address pressures relating principally to catering, dining and toilet facilities. RESOLVED: that (i) the planned temporary increase to intakes at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf by 60 places for the 2027/28 school year be noted. (ii) Officers be authorised to take the appropriate actions to allow for the increased intakes as set out in (i). (iii) the revenue and capital implications arising from the increased intakes, and identified investment works to support the increased intakes be noted. (iv) It be noted that a further report on long-term sustainable growth of Welsh-medium education will be presented to Cabinet in autumn 2026.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that the Corporate Safeguarding Annual Report for 2025/2026 be approved for consideration by Council
Cabinet received a report setting out progress against the Council’s Corporate Safeguarding priorities during 2025/26 across the five thematic areas of Safe Governance, Safe Employment, Safe Workforce, Safe Practice and Safe Partnerships. The report provides assurance on the effectiveness of the Council’s safeguarding arrangements and highlighted progress made in embedding safeguarding responsibilities across all Council services. It was noted that significant progress had been achieved during the year, including strengthening the Corporate Safeguarding Self-Assessment framework, enhancing guidance for Designated Safeguarding Persons, and improving oversight through regular reporting to the Corporate Safeguarding Board. Improvements in workforce safeguarding arrangements were noted, including expanded access to safeguarding training for staff without regular computer access, approval of the Corporate Safeguarding Training Framework, and development of systems to monitor compliance amongst volunteers and agency workers. The report highlighted strengthened safeguarding practices through closer partnership working with Licensing, resulting in safeguarding considerations being embedded within the revised Statement of Licensing Policy. The report highlights key priorities for 2026/27, including reviewing safeguarding arrangements for out-of-school provision, implementing and monitoring compliance with the new Corporate Safeguarding Training Framework, progressing safeguarding actions within the White Ribbon Action Plan, strengthening monitoring arrangements for non-council staff, completing safer recruitment and DBS audits, and continuing work to improve safeguarding within taxi and private hire vehicle services. RESOLVED: that the Corporate Safeguarding Annual Report for 2025/2026 be approved for consideration by Council
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: thatthe 2026/27 Annual Property Plan attached at Appendix 1 be approved.
Councillor Jen Burke declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in item 9. She is a Ward Councillors for Llandaff North. Cabinet considered the Annual Property Plan 2026/27, which sets out how the Council will deliver the objectives set out in the Corporate Property Strategy 2025-2030. The report highlights strong performance during 2025/26, with statutory compliance reaching 93% against a target of 80%, running cost reduction targets being achieved, carbon emissions reducing by 17%, and £3.68 million of capital receipts generated from property transactions. It was noted that the Council’s estate continues to face challenges associated with ageing assets, maintenance liabilities, rising compliance requirements and increasing utility costs. The Council’s priorities for 2026/27 include progressing the Core Office Programme, modernising and rationalising the operational estate, supporting housing and regeneration objectives, reducing long-term running costs, improving statutory compliance and delivering further carbon reduction initiatives. The report details updates on significant investment programmes across the Council’s estate. These included ongoing refurbishment and decarbonisation works at City Hall, progress at St David’s Hall, investment planning for Cardiff Castle and other heritage assets, continued delivery of the Education Investment Strategy, and property programmes supporting social care accommodation and specialist provision. Cabinet further noted that 18 property transactions completed during 2025/26 generated £3.68 million in capital receipts, with a target of £4.5 million set for 2026/27. RESOLVED: thatthe 2026/27 Annual Property Plan attached at Appendix 1 be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that the acquisition of the land and buildings (once completed) at 62-64 Crwys Road in line with the Heads of Terms provided in Confidential Appendix 1a, subject to satisfaction of the pre-condition set out in paragraph 13 of this report,be approved, and authority be delegated to the Corporate Director - People and Communities in consultation with the S151 Officer, Legal services and the Cabinet Members for Housing and Communities and Finance, Modernisation and Performance for all matters arising from the acquisition.
Appendices 1a, 1b and 3 to this report are not for publication as they contain exempt information of the description contained in paragraph 14 of Part 4 and paragraph 21 of Part 5 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 Councillors Chris Weaver, Norma Mackie, and Sarah Merry declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in item 10. They are Ward Councillors for Cathays. Cabinet considered a report seeking approval for the Council to acquire the completed development at Medallion House, 62–64 Crwys Road, Cathays. The proposed mixed-use scheme will provide 60 new social rented apartments, comprising 28 one-bedroom and 32 two-bedroom homes, together with a purpose-built ground-floor community centre and two retail units. The acquisition supports the Council’s response to the housing emergency and its commitment to deliver additional affordable homes, while also providing improved accommodation for Cathays Community Group. The development would be acquired through a turn-key arrangement, subject to a fixed purchase price and the satisfactory completion of a range of pre-acquisition conditions. These included confirmation of Welsh Government grant funding, financial viability, legal and technical due diligence, an appropriate purchase contract, confirmation of the developer’s capacity to complete the scheme, and agreement that the proposed community facility met the needs of Cathays Community Group. It was noted that £21.5 million had been included in the Housing Capital Programme for the acquisition, based on an assumed Welsh Government grant contribution of at least 55%. RESOLVED: that the acquisition of the land and buildings (once completed) at 62-64 Crwys Road in line with the Heads of Terms provided in Confidential Appendix 1a, subject to satisfaction of the pre-condition set out in paragraph 13 of this report,be approved, and authority be delegated to the Corporate Director - People and Communities in consultation with the S151 Officer, Legal services and the Cabinet Members for Housing and Communities and Finance, Modernisation and Performance for all matters arising from the acquisition.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that 1) the proposed procurement approach including the market engagement be approved. 2) authority be delegated to the Director of Adult Services, Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Director of Children’s Services, the Cabinet Members for Housing & Communities and Children’s Services, the Council’s Corporate Director of Resources (s151 Officer) and the Director of Governance and Legal, to take any further decisions required to progress the procurement and award of contract(s), including but not limited to approval to commence procurement, approval of the tender documentation, evaluation criteria and outcomes and final contract award, within the approved budget and any other ancillary matter.
Appendix C to this report is exempt from publication because it contains information of the kind described in paragraph 14 of Schedule 12 A to 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. Councillor Ash Lister declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in item 11. He is employed by an organisation that provides accommodation and support to children and young people. Cabinet considered a report seeking approval for the proposed procurement approach for the recommissioning of Young Persons Accommodation and Support Provision. The services support the Council’s statutory responsibilities to prevent and relieve homelessness and to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of children, young people and care leavers. The achievements of the existing Young Person’s Accommodation and Support Gateway, which provides a coordinated route into supported accommodation and settled housing for young people aged 16 to 24 were noted. While the existing model has delivered positive accommodation, tenancy sustainment and financial outcomes, demand was exceeding available provision and difficulties accessing permanent accommodation were restricting movement through the system. The profile of those using the Gateway had also changed, with an increasing proportion of young people presenting with high or complex needs. The report details that following a comprehensive service review and consultation with young people, providers, frontline staff and partner organisations, it was proposed to commission a more integrated and flexible model. This would bring advice, mediation, early intervention and accommodation-based support into a coordinated system comprising three contract Lots. The model would place greater emphasis on homelessness prevention, improve placement matching and provide a wider range of accommodation, including self-contained provision, Housing First units, supported lodgings and accommodation designed to respond to the needs of LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent young people. The contracts are proposed to commence on 1 April 2027 for an initial five-year period, with the option to extend for up to a further two years, at an approximate annual value of £6.5 million. RESOLVED: that 1) the proposed procurement approach including the market engagement be approved. 2) authority be delegated to the Director of Adult Services, Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Director of Children’s Services, the Cabinet Members for Housing & Communities and Children’s Services, the Council’s Corporate Director of Resources (s151 Officer) and the Director of Governance and Legal, to take any further decisions required to progress the procurement and award of contract(s), including but not limited to approval to commence procurement, approval of the tender documentation, evaluation criteria and outcomes and final contract award, within the approved budget and any other ancillary matter.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that 1) the Local Authority’s Social Services Annual Report for 2025/26 be approved for consideration by Council. 2) It be recommended to Council that the recruitment process for the Director of Adult Services, Housing and Communities be commenced, in order to ensure continuity of leadership.
Councillor Emma Reid-Jones declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in item 12. She has a close family member in receipt of Council services. Cabinet received the Local Authority Social Services Annual Report 2025/26, presented in fulfilment of the Council’s statutory duties under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and associated regulations. Cabinet noted that this was the seventeenth annual report produced by the authority and that the report forms part of the Welsh Government’s Performance Improvement Framework. It was noted that the report reflected the continued challenges facing social care services, including increasing levels of demand, workforce recruitment and retention pressures, safeguarding responsibilities and ongoing financial pressures, whilst highlighting the significant progress made across both Children’s and Adult Services during the year. Cabinet noted a number of key achievements delivered during 2025/26. In Children’s Services these included the establishment of the Family Advice, Support and Protection Hub, increased residential provision for looked after children, enhanced support for foster and kinship carers, improvements in services for children with disabilities, and the continued development of digital initiatives including the use of robotic process automation and AI-supported tools. Members also noted progress in embedding trauma-informed practice and supporting young carers. Cabinet further welcomed the positive outcomes reported within Adult Services. Members noted improvements in support for unpaid carers, recognition of Cardiff’s Caring Friends Volunteer Befriending Scheme by the World Health Organisation, reductions in social worker vacancy levels, high levels of workforce satisfaction and improved service user satisfaction. Cabinet also noted progress in hospital discharge arrangements, the delivery of £3.5 million of efficiencies through the Adult Services Development Plan, the implementation of the Living Well with a Learning Disability Strategy, and the development of the Council’s first Housing with Care scheme at Llys y Goetre. The report identified priorities for 2026/27 including further development of early intervention and prevention services, continued delivery of digital transformation programmes, implementation of workforce strategies, support for unpaid carers, strengthening community-based services and delivery of strategic initiatives for people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and neurodivergent residents. Members also noted the Council’s enhanced duties relating to sufficiency planning for children’s care provision and the requirement to publish an annual sufficiency plan. RESOLVED: that 1) the Local Authority’s Social Services Annual Report for 2025/26 be approved for consideration by Council. 2) It be recommended to Council that the recruitment process for the Director of Adult Services, Housing and Communities be commenced, in order to ensure continuity of leadership.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: that the Corporate Parenting Annual Report for 2025/2026 be approved for consideration by Council.
Cabinet received the Corporate Parenting Annual Report 2025-2026, which provides an overview of how the Council has discharged its corporate parenting responsibilities over the past year and highlighted progress against the Corporate Parenting Strategy 2025-2028. The report reaffirms the Council’s commitment to ensuring that children looked after and care leavers are placed at the heart of decision making and receive the support needed to achieve positive outcomes. The Strategy is structured around five priority areas focused on emotional wellbeing, relationships, stable accommodation, education and employment, and involving young people in shaping services. The substantial progress made during 2025-2026 was noted, with 68% of actions contained within the Corporate Parenting Annual Plan completed and the remaining actions progressing. Key achievements included the development of a corporate parenting performance dashboard, the launch of a dedicated information webpage for children looked after, progress towards the introduction of corporate parenting e-learning, and the successful delivery of partnership activity which secured additional support and opportunities for children looked after and care leavers. Cabinet also noted that 93% of improvement actions identified through the Corporate Safeguarding Self-Assessment had been completed. The continuing rollout of trauma-informed practice across services, increased engagement opportunities for children looked after through cultural, educational and youth provision, and strengthened support for care leavers through enhanced personal adviser services was welcomed. The improvements in housing and independent living support, including successful training tenancy outcomes and ongoing work to strengthen accommodation pathways through the recommissioning of the Young Persons Gateway was also noted. Efforts to raise awareness of fostering and to secure social value contributions from contractors were also highlighted. Cabinet further noted positive outcomes in relation to education, employment and participation. The report highlights support provided to children looked after in accessing employment and accredited training opportunities, strong performance in Personal Education Plans, and the absence of permanent exclusions in Cardiff maintained schools. Members welcomed the growth in participation opportunities for young people, including increased membership of the Bright Sparks participation group, the successful delivery of the Bright Sparks Awards, and the launch of the Children’s Services Participation Strategy to ensure that the voices of children and young people remain central to service development and decision making. Cabinet noted that the 2026-2027 Annual Plan had been developed to build on progress achieved to date and provides a clear framework for the continued delivery of corporate parenting priorities. Members recognised the importance of maintaining effective corporate parenting arrangements to fulfil the Council’s statutory responsibilities and support positive outcomes for children looked after and care leavers. RESOLVED: that the Corporate Parenting Annual Report for 2025/2026 be approved for consideration by Council.
There were no urgent items.
There were no items exempt from publication.
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.
Jennifer Burke: Personal interest on Engagement on Short-Term Changes to Welsh-Medium Secondary Education in 2027/28
Personal, non-prejudicial interest because she is a governor at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf.
Rodney Berman: Personal interest on Engagement on Short-Term Changes to Welsh-Medium Secondary Education in 2027/28
Personal, non-prejudicial interest because he is a governor at Ysgol Y Berllan Deg.
Peter Bradbury: Personal interest on Engagement on Short-Term Changes to Welsh-Medium Secondary Education in 2027/28
Personal, non-prejudicial interest because he has family members who attend Ysgol Coed Y Gof and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr.
Bethan Proctor: Personal interest on Engagement on Short-Term Changes to Welsh-Medium Secondary Education in 2027/28
Personal, non-prejudicial interest because she is a governor of Ysgol Y Wern and has family members who attend it.
Jennifer Burke: Personal interest on Annual Property Plan 2026/27
Personal, non-prejudicial interest because she is a ward councillor for Llandaff North.
Chris Weaver: Personal interest on Additional Property Purchases of Medallion House, 62-64 Crwys Road, Cathays, Cardiff
Personal, non-prejudicial interest because he is a ward councillor for Cathays.
Norma Mackie: Personal interest on Additional Property Purchases of Medallion House, 62-64 Crwys Road, Cathays, Cardiff
Personal, non-prejudicial interest because she is a ward councillor for Cathays.
Sarah Merry: Personal interest on Additional Property Purchases of Medallion House, 62-64 Crwys Road, Cathays, Cardiff
Personal, non-prejudicial interest because she is a ward councillor for Cathays.
Ash Lister: Personal interest on Young Person's Housing-Related Support Commissioning
Personal, non-prejudicial interest because he is employed by an organisation that provides accommodation and support to children and young people.
Emma Reid-Jones: Personal interest on Local Authority Social Services Annual Report 2025/26
Personal, non-prejudicial interest because she has a close family member who receives Council services.
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