Wrthi'n llwytho
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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.
Apologies had been received from Cllr Green and Eleanor Hopkins (Youth Council representative).
None received.
The minutes of the meeting held on 20 January 2026 were 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 provided Members with an opportunity to consider those items in the draft Corporate Plan and draft Budgetary Proposals that fall within the remit of the Committee. The Chairperson advised that the cover report was structured by Cabinet Member portfolio, with colour coding and he would refer Members to the relevant paragraphs of the cover report as the meeting proceeds. Members would firstly receive a briefing on the Corporate Overview of the draft budget proposals, then the budget proposals and relevant parts of the Corporate Plan would be considered by Cabinet Member portfolio. For this item, the Chairperson welcomed Cllr Chris Weaver (Cabinet Member – Finance, Modernisation & Performance); Chris Lee - Corporate Director Resources and Ian Allwood – Head of Finance. The Cabinet Member was invited to make an opening statement after which Members were provided with a presentation from Officers. The Chairperson invited questions and comments from Members. Overall Corporate Overview Members noted that the £22.6m budget shortfall was being addressed through a combination of £40m of savings and a proposed 3.9% increase in Council Tax. It was further noted that a Directorate base budget refresh had been undertaken to reflect the establishment of new Directorates, together with inflationary impacts, known commitments, demand pressures, and other budget realignments. Members also noted that the budget proposals included specific contingencies for Children’s Services and Adult Services, in addition to funding through the Financial Resilience Mechanism (FRM). Members sought clarification on a number of matters and noted the following points: Schools Delegated Budgets Members noted that while many schools were reducing their deficits, a significant number remained in deficit. Finance officers continued to work closely with schools to manage these pressures across the short, medium, and long term. Council Tax (3.9%) and Medium-Term Financial Pressures Members noted the view that a 3.9% Council Tax increase was sustainable for the year, striking a balance between residents’ cost?of?living pressures and the need to generate sufficient income to set a balanced budget. Members also noted comments that cost?of?living pressures were beginning to ease and were likely to reduce further in future years. Alongside measures to maintain reserves, test the achievability of savings, and include corporate contingencies, Members noted that the Cabinet Member and Officers considered that an appropriate balance had been achieved. Financial Resilience Mechanism (FRM) Members noted that FRM allocations should be one?off, time?limited measures and should not be used to fund ongoing activity that should instead be incorporated into base budgets. Local Growth Fund (LGF) Members noted that the LGF was not comparable in scale or structure to Shared Prosperity Funding, and that a revenue shortfall of £6.929m was being managed through a range of measures. These included temporary funding for the city centre team, base budget allocations, and the use of LGF funding for Into Work services. Members sought clarification on the implications for future years and noted officers’ response that priorities and available grant funding would continue to be reviewed, with a focus on service delivery and impact. Councillor Weaver’s Portfolio – Corporate Plan Step 3.05 – Living Wage Members noted that the Living Wage City Partnership was renewing its action plan, informed by research from the Living Wage Foundation to identify employment sectors able to absorb the Real Living Wage. Members recognised that while the Real Living Wage offered benefits such as improved recruitment, retention, and staff morale, some sectors continued to face financial pressures. Members further noted comments that becoming a Real Living Wage employer remained a voluntary decision and that uptake was continuing, albeit at a slower rate than previously. Councillor Burke’s Portfolio – Revenue Parks Revenue Levels Members noted the Director of Economic Development’s explanation that the APSE review of Parks identified some teams as under?resourced. However, the Director considered that overall resource levels were sufficient and that the key issue related to the redistribution of resources between teams through a Whole Service Review. Allotments Revenue Levels Members noted that no additional funding had been allocated within the budget. The interim allotment administrative officer post was being funded through efficiencies elsewhere in the existing budget. Members noted that these efficiencies were not clearly set out in the budget papers and requested clarification. Members also noted the Director’s suggestion that part of the £500,000 Neighbourhood and Parks Regeneration FRM could potentially be used to support Allotments and sought confirmation of this. Culture and Events Revenue Levels Members noted that additional resources would be received in connection with EUROS 2028 and the Tour de France, and that funding was in place to support delivery of the Music Strategy. Members also noted that project risk registers were in place and were being actively monitored, with no issues identified at that time. Achievability of Income Targets Lines D&G 1, 7, 12, 14, 16 and FLS 5 Members noted the Director of Economic Development’s view that these income targets were realistic and achievable, based on current performance trends and known future events, including summer events at the Castle. Lines D&G 2 and FLS 1 Members noted that Sports and Parks services were reducing their footprint at Queen Alexandra House, which was owned by Associated British Ports. Capital Line 44 – Roath Park Dam Members welcomed the Director of Economic Development’s comments that proposals for the Roath Park Dam were likely to include lake desilting, as the lake would need to be drained to undertake the works. Members noted that proposals would be brought forward for scrutiny. Earmarked Reserves Line 49 – New Theatre Repairs Members noted that this reserve funded repairs to the external walls and roof of the New Theatre, which remained the Council’s responsibility under the lease. Fees and Charges D&G Line 1 – Filming Members noted that no increase in filming fees was proposed, recognising the strength of the sector and the Council’s intention to continue supporting its growth. D&G Line 88 – Cardiff Riding School Certificate Members queried whether the current charge was £4.90 rather than the £3.50 stated in the papers and requested confirmation or clarification. D&G Lines 82–123 – Cardiff Riding School Members noted that, should the Council decide to dispose of the Cardiff Riding School, the Council’s specification would influence future costs and could have an impact on market interest. Councillor Thomas’s Portfolio Corporate Plan Step 5.02 – Investment Zones Members noted that proposals had progressed through the Gateway process and that announcements from the UK Government were awaited. The submission included two Cardiff sites: Cardiff Parkway and City Centre South. Members also noted that the Council had made the case for 100% retention of Non?Domestic Rates (NDR), consistent with arrangements elsewhere in the UK, with retained NDR intended to fund TIF?style schemes. Members further noted that NDR retention would apply for 25 years, based on development occurring within the 10?year lifespan of the Investment Zone. New Step – Partnership with South Wales Cities and the West of England Members noted that this partnership was not intended to replace the Western Gateway but to ensure that city voices were clearly represented to both the Welsh and UK Governments. Members noted that the intellectual property of the Western Gateway had been retained, with relevant workstreams progressed through the South East Wales CJC, the West of England Combined Authority, and Transport for Wales. Capital Programme Line 49 – South East Wales CJC Members noted a significant increase in Cardiff’s contributions in 2028/29 and 2029/30, representing 24% of total local authority contributions. Members also noted the benefits to Cardiff, including the potential to unlock major infrastructure investment such as improvements to Cardiff Central Station. Councillor Goodway’s Portfolio Corporate Plan Members clarified that the City Centre South Investment Zone was not a separate Corporate Plan step but formed part of the Gateway submission to the Welsh and UK Governments. Step 5.03 and New Step – City Centre Delivery Review Members noted that the city centre definition covered areas both north and south of Cardiff Central Station, although footfall monitoring was currently focused north of the station. Members further noted that FOR Cardiff was consulting on expanding the BID to include Cardiff Bay, covering Mermaid Quay and potentially areas such as Atlantic Wharf. Earmarked Reserves Line 51 – Red Dragon Centre Members noted that this reserve was required to support cashflow ahead of the planned regeneration of the area. Capital Programme and Earmarked Reserves Lines 77, 78 and Earmarked Reserves Line 1 – Indoor Arena Members were pleased to note that the Indoor Arena project remained on schedule. Members also asked whether discussions had taken place with Associated British Ports regarding development of their land and noted that ongoing master?planning discussions were taking place, shaped by ABP’s priorities. Councillor Bridgeman’s Portfolio Corporate Plan Step 4.10 Members noted that the final Regeneration Strategy was scheduled to be presented to Cabinet in May, following amendments arising from consultation. Step 4.11 Members noted that placemaking plans would comprise a range of projects, quick wins, and actions to address medium? and long?term challenges through collaborative, multi?agency working. Members also noted that a further round of the Neighbourhood Renewal Scheme was planned, with criteria being reviewed to align with the Regeneration Strategy. Step 4.12 Members welcomed confirmation that library services would form part of the new community, youth, and wellbeing hubs. Libraries Members noted the following points from the discussion on libraries: • Evening room hire in hubs was expected to be available until approximately 9.00pm. • Loan periods for high?demand titles had been reduced from three weeks to two weeks. • Reductions in digital book purchasing reflected increased provider charging for digital titles. 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.
Rhan o fater a ddilynwyd ar draws 5 cyfarfod
None received.
17 March 2026, 4.30pm.
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