Swyddi, cymorth i fusnesau, adfywio, canol trefi a dinasoedd a thwristiaeth.
Beth mae cynghorau'n ei wneud
Mae cynghorau'n cefnogi busnesau lleol, yn adfywio canol trefi, yn rhedeg marchnadoedd ac yn gwneud cais am gyllid adfywio. Maen nhw'n gweithio gyda chynghorau cyfagos drwy gyrff rhanbarthol o'r enw cyd-bwyllgorau corfforedig.
Pwy sy'n penderfynu
Yr aelod Cabinet dros yr economi sy'n arwain. Mae prosiectau mawr yn mynd i'r Cabinet, a rhai rhanbarthol i'r cyd-bwyllgor corfforedig.
Dweud eich dweud
Gall perchnogion busnes gysylltu â thîm cymorth busnes y cyngor. Fel arfer, ymgynghorir ar gynlluniau adfywio.
Mewn rhifau
Mae cynghorau Cymru yn bwriadu gwario £40 y pen ar hyn yn 2026-27.
Mae'n amrywio o £13 yn Sir Benfro i £152 yn Castell-nedd Port Talbot.
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member/Director conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member/Director conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Abertawe, Panel Perfformiad Craffu - Gwella Gwasanaethau, Adfywio a Chyllid,
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Operational Manager conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
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.
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the report and appendices, together with the views of the Governance
and Audit Committee, be noted.
(2) T H A T the Council’s response to the Panel Performance Assessment be
approved.
Reasons for decisions
(1) Having regard to the contents of the report, the views of the Governance and
Audit Committee and the discussions held at the meeting.
(2) To comply with the requirement for the Council to publish its response and
action upon recommendations arising from the Panel Performance Assessment.
VALE 2030 – DRAFT VALE OF GLAMORGAN CORPORATE PLAN 2025-30 (REF)
The Leader presented the draft Corporate Plan which had been shared with all
Scrutiny Committees and subject to significant consultation. They outlined there
were five well-being objectives which would help both the residents, Council and
partners to improve well-being in the Vale of Glamorgan. The Leader drew attention
to two key elements of the report, the first being what had changed as a result of
consultation, and secondly, how the Council would work with partners in the future.
Councillor Carroll did not feel that the Corporate Plan would improve performance,
as there was not an emphasis on providing the best service for the best price, a
concern that he had previously raised at Corporate Performance and Resources
Scrutiny Committee. He stated that the Plan’s focus should be on improving
productivity and ensuring value for money, and referenced that equality, diversity,
and inclusion were mentioned a significant amount of times.
Councillor Haynes indicated that he found the document disturbing. He stated that
what was happening in St. Athan, such as building on land, was against this
strategy, and believed placemaking should be the priority.
Councillor Hooper reflected that there was a huge value in diversity, which the
Council should be supporting. He felt blanket statements around equalities and
productivity were false and could not be applied to public sector. He also
emphasised the need to reshape services and the need to do the same things more
efficiently.
Councillor Wilson stated that he felt the Plan reflected the values of the Council, and
there were lots of references to operational services such as recycling, waste and
green spaces. He shared that he was proud of the Corporate Plan which was
ambitious to residents.
Councillor Dr. Johnson acknowledged that there had been a number of iterations of
the Plan, which was better for it. He felt the Plan was ambitious in achieving its aims
and objectives, and that the challenge would be in delivering this Plan. He stated
that there needed to be clear financial resources to achieve its aims, and hopefully in
five years the Council would be able to say it had achieved the objectives of the
Plan. He also stated that there needed to be alignment between the Corporate Plan
objectives and scrutiny structure. Councillor Dr. Johnson also reflected on previous
comments surrounding equalities and suggested that this incorrect information may
be due to a misarticulation of the Equality Impact Assessment information and
advised that better analysis should be undertaken before presenting as fact.
Councillor Sivagnanam was very proud to support an ambitious Plan with how the
Council supported residents, believed this would help to create a more equal Vale of
Glamorgan, what was the focus on helping the most disadvantaged. She also
reflected upon some of the Council's work on improvement equality such as its Age
Friendly status and Her Voice Wales project.
Councillor John was delighted to support the Plan and urged people to read it as it
contains a lot of information. He also offered thanks to officers.
Councillor Cave shared that they did not feel things in the in the Council were even
more equal. For example, the building on green sites despite opposition and the
inability to replace the village hall roof. They also reflected upon the need to use
technology to improve services.
Councillor Hodges stated that a Corporate Plan required funding, and was
concerned that the economy was not improving to support. He felt that tourism tax
and devolving the Crown Estate were opportunities to increase funding.
Councillor Perry highlighted the limited investment in the future such as green
technology and active travel. He also identified rural poverty, which existed in the
Vale. He felt the Town and Community Councils could be doing more and taking on
additional responsibilities. Councillor Perry also questioned if the Plan was adding
value or if this would be delivered anyway. He also emphasised the need for more
diversity and increased opinions, including communicating cross party, as there were
talented people who could influence policy.
The Leader responded that there were a range of unique services delivered by the
Council, which would cost significant sums to deliver, so they were not able to be
outsourced. They also shared a Place Making Toolkit which could be used by all
Members to support placemaking within communities. The Leader also
acknowledge that not all Members’ talents were being utilised and considered this a
key part of scrutiny proposals, and emphasised that the Plan and all Members
needed to be ambitious for the residents of the Vale of Glamorgan.
A recorded vote took place on the recommendations as contained within the report,
as follows:
Members For Against Abstain
Anne Asbrey √
Julie Aviet √
Gareth Ball √
Rhiannon Birch √
Bronwen Brooks √
Gillian Bruce √
Ian Buckley √
Lis Burnett √
Samantha Campbell √
George Carroll √
Christine Cave √
Charles Champion
Janice Charles √
Millie Collins √
Marianne Cowpe √
Pamela Drake √
Vincent Driscoll √
Anthony Ernest √
Christopher Franks √
Wendy Gilligan √
Russell Godfrey √
Emma Goodjohn √
Ewan Goodjohn √
Stephen Haines √
Sally Hanks √
William Hennessy √
Nic Hodges √
Mark Hooper √
Catherine Iannucci-Williams √
Gwyn John √
Dr. Ian Johnson √
Susan Lloyd-Selby √
Belinda Loveluck-Edwards √
Julie Lynch-Wilson √
Kevin Mahoney √
Naomi Marshallsea √
Michael Morgan √
Jayne Norman √
Helen Payne √
Sandra Perkes √
Ian Perry √
Joanna Protheroe √
Ruba Sivagnanam √
Carys Stallard √
Neil Thomas √
Rhys Thomas √
Steffan Wiliam √
Margaret Wilkinson √
Eddie Williams √
Mark Wilson √
Nicholas Wood √
TOTAL 37 13
The vote being carried, it was
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the Vale 2030 draft Corporate Plan (Appendix A to the report) be
approved.
(2) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Director of Corporate
Resources, in consultation with the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for
Performance and Resources, to make any factual updates to the content of the Plan
prior to publication (for example, information relating to budgetary information).
Reasons for decisions
(1) Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions held at the
meeting.
(2) To ensure the Corporate Plan, ‘Vale 2030’ when published, contained the
most up to date information available (for example information regarding the budget
for 2025-26).
N.B. Councillor Champion was not present for the vote.
CAPITAL STRATEGY AND INVESTMENT PROGRAMME 2025/26 TO 2029/30 (REF)
The Leader outlined the proposed strategy for the Capital Programme which had
been developed on the basis of varying factors such as annual settlements, capital
receipts and the impact of the wider labour market. They outlined that the proposal
was a mixture of grant and borrowing, and an increase from previous years, which
was expected to be £434m in the coming years, of which a significant proportion
related to schools and housing.
Councillor Dr. Johnson indicated support for the Capital Strategy with the majority
belonging to building Council housing or schools, which Plaid Cymru supported. He
reflected upon the challenge of year-on-year confirmation from Welsh Government
surrounding funding making it a challenge to plan for the future.
Councillor Perkes welcomed the Strategy as housing was key, and there had been
significant achievements, such as the building of 82 new homes, and the upcoming
partnership with Cardiff Council, which offered the opportunity to build more for less.
They shared that they felt a decent life was the first step to success in life.
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the Capital Strategy 2025/26, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report,
be approved.
(2) T H A T the final Capital Programme for the years 2025/26 to 2029/30, as set
out in Appendix 2 to the report, be approved.
(3) T H A T Officers be granted delegated authority to vire £10k or below between
schemes that were already approved within the five year Capital Programme.
(4) T H A T the Chief Executive and the Head of Finance / Section 151 Officer, in
consultation with the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and
Resources, be granted delegated authority to make additions, deletions or transfers
to or from the:
i. 2025/26 to 2029/30 Housing Improvement Programme as appropriate.
ii. 2025/26 to 2029/30 Asset Renewal budgets as appropriate.
iii. S106 funded schemes subject to Member consultation as required
under the existing process.
iv. Decarbonisation Schemes.
v. Building Strong Communities Fund schemes.
vi. Sustainable Communities for Learning programme.
vii. Discretionary Adaption Grant Schemes.
viii. Vale Regeneration Schemes.
ix. Shared Prosperity Fund.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To approve the Capital Strategy for 2025/26.
(2) To set and approve future Capital Programmes to 2029/30.
(3) To enable officers to progress schemes more quickly where low value
virements below £10k were required.
(4) To enable the Housing Improvement Programme budget, Asset Renewal
budgets, S106 schemes, Decarbonisation Schemes, Building Stronger Communities
Fund, Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, Discretionary Adaption
Grant Schemes, Vale Regeneration schemes and Shared Prosperity Fund to be
managed effectively.
TREASURY MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY 2025/26 AND UPDATE FOR 2024/25 (REF)
The Leader presented an overview of treasury management as the need to
demonstrate financial sustainability was important, and that Members should have
recently undertaking training surrounding this area. They shared around revised
estimates in expenditure, and wider prudential indicators, and outlined the Council’s
borrowing position and wider investments.
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the revised policy for making Minimum Revenue Provision from
2024/25 onwards be approved.
(2) T H A T the proposed 2025/26 Treasury Management and Investment
Strategy be approved, including the following specific resolutions (detailed in
Appendix 2 to the report):
• The Authorised Limit for External Debt be set at £265.394m for
2024/25, £296.207m for 2025/26, £331.078m for 2026/27 and
£381.753m for 2027/28.
• The Operational Boundary for External Debt be set at £244.170m for
2024/25, £263.914m for 2025/26, £297.677m for 2026/27 and
£347.407m for 2027/28.
• The Head of Finance/Section 151 Officer be given delegated authority
within the total Authorised Limit and Operational Boundary as
estimated for individual years to effect movement between the
separately agreed limits for borrowing and other long-term liabilities.
• An upper limit of £0m for 2024/25, £10m in 2025/26, £10m in 2026/27
and £10m in 2027/28 be set for total principal sums invested for over
364 days.
• The amount of projected borrowing that was fixed rate maturing in each
period as a percentage of total projected borrowing that was fixed rate
be set as shown below (and further detailed in Appendix 1 to the
report).
Table 1 – Upper and lower Limits for fixed rate borrowing
Upper Limit Lower Limit
Under 12 months 20% 0%
12 months and within 24 months 40% 0%
24 months and within 5 years 40% 0%
5 years and within 10 years 40% 0%
10 years and above 100% 0%
• Any breaches of the Prudential Indicators would be reported through to the
next meeting of Cabinet, with the exception of the Authorised Limit for
External Debt which would require prior Full Council approval.
(3) T H A T the Treasury Management Policy Statement set out in Appendix 3 to
the report be approved.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To agree the basis of the Minimum Revenue Provision calculation for 2024/25
onwards.
(2) In order for the Treasury Management and Annual Investment Strategy as
prepared be approved as required by the Local Government Act 2003.
(3) In order for the Treasury Management Policy Statement to be approved.
DRAFT BUDGET 2025/26 AND MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL PLAN 2025/26 TO 2029/30 (REF)
The Leader presented an overview of the proposed budget for 2025/26, and shared
that this was based on the settlement received from Welsh Government, which is the
second lowest per head in Wales. They outlined that the proposed increase in
Council Tax was 5.9%, which is generally lower than the Welsh average for the
upcoming year, and a percentage point less than consulted upon due to late
changes in the settlement from Welsh Government. They outlined how Schools and
Social Care are still allocated the majority (71%) of the budget, but that these areas
need to be supported and align the Corporate Plan’s well-being objectives of “Best
Start in Life” and “Supporting the Most Vulnerable”. They also reflected that there is
still a budget gap, which will need to be supported by transformational activity (via
Reshaping programme) and a series of savings, which are supported by equality
impact assessments, that reserves continue to be held in accordance with legislation
and that they will continue to work with Welsh Government surrounding future multi-
year settlements to support longer term planning.
Councillor Dr. Johnson thanked staff for work on supporting a complex budget and to
WLGA in their lobbying role. They also highlighted how the budget proposed
spending increases and cuts to non-statutory services, emphasising that they felt
austerity was not over. They indicated that the future reorganisation of Scrutiny was
essential in monitoring resources and financial proposals moving forward and
indicated that the settlement for the Fire and Rescue Service should be undertaken
separately as they were responsible for their own budgets, in a similar means to
Town and Community Council currently set their budgets.
Councillor Carroll indicated that they felt the budget was a reflection of
mismanagement, with residents paying “more for less”, such as car parking and
waste collection. They also felt that the Council were focusing upon the wrong things
such as bureaucratic work and diversity, equality and inclusion, and not its core
purpose. They also believed that the proposed budget would have a negative impact
to residents, and that the increase proposed was above CPI. They further explained
that they felt the issue of productivity was not being taken seriously, and that
efficiencies need to be identified as the Council has lost control of its finances, needs
a change in administration and should use its reserves to keep the Council Tax rate
low.
Councillor Franks felt that there has been a failure from the Administration in
lobbying for an increase settlement, and more needed to be done to influence
government as to how the Council could have the required budget to meet its needs.
They queried if savings had been properly costed and impact assessed, as he felt
this budget had failed to convince the public surrounding its robustness and value.
They also questioned the longer-term sustainability of the budget and cited the
proposed reduction in the education as a concern.
Councillor Goodjohn shared that the budget in theory was a real terms increase in
Council spend, and that it was necessary for the Council to fund changes impacted
by an aging population and additional learning needs, as there needed to be a
significant improvement in public services.
Councillor Hooper queried how car parking charges proposals were reflected within
the budget, as it was still in a consultative stage, and emphasised the impact to local
businesses and communities. They indicated how they believed this was an austerity
budget reflective of wider Welsh Government and UK Government positions. They
also reflected upon the importance of Council’s role in supporting diversity, equality
and inclusion.
Councillor Hodges highlighted the potential 700,000 disabled people who may go
into poverty due to welfare reform, and how the Council would need to support these
people. They raised the issue of a lack of A&E facility within the County, impacting
upon people’s health, and expressed how Welsh Government were struggling to
come to terms with issues as highlighted through the budget. They also expressed
limited faith in opposition leadership, as he felt comments to be disingenuous.
Councillor Perry indicated that they felt we were still living in austerity and seeing
rises in poverty. They expressed that recent reductions to overseas aid budgets
highlighted how it was easy to pick on vulnerable people. They raised that they felt
Council Tax to be regressive and impacted less well-off people more. They also
stated that there needed to be more planning for the future and consideration of the
new ideas and technologies.
Councillor Wilson indicated that the Council was productive, reflecting upon class
size ratios and social care workloads, and indicated that the Council was not a
sweatshop environment with bizarre productivity targets. They shared that removing
bins did not have a catastrophic impact and it only affected a small number of bins
(approximately 160) where they were looking at recycling bins, whereas changes to
care might have a more significant impact and emphasised that Cabinet were trying
to transform the Council to be as effective and efficient as possible.
The Leader responded that any changes to how the process for the Fire and Rescue
Service worked would be minimal and have no material impact to residents, whilst
sharing around the lobbying work undertaken at National level, such as appearing at
Committees. They agreed that future Scrutiny arrangements would help with some of
the queries raised, as the review was focused upon outcomes. The Leader finally
reflected that working with the local MP in partnership had helped raised awareness
of reporting mechanisms for pot holes.
A recorded vote took place on the recommendations as contained within the report
as follows:
Members For Against Abstain
Anne Asbrey √
Julie Aviet √
Gareth Ball √
Rhiannon Birch √
Bronwen Brooks √
Gillian Bruce √
Ian Buckley √
Lis Burnett √
Samantha Campbell √
George Carroll √
Christine Cave √
Janice Charles √
Millie Collins √
Marianne Cowpe √
Pamela Drake √
Vincent Driscoll √
Anthony Ernest √
Christopher Franks √
Wendy Gilligan √
Russell Godfrey √
Emma Goodjohn √
Ewan Goodjohn √
Stephen Haines √
Sally Hanks √
William Hennessy √
Nic Hodges √
Mark Hooper √
Catherine Iannucci-Williams √
Gwyn John √
Dr. Ian Johnson √
Susan Lloyd-Selby √
Belinda Loveluck-Edwards √
Julie Lynch-Wilson √
Kevin Mahoney √
Naomi Marshallsea √
Michael Morgan √
Jayne Norman √
Helen Payne √
Sandra Perkes √
Ian Perry √
Joanna Protheroe √
Ruba Sivagnanam √
Carys Stallard √
Neil Thomas √
Rhys Thomas √
Steffan Wiliam √
Margaret Wilkinson √
Eddie Williams √
Mark Wilson √
Nicholas Wood √
TOTAL 28 22
The vote being carried, it was
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T a Council Tax increase of 5.9% be approved.
(2) T H A T the budget for 2025/26, as set out in the report, be approved.
Reasons for decisions
(1) Setting the annual rate of Council Tax was a key policy decision for Council.
(2) Setting a balanced budget was a statutory responsibility and decision for Full
Council.
PAY POLICY 2025/26 (REF)
The Leader presented the Pay Policy, which outlined how employees should be fairly
rewarded for duties, which had changed incrementally based on wider changes.
They also acknowledged the reduction of the gender pay gap, and the multiple
between lowest and highest paid was encouraging.
RESOLVED – T H A T the Council’s Pay Policy, as attached at Appendix A to the
report to Cabinet on 6th February 2025 (Minute No. C247), be approved.
Reason for decision
To respond to the legal requirements under the Local Authorities (Standing Orders)
(Wales) Amendment Regulations 2014, the Local Government (Wales) Act 2015 and
related advice from the Welsh Government as well as provide openness and
accountability in relation to how the Council rewards its staff.
N.B. All Chief Officers, save for two Democratic and Scrutiny Services Officers
servicing the meeting and the Head of Human Resources and Organisational
Development, left the meeting when this item was considered. The Head of
Human Resources and Organisational Development remained in the meeting,
until the matter was to be voted upon, in order to provide any clarification
required by Elected Members.
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
Sections of the Corporate Plan and Budgetary Proposals relevant to Cllr Weaver’s portfolio
Cllr Weaver made a brief statement outlining sections in the Draft Corporate Plan and Draft Budgetary Proposals relevant to his portfolio.
Members were invited to ask questions and make comments and the discussion is summarised below:
Members wished to know how the new KPI’s compared to the current performance figures, and were advised that this information could be provided to the Committee.
Members enquired about the dropout rate among apprentices at the Council and whether the Council monitors the progress of apprentices going on into further employment. Members were advised that the dropout rate is very low, some apprentices and trainees go on to work for the Council and in some service areas apprentice and trainee placements are very helpful in securing employment outside the Council. However, it was acknowledged that not all data may be properly captured, given the difficulties in keeping in touch with those who dropout.
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
Sections of the Corporate Plan and Budgetary Proposals relevant to the Culture, Sport and Parks portfolio
The Chair welcomed to the meeting Cllr Jennifer Burke, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Parks; Neil Hanratty, Director of Economic Development; Donna Jones, Assistant Director for County Estates; Ruth Cayford, Operational Manager for Creative Industries and Culture; and Jon Maidment, Head of Parks and Cardiff Harbour Authority.
Cllr Burke made a brief statement, following which Neil Hanratty gave a presentation outlining sections in the Draft Corporate Plan and Draft Budgetary Proposals relevant to Cllr Burke’s portfolio.
Members were invited to ask questions and make comments, and the discussion is summarised below:
Members were advised that filming charges in Bute Park Visitor Centre have been added to the fees and charges report and will continue to be included there in future years.
Members sought an explanation for the decision not to increase fees at the riding school, and were advised that there is a need to invest in the school as the infrastructure is deteriorating, and there is concern that if fees are increased customers could transfer to commercial competitors.
Members were advised that there have been instances when the outdoor school has had to be closed due to the roof leaking. Officers were confident that the expected £10,000 increase in income would be forthcoming.
Members sought an update on the Cardiff Story museum and were advised that it was the Cabinet’s view that it should remain in its present location until a viable alternative could be found.
Members questioned why the KPI for satisfaction rate of parks was set at 72.5% and were advised that while the budget is increasing there are still pressures and areas where investment is needed. Members were advised that the development of a new parks strategy includes consultation to understand what people want from parks, and to encourage people who might not ordinarily access parks to do so.
Members sought an explanation for the changes in the plans for Pentwyn Leisure Centre since the previous plans were consulted on. The Cabinet Member advised that the type of equipment that is going into the centre is on a par with the International Pool and will be a decent piece of infrastructure that is safe for families.
Members sought assurance that there would no further delay to the reopening of St David’s Hall beyond the 4th quarter of 2026/27. The Cabinet Member advised Members that in recent weeks nearly all relevant applications for work to progress have been submitted, and subject to regulatory approval work should commence in the summer. Announcement has been made that the Cardiff Singer of the World 2027 will take place at St David’s Hall and the hall will be open in time for that.
Members wondered whether the reopening of St David’s Hall in 2026-27 would have a significant impact on the city’s tourism sector, and were advised that alongside Cardiff Castle, Principality Stadium and the city’s grassroots venues, and forthcoming Arena, it would mean that Cardiff would have a wide variety of venues that could host a range of different performers. Cardiff is increasingly seen as a destination for live events and it was important to the Council to ensure that St David’s Hall was not only maintained but enhanced in terms of what it offered people.
Members asked whether there was a mechanism to ensure that monies from the Financial Resilience Mechanism available for the sport development grant translate to improved services, and were advised that there is a sustained demand for this support which enables sports teams and clubs across the city to take on assets and improve them, working in partnership with the council.
Members sought information on how the Council could ensure there was involvement for female sports initiatives in this. The Cabinet Member advised that the FAW is reporting a significant increase in women’s and girls’ participation in football clubs. Llandaff Cricket has had a record participation of young girls, and girls’ participation in rugby is improving in the younger age groups; the administration remains committed to increasing participation of under-represented groups.
Members asked how much of the £1.5 million FRM was currently allocated and were advised that not all of it was already committed.
Members sought an update on the Whitewater Rafting Centre, and were advised that there had been some significant budget challenges in recent years but with efficiency savings it is getting closer to being operated within budget and is very close to breaking even.
Members discussed how well the Whitewater Rafting Centre was promoted, and were advised that it is a niche facility and there has been some targeted marketing, but this could be reviewed to ensure it is reaching enough people. An offer was made for committee members to visit the Centre to see first-hand the range of services on offer and to discuss marketing and promotion with officers.
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
Sections of the Corporate Plan and Budgetary Proposals relevant to the Leader’s portfolio
The Chair welcomed to the meeting Cllr Huw Thomas, Leader of the Council; Neil Hanratty, Director of Economic Development; and Jon Day, Operational Manager for Investment and Tourism.
Cllr Thomas made a brief statement, following which Members were invited to ask questions and make comments, and the discussion is summarised below:
Members discussed the lessons to be learned and any governance arrangements that might need to be addressed in relation to the contract for the demolition of Aberthaw power station, dealt with via the Cardiff Capital Region body. The Leader advised that he could not comment in detail as there are ongoing legal proceedings, but at the right time all local authorities involved will want an investigation into what occurred.
Members discussed the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee which is responsible for reviewing and scrutinising decisions made by the CJC. The Leader reminded the Committee that there had been discussions about the appropriateness of the scrutiny arrangements for the City Deal, and expressed the view that this was something either CJC or Welsh Government would wish to look at in more detail. He could envision a system where if a project is being delivered by CCR within the area of a LA, it would be appropriate for the relevant committee to scrutinise the work of the CCR.
Members wished to know about the prospects for a project emerging from the recommendations of the Western Gateway’s independent Severn Estuary Commission on the potential for renewable energy. The Leader advised that the Commission is due to report in mid-March. Briefings he has had indicate there is a potentially deliverable project that is technologically and financially feasible, but it will be necessary to have the right regulatory and governance environment to unlock the private sector investment.
Members sought information on how returns on investment in the City Deal were measured in terms of job creation and other economic opportunities. The Leader advised that there is a 5-year gateway process of assessment done jointly by UK and Welsh Governments on a CCR level, the top level metrics being job creation, GVA uplift and leverage of private money to match public money invested.
Members wished to know how the Council ensures that projects invested in through the City Deal align with environmental commitments made through One Planet Cardiff and the goal to reach Net Zero. The Leader advised that the KPI’s for the City Deal were set in 2016 and did not necessarily have green objectives in mind. The CJC has to have statutory policies around things such as biodiversity and the next deal will be more of a green deal.
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
Sections of the Corporate Plan and Budgetary Proposals relevant to the Investment and Development portfolio
The Chair welcomed to the meeting Cllr Huw Thomas, Leader of the Council; Neil Hanratty, Director of Economic Development; Donna Jones, Assistant Director for County Estates; and Jon Day, Operational Manager for Investment and Tourism.
Cllr Thomas made a brief statement, following which Neil Hanratty gave a presentation outlining sections of the Budgetary Proposals relevant to the portfolio.
Members were invited to ask questions and make comments, and the discussion is summarised below:
Members sought clarification on the source of additional income of £27,000 and were advised that it was income from renting out workshop space.
Members sought clarification on SPF funding for Cardiff Indoor Market and were advised that the funding was for the Financial Year 2024/25, had been agreed and was already in place.
Members sought further details on how the Council is working with the hospitality and accommodation sectors to increase accommodation options for visitors during major events. The Leader advised that the amount of hotel accommodation in the city is relatively modest, and one of the reasons for pursuing the Indoor Arena is to provide a more regular stream of visitors into the city and encourage investment in hotel development.
Members discussed whether proceeds from the visitor levy could be used to benefit district shopping centres away from the city centre. The Leader advised that as currently proposed it is envisaged that the proceeds of the visitor levy are spent within the visitor economy; however, the Council would want to develop a plan for how the levy could be deployed in partnership with stakeholders, including the BID as well as stakeholders more broadly.
Members questioned whether investment in new infrastructure such as the Canal Quarter Regeneration Phase 2 was the right approach when existing infrastructure such as city centre paving was not being sufficiently maintained. The Leader advised that much of the paving repair work in the city centre was due to the heavy traffic of supply trucks along Queen Street and The Hayes. Turning to the canal, he reminded Members that the plans had been signed off in 2021 when there Covid restrictions and concerns about the viability of city centres. The Council would want to see further plans, with the development of the Indoor Arena, around the Utilita Arena, developed in a strategic manner with a master plan for the whole area, with green and blue space being a key component making it somewhere people will want to spend time.
Members questioned whether pursuing a target of more Grade A office space was the most sustainable approach when there is other office space that is not being used. Officers advised that there is a lack of vacant Grade A office space in the city centre, and thus a risk that there is no property available for businesses that want to invest. The Leader added that last year saw the highest level of office take-up in 7 years.
Members asked whether there is a strategy for bringing surplus non-Grade A office space up to standard for reuse, and were advised that there is a market for cheaper office space for start-up and growing businesses, while other surplus office space has been repurposed for residential use.
Members wished to know whether there were concerns around CO2 emissions in relation to the creation of car parks in support of the Indoor Arena. The Leader advised that the current surface area car parks are being replaced by a single multi-storey car park with fewer parking spaces, while recognising there will be people who will drive to events at the Arena and want to park to access facilities in Cardiff Bay. Most of the area will be released to make it more attractive to people on foot and for leisure purposes.
Members wondered whether there were plans for more festivals or other attractions to encourage visitors to make longer stays. The Leader referred to the Cardiff City of Music Festival as a homegrown event that the Council would like to invest in and grow for the long term. Officers added that the Cardiff Live development will provide a venue able to compete for smaller business tourism events, and this will hopefully encourage visitors to stay longer and enjoy other facilities.
Members discussed how to promote other things for people to see or do in Cardiff besides the major events. The Leader advised that this was the sort of thing that the Council would want to be able to enhance through funds unlocked by the tourism levy.
Members discussed whether the planned investment in Cardiff Indoor Market would interfere with the improvements already taking place in the market. Officers advised that the intention of the redevelopment is to improve the market as it is rather than change what it will be doing. Work will be done to make good the roof and stop it leaking, and to improve the stallholders’ stands.
Members asked whether proposals for open space or street food facilities in the city centre were seen as competing with the Indoor Market. Officers advised that businesses are generally comfortable with investments that improve the overall offer and attract more people into the city centre. The Leader advised that it was indicative that businesses and investors see the city centre as being a place where people go to socialise, eat and spend leisure time rather than for shopping.
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
Sections of the Corporate Plan and Budgetary Proposals relevant to the Tackling Poverty portfolio
The Chair welcomed to the meeting Cllr Peter Bradbury, Cabinet Member for Tackling Poverty and Supporting Young People; and Helen Evans, Assistant Director for Housing and Communities.
Cllr Bradbury made a brief statement outlining sections of the Budgetary Proposals relevant to his portfolio.
Members were invited to ask questions and make comments, and the discussion is summarised below:
The Chair expressed gratitude for the acceptance of the KPI recommendations from the Scrutiny Performance Panel into the Corporate Plan, particularly around the Race Equality Task Force and sustainable employment.
Members wished to know how much of a challenge the rise in employers’ National Insurance contributions presented to the Council and what is the Council’s strategy for addressing it. The Cabinet Member advised that the Council adjusts its work according to Governments’ tax proposals, and added that he had not received many letters from employers complaining that the increase was causing problems in recruitment.
Members asked whether there were KPIs around supporting people to stay in work. The Cabinet Member advised that the target for getting people into work had been raised, and that the team aims to get people into full-time and meaningful rather than temporary employment. Officers advised that most of the funding for Into Work services is grant funding and comes with a requirement that people stay and work for at least 6 months. Mentors work alongside the new employees to ensure they are sustained in that employment.
Members discussed whether people pass through the Into Work service only to be seen again a few months later, and were advised that some people have multiple barriers into work. A new Connect to Work programme will be delivered next year looking at those complex barriers, helping people into work and then wrapping support around them.
Members asked about the confidence levels at achieving the KPIs, and were advised that this is a key risk in 2026 as a significant amount of funding for Into Work services comes from the SPF. The Cabinet Member added that the team do remarkable work in the face of great challenges and difficulties, and it is important that funding for the next few years is secured to keep them in post.
Members sought information on what contingency there was should the SPF be significantly reduced or withdrawn. Officers advised that Connect to Work would help in some respects but not in terms of overall funding. Currently posts that become vacant are not being backfilled. Should no alternative funding become available the Council would have to look to exit posts. The Cabinet Member added that he would be putting pressure on ministers to replace SPF or put in place grant funding, and he would encourage Members to do the same.
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
Sections of the Corporate Plan and Budgetary Proposals relevant to the Housing and Communities portfolio
The Chair welcomed to the meeting Cllr Lee Bridgeman, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities; Helen Evans, Assistant Director for Housing and Communities; and Rebecca Hooper, Operational Manager for Neighbourhood Regeneration.
Cllr Bridgeman made a brief statement, after which Helen Evans and Rebecca Hooper gave a presentation outlining sections of the Budgetary Proposals relevant to the Housing and Communities portfolio.
Members were invited to ask questions and make comments, and the discussion is summarised below:
Members discussed the use of volunteers in hubs and libraries. The Cabinet Member advised that it was decided at an early stage not to adopt a full volunteer service. Hub and library staff are professional and qualified and cannot be replaced with volunteers. Officers added a balance had been struck between the number of volunteers in hubs and libraries and the remaining paid staff, and it is unlikely that paid staff could be reduced further. As part of an internal restructuring the Council is looking to create more specialist library roles. Volunteers receive good training and there are robust procedures in place.
Members wished to know about the number of hubs that hub managers are managing and whether this was sustainable. Officers advised that this depends on the size of hub; Central Library has its own manager while for smaller hubs and libraries there may be a single manager across 3 or 4. The Council is creating more senior roles such as assistant managers and senior hub library assistants and there will be one of these in each hub or library.
Members discussed the training of existing staff in specialisms and were advised that the Council is encouraging hub and library staff to enrol for a librarianship degree.
Members wondered how the proposal to remove free parking periods from Council car parks would affect the viability of district and local centres. The Cabinet Member advised that car parking charges were not part of his portfolio. Officers advised that there is a coordinated approach with Transport and Highways relating to regeneration of shopping areas. Many district centres do not have free car parking and the focus is on ensuring there are good Active Travel opportunities to encourage people out of cars where possible.
Members questioned why there was no reference in the Corporate Plan to 15-minute cities and sought reassurance that the Council still supports the concept. The Cabinet Member assured Members that the commitment was still there but the 15-minute city name had been dropped as there was too much toxicity around it.
Members sought further information on the Roath-Adamsdown Business Corridor. Officers advised that the boundaries had not yet been defined and there have been discussions around alignment with other regeneration and Active Travel schemes. The size of the area will be part of the consultation.
Members welcomed the focus on ensuring books in hubs and libraries reflect the diversity of language and sought information on how this diversity was assessed. Officer advised that this was through consultations, surveys, and conversations with library staff and customers. In addition, a new IT system being rolled out allows customer requests in specific languages to be logged.
Members sought information on whether reduction of the book fund would have an impact on people who access books in community languages. Officers advised that they were confident that the Council would be able to continue to meet the requirements of community languages. Data on the percentage of purchased books are in community languages could be provided to the Committee.
Members sought information on the venues used for the Learning for Life programme, and were advised that there are many such venues, including schools, churches and community halls, which are listed on the website, and in addition there continue to be some online courses available.
Members were advised that adult literacy and numeracy comes under a separate programme for adult learning called Learning for Work.
Members were advised that most Learning for Life participants are 50-plus retirees and that officers would be able to provide a demographic breakdown to committee if required.
Members enquired about the priority for the Clifton Street area in the Roath-Adamsdown Business Corridor placemaking plan. Officers advised that the South Riverside Business Corridor placemaking plan is currently being concluded, and there is a significant project for Cowbridge Road East that officers are looking to secure funding for and take forward shortly. The target date for the Adamsdown-Roath Business Corridor to commence is June, and this includes Clifton Street. Officers are working close with colleagues to coordinate the work with plans for a Transport Corridor along Newport Road and Broadway.
Members wished to know what the allocation of £1.5M for regeneration from the FRM was likely to be spent. Officers advised that ward councillors would be invited to put forward ideas that meet the criteria around regeneration. The key priority will be deliverability. The Cabinet Member urged Councillors to look out for the email from officers inviting ideas.
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
RESOLVED: that
1) The disposal of the former Toys R Us/Retail 3 site by way of option as set out in this report and in line with the Heads of Terms set out in Confidential Appendix 2 be approved and authority be delegated to the Director of Economic Development, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Investment & Development, the Section 151 Officer and the Legal Officer, to deal with any ancillary matters related to the disposal.
2) The plans for alternative short-term parking arrangements as illustrated at Appendix 4be noted.
3) Engagement with local residents/landowners be authorised to consider the future options for the areas of boardwalk not in Council ownership and report back to a future meeting of Cabinet.
RESOLVED: that
1) Funds be authorised for the main contract required to address the accommodation requirements for the Lansdowne Primary School as referred to in Appendix 2.
2) Authority be delegated to the Director of Education & Lifelong Learning (in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Education, Employment & Skills and Finance, Modernisation & Performance, the Director of Governance and Legal Services, the Director of Economic Development and the Corporate Director for Resources) to determine all aspects of the procurement process (including for the avoidance of doubt development of all procurement documentation and selection and award criteria, commencement of procurement through to award of contracts) matters arising from this report.
3) The revenue and capital implications arising from the transfer of Lansdowne Primary School to the former Fitzalan High School site be noted.
RESOLVED: that
1) The update on the Cathays High School proposals be noted.
2) Authority be delegated to the Director of Economic Development, in consultation with the Director of Education & Lifelong Learning, the Director of Governance & Legal Services and Corporate Director Resources, Cabinet Member for Education and Cabinet Member for Investment & Development, to pursue discussions with the UK Government Property Agency to conclude an agreement on the acquisition of land to support the expansion and modernisation of Cathays High School.
3) Authority be delegated to the Director of Education & Lifelong Learning and Corporate Director Resources, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Education, to develop the financial strategy that supports the delivery of priorities outlined in the Council’s Education Investment Strategy, including delivery of the expansion and modernisation of Cathays High School.
4) A further report be received providing an update on progress and outlining any further consequential considerations.