Wrthi'n llwytho
Ystyriodd y Pwyllgor adfer Neuadd Dewi Sant, Cronfa Ffyniant a Rennir, ymateb y Cabinet i ymchwiliad Ffilmio yng Nghaerdydd, a'i raglen waith. Ar eitemau 4, 5 a 6, cytunodd y Cadeirydd ysgrifennu at yr Aelod Cabinet gyda sylwadau'r Pwyllgor. Cymeradwyodd aelodau'r rhaglen waith ar gyfer 2025/26 a dau grŵp tasg a gorffen.
Apologies were received from Cllrs Green, Goodway and Thomas.
Cllrs Brown-Reckless and Lewis declared a personal interest in Item 4, St David’s Hall – Update, having previously received tickets for events held at St David’s Hall.
The minutes for the single and joint meetings held on 8 July 2025 were both agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairperson.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
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 advised that this item last came before Committee in October 2023 and would provide an opportunity to explore the progress made and the timeline for reopening St David’s Hall. Committee would also be able to explore the risks and implications for the Council that had been identified and mitigated during this process. For this item, the Chairperson welcomed Cllr Jennifer Burke, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Parks; Neil Hanratty, Director of Economic Development; Donna Jones, Assistant Director of County Estates and Ruth Cayford, Operational Manager for Creative Industries and Cultural Development. The Cabinet Member was invited to make an opening statement, providing a background to the remedial work required at St David’s Hall and that an agreement had been reached with Academy Music Group to make the necessary significant investment to the venue, whilst protecting programme of classical and community events and securing an academy offer. The Chairperson invited questions and comments from Members. Members noted the emotion from the public regarding the renovation of St David’s Hall and requested details on the specific areas people had voiced concerns and how this was reflected in the lease. The Cabinet Member explained that people had fed back the importance of the cultural, educational and community programme and that the continuation of these programmes had been written into the contract with AMG, with over 90 days set aside for cultural and community programming that are protected across the p calendar. Officers confirmed that the Council had been working with key classical music stakeholders throughout the process including BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Cardiff Singer of the World, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra and commented on how the future of St David’s Hall had now been secured. Members noted the hall’s acoustics being an important factor and referenced the required approval of works by sound engineers as detailed in the report. It was queried how a dispute would be dealt with if engineers deemed the roof repairs to have affected acoustics. Officers confirmed that Sandy Brown was identified as the original acoustic consultancy company used when St David’s Hall was built. The Council had asked Sandy Brown to carry out a benchmarking exercise to verify the acoustics in the hall prior to handover. Officers explained that AMG work with world class acousticians, Vanguardia, and had carried out their own acoustic modelling assessments which had been double checked by Sandy Brown to ensure no audible difference when experiencing classical music at St David’s Hall, noting it is in the lease that AMG must right anything that is found not to be at the required standard. As contract negotiations were already ongoing with AMG for the takeover of St David’s Hall, the Council had not suffered any financial implications related to the remedial work. It had, however, faced revenue costs associated with staffing and premises holding during the period until the lease was transferred to AMG. Members raised that the efficiency savings at St David’s Hall were unachieved and that the budget monitoring Outturn Report 2024/25 listed an operational deficit of £331,000, querying the subsidy received when the building was operational. Officers confirmed this subsidy was officially around £1 million but that additional costs were also involved. In the Economic Development budget this figure was described as between £1.5 million and £2 million each year. Members asked for an update on when St David’s Hall would reopen to the public, and whether BBC Cardiff Singer of the World would be able to go ahead in 2027. The Cabinet Member confirmed that building work had begun and that, working with AMG, the build was anticipated to take 18 months. Officers explained that the BBC had asked for assurances as soon as the Council could provide them and requested a detailed programme of the works to be made available before Christmas. AMG have said this can be provided in January, and discussions are ongoing as to whether this provides the BBC with enough certainty regarding the timeline. Members raised concerns that construction projects had a tendency to be delayed and asked what contingencies were in place should BBC Cardiff Singer of the World be at risk in 2027. It was confirmed Officers would be able to provide an end date in January 2026 and that the BBC would be able to decide on the level of associated risk at that point. Members asked whether contingencies were in place should St David’s Hall not be available; officers explained it would be best for the BBC to answer that, pointing to the arrangements in place this year whereby there is a Gala Concert for winners of previous Cardiff Singer of the World competitions, being held at the WMC. Officers clarified that the previous Cardiff Singer of the World had been postponed due to the BBC’s own procurement processes rather than because St. David’s Hall was closed. Members commented that they were unsure on the arrangements regarding a proposed lease or business sale agreement and asked Officers what future costs relating to St David’s Hall could come back to the Council should liability fall, or the other side of the agreement not perform their side of the deal. They also noted that more information should be provided in the public domain. Referencing confidentiality concerns, Officers explained their preference would be to provide a response at a later date once they had checked what information could be shared publicly. Members reiterated this wasn’t a personal question but one for everybody and emphasised that such matters should be answered at a public scrutiny committee so that questions can be asked and answered in a public forum, noting there is not sufficient information on this matter currently available in the public domain. The Chairperson confirmed this matter could be included in the public letter addressed to the Cabinet Member for an answer to be provided. Cllr Brown-Reckless raised concerns that much of the information regarding the lease and business sale agreement was provided in private session and not in a public forum, noting this should not be the case. The Cllr explained that there was not sufficient information on this matter in the public domain and asked for her concerns to be recorded in the minutes and Committee correspondence. Members were keen to understand when repairs would be fully starting, particularly on the roof where RAAC is present, and whether any other major issues relating to the building’s stability also required work. Officers replied that repairs had already started and that the building had a complex roof structure. The roof would be replaced internally, and the sloped elements of the roof also need to be renewed. It was confirmed that because the building was forced to close for a significant period, that TUPE did not apply and staff had instead been offered voluntary severance or redeployment. Members queried what the role of the Council is regarding AMG. Officers clarified that, as AMG is now the operator of St David’s Hall, the Council would be monitoring them to ensure repairs are undertaken in-line with the terms of the lease agreement. Members asked whether any issues had been flagged with the buildings adjoining St David’s Hall and whether any such work to these buildings would have an adverse effect St David’s Hall. It was confirmed that these buildings are not Council owned but that no works to the wider buildings would affect St David’s Hall. The Chairperson closed by asking questions relating to the closure of St David’s Hall, the complexity of replacing a listed roof, clarity on who was overseeing the work and whether the current design had been approved by Cadw. Officers confirmed the Council had prior knowledge of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the building and had a robust monitoring programme in place regarding this. In 2023, additional engineering guidance meant the risk to the roof was that of potential immediate failure. The Council had to close the building on safety grounds and implemented a risk assessment to control access to St David’s Hall, which remains in place. The roof was described as a unique design with many elevations and RAAC spanning the whole of the flat area. Due to the challenges working on the building because of its small footprint, the decision was made to replace the roof from the inside. Officers note that the building became listed during the original procurement with AMG, which added significant delays to the process of securing planning permission as well as agreeing designs for the roof. All necessary approvals are now in place. AMG are responsible for the remedial work in-line with the planning conditions, but through the lease, the Council will have oversight of the work undertaken. This also applies to the acoustic concerns to ensure there is no detriment to the experience of the classical programme within the building. 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.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
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 advised this item detailed the Cabinet response to the Committee’s Filming in Cardiff Task and Finish Group Inquiry. Committee made 14 recommendations to Cabinet based on the evidence it considered. Nine of these recommendations had been accepted in full, four had been partially accepted and one had not been accepted. For this item, the Chairperson welcomed Jon Day, Operational Manager for Tourism and Investment and Ruth Cayford, Operational Manager for Creative Industries and Culture Development. The Chairperson invited questions and comments from members. Members praised the work completed and thanked Officers for their contribution following a positive inquiry. Referencing the recommendation that was not accepted, it was asked what alternative tracking methods would be used on the Council’s cost centre system. It was confirmed that this was currently being discussed with the Finance department and that GL codes would be used to track activity within spend analysis. Officers confirmed that those recommendations with a financial element are being discussed as part of the budget-setting process for 2026/27. 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.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
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 advised this item would provide Committee with the opportunity to consider the impact of the Shared Prosperity Fund, to explore any future successor schemes and the effects such matters would have on service delivery for both the Council and its partners. For this item, the Chairperson welcomed Jon Day, Operational Manager for Tourism and Investment; Sean Maidment, SPF Project Manager and Sasha Morgan, SPF Outcome Delivery Officer. Officers gave a presentation taking Members through the draft outputs and outcomes, illustrating the reach and impact of the SPF programme. Members recognised the significant breadth of work delivered through the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) programme in Cardiff. They welcomed the update that, to date, the programme had reached thousands of residents and supported a wide range of local businesses. It was noted that the report covered activity only up to the end of March 2025. Members looked forward to receiving further updates as final outcomes became available. It was noted that both the UK and Welsh Governments were undertaking evaluations of the SPF. Cardiff Council would also carry out its own evaluation, which would assess impact using the Stronger, Fairer, Greener criteria and consider protected characteristics. Members welcomed the programme’s low administrative burden, with costs reported at under 0.5%. Officers had found the SPF approach to be constructive, particularly in enabling local partners to address community priorities. Members acknowledged that the SPF was due to conclude in March 2026 and sought clarity on future funding arrangements. The following points were noted: • A 40% reduction in funding had been experienced during the 2025–26 transition year. • The UK Government had committed to maintaining the same level of annual funding for Wales between 2026 and 2029 as in 2025–26, through a range of replacement schemes. • Further details and guidance on these replacement funds, including Cardiff’s allocation and delivery mechanisms, were still awaited. Members expressed concern that no confirmed timeline had been provided for the release of further information. This was particularly noted given officers’ feedback that a longer lead-in period had proven valuable in enabling effective engagement and ensuring targeted, impactful investment. Members were keen to understand whether Cardiff Council was actively pressing for greater clarity. They were reassured to hear that the Council, alongside other local authorities, had been advocating strongly, both politically and at officer level, to the UK and Welsh Governments. The Council had emphasised the critical role local authorities had played in delivering the SPF and the importance of maintaining this role in future funding arrangements. Members noted that risk assessments were ongoing in relation to the potential cessation of funding, including the implications for services, communities, and employment. It was acknowledged that several valued services, such as the Into Work services, were heavily reliant on SPF funding and could be at risk if replacement funding did not materialise. Members discussed replacement funding and expressed interest in understanding the likely allocation processes. It was noted that officers anticipated a focus on activities that delivered the greatest impact and those that supported the continuation of existing projects. Members noted that final prioritisation would require political decision-making. 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 Scrutiny Officer advised this item was to finalise and agree the work programme for 2025/26 and informed Members that the joint committee with Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee scheduled for 13th October 2025 would now take place in the New Year. A proposed calendar was made available to highlight the different types of scrutiny and two task groups discussed. The first of these, scheduled before Christmas, was named Place-Based Economic Interventions and was a recommendation from the Leader of the Council for Committee to explore the work around the CJC Investment Zone. The second task group was a recommendation from the Chairperson to explore the City Centre experience and find ways the Council could improve areas for businesses, visitors and tourists in Cardiff and would take place in the New Year. Members noted that footfall in Cardiff remained strong and had been doing well in comparison to other Core Cities, and whether it was an area that needed to be looked at urgently. The Chairperson confirmed Cardiff was coming from a position of strength regarding footfall, but that areas to learn from other authorities remained, such as in waste collection and pedestrianisation. The Scrutiny Officer explained that while good footfall was reported, this remained something the Council wanted to continue to build on. Members approved the work programme, with the following nominations agreed for task and finish group membership: Place Based Economic Interventions – Cllrs Wong, Anderson and Lewis; City Centre Users’ Experiences – Cllrs Wong, Jenkins and Lewis. Members agreed that the scrutiny officer contact all backbench members to offer them the opportunity to be on either task group.
The Scrutiny Officer informed Members that the Western Gateway Partnership closed in June 2025 following the withdrawal of funding from the UK Government. An overview of the Corporate Joint Committee was provided, detailing considerations moving forward.
Rhan o fater a ddilynwyd ar draws 11 cyfarfod
The Scrutiny Officer confirmed that, while a number of responses remained outstanding, a response had been received from Cllr Bradbury, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Tackling Poverty & Supporting Young People (Cabinet Member Job Share), following the Employment Services Short Scrutiny. The recommendation made by Committee, that the Into Work Service capture more neurodiversity information, had been agreed.
None received.
The next meeting of the Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee was scheduled for 14th October 2025 at 4.30pm.
Rhaid i gynghorwyr ddweud pan fydd ganddyn nhw gysylltiad personol â rhywbeth sy'n cael ei drafod, fel swydd, eiddo neu aelod o'r teulu. Mae buddiant sy'n rhagfarnu yn ddigon cryf i'r cynghorydd adael yr ystafell fel arfer a pheidio â chymryd rhan.
Brown-Reckless: Buddiant personol ar St David's Hall - Update
Wedi derbyn tocynnau yn flaenorol ar gyfer digwyddiadau yn Neuadd Dewi Sant.
Lewis: Buddiant personol ar St David's Hall - Update
Wedi derbyn tocynnau yn flaenorol ar gyfer digwyddiadau yn Neuadd Dewi Sant.
Yn rhestru cynghorwyr presennol y cyngor yn unig. Nid yw aelodau cyfetholedig, swyddogion a chyn-gynghorwyr yn cael eu dangos.