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.
RESOLVED – T H A T the proposed change to the Joint Working Agreement under
a Deed of Variation between the partner Councils for the provision of Regulatory
Services be approved.
Reason for decision
To ensure that appropriate approvals were sought in relation to the proposed change
to the Joint Working Agreement through the addition of the Public Health Wales Act
2017 to the list of functions delegated to the Joint Committee and contained in Part 1
to Schedule 1 of the Shared Regulatory Services Joint Working Agreement to be
agreed by all three partner Councils.
FINAL DRAFT VALE OF GLAMORGAN ANNUAL SELF ASSESSMENT REPORT 2023/24 (REF)
The Leader, in presenting the reference, shared how the report had been developed
based upon feedback from Cabinet, Scrutiny and the Governance and Audit
Committee. She referred to the need to look at a plain language version being a
longer-term consideration as this needed to be understandable to residents but also
to fulfil legislative requirements. The Leader indicated that the assessment had been
moderated based upon feedback, but that the Council had still had a good year. The
Leader moved the recommendation that the Draft Vale of Glamorgan Annual Self
Assessment be approved contained as contained within the reference which was
seconded by Councillor Brooks.
Councillor Hooper shared that he felt that the report was an improvement based
upon previous years, with an increased sense of contrition and honesty. He also
said it was important to improve accessibility. He referenced the “good” grading and
sought clarification of how this could be progressed.
The Leader said it was a statutory requirement, and they would continue to learn,
including feedback from the Peer Panel Assessment and the Corporate Plan. She
agreed that there was an issue surrounding the need to have an open conversation
with residents and was not sure how this would be achieved but would continue to
try. The Leader further commented that the good rating was based upon reflection
upon performance against what was set out in the Annual Delivery Plan, and advised
this would be a discussion for the next self-assessment to consider the Council
benchmarks, increased data and feedback.
Councillor Carroll said that it would be bizarre for him to endorse the “good”
assessment based upon previous comments in the meeting but welcomed the
changes in format of the report to improve accessibility. He also welcomed the
changes to the format of reports which was noted and agenda planning which would
be considered by Democratic Services.
Following a request a recorded vote on the recommendations with item took place as
follows:
December 02 Minutes and DN (JLT)
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 √
Vince Driscoll √
Anthony Ernest √
Christopher Franks √
Wendy Gilligan √
Russell Godfrey √
Emma Goodjohn √
Ewan Goodjohn √
Stephen Haines √
December 02 Minutes and DN (JLT)
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 √
Elliot Penn √
Sandra Perkes √
Ian Perry √
Joanna Protheroe √
Ruba Sivagnanam √
Carys Stallard √
Neil Thomas √
Rhys Thomas √
Steffan Wiliam √
Margaret Wilkinson √
December 02 Minutes and DN (JLT)
Eddie Williams √
Mark Wilson √
Nicholas Wood √
TOTAL 30 22
The recommendation being carried it was
RESOLVED – T H A T the Final Draft Vale of Glamorgan Council Annual Self
Assessment Report 2023/24 as considered by Cabinet on 7th November, 2024
(Minute No. C166 refers) be approved.
Reason for decision
Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting.
TREASURY MID YEAR MANAGEMENT REPORT 2024/25 (REF)
The Leader, in presenting the reference that had been sent to Members that day
following the decisions of Cabinet on 28th November, outlined the mid-year (April –
September) report, highlighting that this information had also been provided to the
Governance and Audit Committee. The report considered an economic update
which looked at the factors that drove the UK economy during the period under
review and an analysis of interest rate forecast for the period December 2024 to
March 2027. There were no policy changes to the Treasury Management Strategy
as a 30th September, 2024. The report emphasised that new loans were borrowed
on a shorter term basis as interest rates were forecast to fall, creating a temporary
breach of the maturity structure of borrowing, but that the Council had considered
this to be prudent in this situation. The Leader further advised that borrowing was
supporting the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and that external debt had
increased.
The Council unanimously
RESOLVED – T H A T the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report for the period
1st April to 30th September, 2024 be approved and the use of the urgent decision
procedure be noted.
Reason for decision
Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting and the
Cabinet’s use of the urgent decision procedure to enable the matter to be considered
at this Full Council meeting.
December 02 Minutes and DN (JLT)
RESOLVED – T H A T having regard to the consultation responses and the
discussion at Statutory Licensing Committee, that the proposed Statement of
Licensing Principles for 2025-2028 detailed in the report and Appendix A be
approved and referred to Full Council for final approval.
Reason for decision
Having regard to the contents of the reference and discussions at the meeting.
C150 WELSH LANGUAGE STANDARDS ANNUAL MONITORING
REPORT 2023-24 (REF) –
The reference from Learning and Culture Scrutiny Committee held on 19th
September, 2024 was presented.
The Cabinet Member said that there were interesting points raised at the meeting,
some of which had not arisen previously, e.g. there was insufficient school transport
for one Welsh Medium Primary school which was subsequently been raised with
Officers within the School transport Team.
Committee also discussed the difficulty in attracting and retaining Welsh speaking
teachers as there was a shortage of teachers able to teach through the medium of
Welsh across Wales, commenting that the Council should look to maximise the
opportunities to recruit and retain teaching staff and others with Welsh language
skills. The Cabinet Member said that the Vale of Glamorgan Council had applied for
and gained funding to train teachers whilst in school to work towards addressing the
issue.
The Committee referred a comment to Cabinet to consider a proposal that the Vale
of Glamorgan considers a bid to host the 2029 Urdd Eisteddfod in Barry which the
Cabinet Member was happy to support and had written to Officers accordingly. The
Leader said that the National Eisteddfod had not been held in the Vale of Glamorgan
since 2012 and had been hugely successful at that time and looked forward to
finding out if that bid would be possible.
RESOLVED – T H A T the comments and recommendations of the Learning and
Culture Scrutiny Committee held on 19th September, 2024 be noted.
Reason for decision
Having regard to the contents of the reference and discussions at the meeting.
C151 ANNUAL CORPORATE SAFEGUARDING REPORT 2023-24
(REF) –
The reference from Learning and Culture Scrutiny Committee held on 19th
September, 2024 was presented.
Committee discussed School Governors undertaking safeguarding training as not all
of them had completed the relevant Safeguarding modules which needed to be
addressed.
There was also discussion concerning how much staff time was spent implementing
safeguarding in schools with decisions taken as to how each case should be treated
or referred, including Home Office PREVENT training. The Cabinet Member said
that all staff were trained regularly on such matters to be aware of the different
issues and challenges faced by children and young people.
RESOLVED – T H A T the comments and recommendations of the Learning and
Culture Scrutiny Committee held on 19th September, 2024 be noted.
Reason for decision
Having regard to the contents of the reference and discussions at the meeting.
C152 ANNUAL CORPORATE SAFEGUARDING REPORT 2023-24 (REF) –
The reference from Governance and Audit Committee held on 23rd September, 2024
was presented.
There was discussion concerning whether all Councillors were Disclosure and
Barring Service (DBS) checked and it was confirmed that all Councillors were
checked and any Councillor who had a responsibility or was on a Committee
concerning children and young people or vulnerable people had an Enhanced DBS
check. It was also asked if there was provision for DBS checks to be carried out on
a rolling basis.
Committee also discussed abuse in the home and whether some of the figures
quoted were specific to the Vale of Glamorgan or wider and whether figures were
comparable to other Local Authorities, which Officers were going to respond to.
Councillor Williams added that there was recognition at both Committees that it was
a Corporate safeguarding report and that both Members and staff had a duty to
report any issues regarding safeguarding, which the Leader agreed was vitally
important.
RESOLVED – T H A T the comments of the Governance and Audit Committee held
on 23rd September, 2024 be noted.
Reason for decision
Having regard to the contents of the reference and discussions at the meeting.
C153 FINANCIAL STRATEGY 2025/26 TO 2029/30 (REF) –
The reference from the Extraordinary Corporate Performance and Resources
Scrutiny Committee held on 2nd October, 2024 was presented.
There had been discussion concerning the forecast funding gap of £9.392m for
2025/26 and that the figure was likely to grow due to emerging pressures. The
Leader said that further reports considering the matter would be coming to Cabinet in
the next month.
The Section 151 Officer commented that the Vale of Glamorgan was a relatively low-
funded Authority and had set a relatively low level of Council Tax compared to other
Local Authorities which was a challenge with increasing costs, e.g. private sector
rents.
Committee discussed wide-ranging potential areas of action and recommended that
Cabinet consider investment in spend to save projects and potential for a strategic
procurement function. The Leader said that with regards spend to save, that was an
area relative to the Reshaping agenda and the comment would be referred into that
process. Regarding the strategic procurement function, the Leader said that the
Council was currently in an arrangement with other Local Authorities for a shared
procurement service and would pass that comment to Ardal.
RESOLVED – T H A T the comments and recommendations from the Extraordinary
Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee held on 2nd October,
2024 be noted.
Reason for decision
Having regard to the contents of the reference and discussions at the meeting.
C154 CLOSURE OF ACCOUNTS 2023/24 (REF) –
The reference from the Extraordinary Corporate Performance and Resources
Scrutiny Committee held on 2nd October, 2024 was presented.
Committee considered the year end revenue position and noted there being a
surplus of £2.08m at year end which was proposed to be transferred to reserves as
follows:
- Establish a new and temporary £2m reserve to offset Education Deficits in
2024/25 on a provisional basis whilst the Council worked with schools on
establishing a coordinated approach to tackling school deficits;
- The balance of £80k had been transferred to the General Fund.
The level of Useable Reserves had reduced in year although by less than had been
projected but some of those commitments had been slipped into 2024/25 in
accordance with Capital Expenditure slippage.
Committee asked Cabinet to consider the possibility of there being a dedicated
procurement officer for schools which would fit in with the financial support already
offered to schools, although procurement was now a matter being dealt with under a
joint agreement with Ardal. Officers would be asked to investigate the suggestion.
The financial position within schools was discussed and there was discussion and a
recommendation for further consideration to be given for Governing bodies to be
provided with further support and guidance regarding school budget deficits. The
Leader said that the school-based Finance Team did work with schools and would
be happy to assist Governing bodies, as well as other schools being able to offer
peer support.
Committee also asked for future closure of accounts reports to detail planned and
unplanned use of reserves more clearly, which the Head of Finance would look to
address in future reports.
RESOLVED – T H A T the comments and recommendations from the Extraordinary
Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee held on 2nd October,
2024 be noted, with detail passed to relevant Officers for consideration.
Reason for decision
Having regard to the contents of the reference and discussions at the meeting.
C155 CORPORATE PARENTING PANEL –
The minutes of the Corporate Parenting Panel meeting held on 8th July, 2024 were
presented.
The Cabinet Member, who was the Chair of the Panel, said that the Corporate
Parenting Charter had been considered at the meeting. It had been agreed that a
future workshop be organised in November for the Panel to look in detail at how to
meet all the relevant requirements.
The Panel also considered the latest Children Looked After figures for the Vale of
Glamorgan.
Councillor Williams noted that the minutes had not yet been formally agreed by the
Panel who would consider them at the November meeting and any amendments
would be brought back to Cabinet or would be considered as agreed if no comments
were received.
RESOLVED – T H A T the minutes of the Corporate Parenting Panel meeting held
on 8th July, 2024 be noted, subject to consideration at the next Corporate Parenting
Panel in November 2024.
Reason for decision
In noting the minutes.
C156 CARDIFF BAY ADVISORY COMMITTEE –
The minutes of the Cardiff Bay Advisory Committee meeting held on 10th July, 2024
were presented.
The Cabinet Member, who was reappointed as the Chair of the Committee, said that
the Committee had discussed the Timetable of Meetings, navigational safety, a
general progress from the Harbour Authority and an update from Natural Resource
Wales on dissolved oxygen levels. There had been one minor pollution incident
which had been quickly resolved.
RESOLVED – T H A T the minutes of the Cardiff Bay Advisory Committee meeting
held on 10th July, 2024 be noted.
Reason for decision
In noting the minutes.
C157 APPOINTMENT OF LOCAL AUTHORITY GOVERNORS ADVISORY
PANEL (REF) –
The minutes of the Appointment of Local Authority Governors Advisory Panel
meeting held on 9th October, 2024 were presented.
The Cabinet Member was pleased to see how many people had been prepared to
put time and effort into supporting local schools as Governors. There were currently
only two vacancies yet to be appointed. The Leader acknowledged the commitment
that Governors made in needing to understand matters such as safeguarding,
finance, school performance and thanked all those who had volunteered to take on
those roles.
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the minutes of the Appointment of Local Authority Governors
Advisory Panel meeting held on 9th October, 2024 be noted.
(2) T H A T the following appointments be made to the schools as set out below:
School No. of Vacancies Appointment
All Saints CiW 1 None – remains vacant*
Cadoxton Primary 1 D. Stolzenberg
Cogan Primary 1 C. Shillabeer
Colcot Primary 1 J.D. Rogers
Cowbridge Comp 2 S. Blackman and D. Farrell
Dinas Powys Primary 1 N. Meredith
Evenlode Primary 2 A. Thomas and K. Nolan
Gladstone Primary School 1 Councillor P. Drake
High Street Primary 1 L. Banks
Holton Primary 2 J. Scott and S. Pengelly**
Jenner Park Primary 1 E. Ryles
Llangan Primary 1 E. Thomas
Llandough Primary 1 Councillor G.D.D. Carroll
Llanfair Primary 2 S. Bonnar and N. Phillips
Oakfield Primary 2 L. Banks and C. Hunt**
Pencoedtre High School 1 D. Carter
Peterston S Ely Primary 1 S. Evans
Rhws Primary 1 J. Nixon
Romilly Primary 2 M. Kennedy and C.
Withycombe
South Point Primary 1 B. Millhausen
St Cyres Comprehensive 4 H. Evans; Councillor C.P.
Franks; S. Pengelly and S.
Dowling
St Illtyd Primary 1 M. Evans
St Nicholas CiW 1 C. Hunt
St Richard Gwyn 2 D. Carter
One appointment made, one
vacancy remains*
Sully Primary 1 E. Parker
Whitmore High School 2 Councillor N. Marshallsea and
Councillor E. Goodjohn
Y Bont-faen 1 M. Evans
Ysgol Bro Morganwg 5 D. Griffith; G. Evans; H.
Llewellyn-Morgan; R. A. Evans
and S. Evans
Ysgol Pen Y Garth 1 R. Griffiths
Ysgol Sant Baruc 2 S. Evans and O. Williams
Reasons for decisions
(1) In noting the minutes.
(2) To endorse the appointments to be made to the schools.
C158 DRAFT CAPITAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY 2025/26 AND INITIAL
CAPITAL PROGRAMME PROPOSALS 2025/26 TO 2029/30 (EL/PR) (SCRUTINY
– CORPORATE PERFORMANCE AND RESOURCES) –
The Leader presented the report to gain approval for the Initial Capital Programme
Proposals for 2025/26 to 2029/30 so that they may be submitted to Scrutiny
Committees for consultation and to set out the Draft Capital Investment Strategy for
Cabinet Members to consider.
The Leader said it was important to be aware and have a clear idea of the costs of
new schemes considering significant pressures in relation to price inflation of
materials and labour, but that money had been put aside from reserves for some
matters within the programme as well as consideration given to other potential
funding such as borrowing, grants or s106 contributions.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T Draft Capital Strategy 2025/26 as set out in Appendix 1 be approved.
(2) T H A T the Initial Capital Programme for 2025/26 to 2029/30 be endorsed.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To approve the Draft Capital Strategy for 2025/26.
(2) To consult Members on the Capital Programme for 2025/26 to 2029/30.
C159 REVISED HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE THREE YEAR RESURFACING
PLAN 2024 - 2027 (NBS) (SCRUTINY – ENVIRONMENT AND REGENERATION) –
The Cabinet Member presented the report to advise Cabinet of the changes used to
identify priority locations for resurfacing works and to agree the plan for 2024 – 2027.
Councillor Wilson said it was important to remember that the highway included use
by cyclists and pedestrians as well as vehicles, including both roads and pavements.
He referred to Appendix B to the report concerning the new Highway Maintenance
Scoring Matrix which also included Active Travel routes as well as school / public
Transport routes.
There was £2.9M in the capital programme for 2024/25, for resurfacing and
treatment works such as surface dressing, micro asphalt treatment and footway
improvement works, as detailed in Appendices A-1 to A-4 to the report.
The Leader said it was important to look at the various criteria, how traffic affected
highways in different ways in different areas and looked forward to the discussion at
Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the contents of the revised Highway Maintenance Three Year
Resurfacing Plan 2024 – 2027, as attached at Appendix A – 1, 2, 3 and 4 be noted,
and the locations for resurfacing works be agreed in principle.
(2) T H A T the changes to the carriageway prioritisation scoring matrix to
incorporate active travel and cycle routes within the methodology be noted.
(3) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Director of Environment and
Housing Services to amend the Plan, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for
Neighbourhood and Building Services, if urgent highway resurfacing priorities were
identified.
(4) T H A T the matter be referred to Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny
Committee for consideration.
(5) T H A T subject to no comments that would affect the Plan as proposed being
received from the Scrutiny Committee, the Highway Maintenance Three Year
Resurfacing Plan 2024 - 2027 be agreed.
(6) T H A T where a location was listed on the Plan, the Council’s technical
officers within the Highway Maintenance team would prioritise the full extents,
however only partial areas may be completed, simply to ensure the best allocation of
budget and that any material of sound condition was not removed and replaced with
new.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To agree, the Highway Maintenance Three Year Resurfacing Plan 2024 –
2027, subject to its consideration by the Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny
Committee.
(2) To ensure that areas impacting on Active Travel and routes used by cyclists,
were properly considered.
(3) To deal efficiently with changes to the Plan should other highway routes
deteriorate more rapidly than expected or constraints dictate that a change in priority
was required to ensure the most cost-effective use of the budget allocation.
(4) To ensure that the relevant Scrutiny Committee could consider the details of
the Highway Maintenance Three Year Resurfacing Plan 2024 – 2027, prior to it
being formally agreed.
(5) To enable the final Plan to be approved following its consideration by the
relevant Scrutiny Committee should no comments that affect the Plan as proposed,
be received.
(6) To ensure that the Highway Resurfacing budget (2024/25), was utilised as
efficiently as possible.
C160 CONTRACT FOR THE PROVISION OF SUPPORTED
ACCOMMODATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE VALE OF
GLAMORGAN (SCH) (SCRUTINY – HEALTHY LIVING AND SOCIAL CARE) –
The Cabinet Member presented the report seeking authority to undertake a tender
process relating to the provision of the above services and sought delegated
authority to award the contract to the successful provider(s).
Councillor Williams gave thanks to all the staff involved in putting together the report
and for the work completed to be able to bring the matter forward for Cabinet to
consider as significant need had been identified in the Vale of Glamorgan and a lot
of work had been completed to put the matter forward for consideration. This was
echoed by fellow Cabinet Members.
The needs of the individuals within each of the three lots were quite different, hence
the need for the three different tenders.
The Leader said it was important work to avoid people in such circumstances feeling
alone at such a young age and important to be able to help them.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the Director of Social Services, in consultation with the Cabinet
Member for Social Care and Health, be authorised to undertake competitive tender
processes for the provision of shared temporary accommodation services for
vulnerable unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people, temporary
supported living accommodation for vulnerable children and young people, and
emergency supported lodgings for vulnerable young people in the Vale of
Glamorgan.
(2) T H A T the Director of Social Services, in consultation with the Cabinet
Member for Social Care and Health, be authorised to award the contract(s) for those
services for an initial period of 5 (five) years with an option to extend for up to a
further 2 (two) years, following the completion of a tender process.
(3) T H A T the Monitoring Officer / Head of Legal Services and the Head of
Finance / Section 151 Officer in the Vale of Glamorgan Council be authorised to
execute a contract with the successful Provider(s).
Reasons for decisions
(1) To ensure that the Council provided shared temporary accommodation for
vulnerable unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people within the
Vale of Glamorgan in a cost-effective way that met the requirements of Welsh
Government UASC Guidance and the required standards of the Care Inspectorate
Wales (CIW).
(2) To ensure that the Council provided temporary supported living
accommodation and emergency supported lodging placements for vulnerable
children and young people within the Vale of Glamorgan in a cost-effective way that
met the requirements of Welsh Government Supported Living Guidance and the
required standards of the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW).
(3) To ensure that the Council met the requirements of its Contract Procedure
Rules and Financial Procedure Rules.
C161 SHARED REGULATORY SERVICES (SRS) - AMENDMENT TO THE
JOINT WORKING AGREEMENT (JWA) (CEERS) (SCRUTINY – HOMES AND
SAFE COMMUNITIES) –
The Cabinet Member presented the report which recommended and sought approval
for a change to the Joint Working Agreement between the partner Councils for the
provision of Regulatory Services. The change would see the addition of the Public
Health (Wales) Act 2017 to the list of functions delegated to the Shared Regulatory
Services (SRS) Joint Committee.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the proposed change to the Joint Working Agreement under a Deed
of Variation between the partner Councils for the provision of Regulatory Services be
endorsed and recommended the same to Full Council for consideration and
approval.
(2) T H A T the Monitoring Officer/Head of Legal and Democratic Services be
authorised to execute the required Deed of Variation reflecting the change when
approved by Full Council.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To ensure that appropriate approvals were sought in relation to the proposed
change to the Joint Working Agreement through the addition of the Public Health
Wales Act 2017 to the list of functions delegated to the Joint Committee and
contained in Part 1 to Schedule 1 of the Shared Regulatory Services Joint Working
Agreement to be agreed by all three partner Councils.
(2) To enable the proper execution of the Deed of Variation to reflect the change
within the Joint Working Agreement on approval by Full Council.
RESOLVED: that
1) the Full Business Case for the Core Office Strategy as outlined at Appendix 1 be approved in principle subject to final confirmation of all costs to be approved at a future Cabinet meeting at the time of considering the Development Agreement.
2) The Council’s requirement for 100,000sqft of new offices including the Management Suite as part of the Cardiff Live development as set out at Appendix 1 be approved.
3) The appointment of the ‘Successful Bidder’ for the delivery of the new offices be approved and authority be delegated to the Director of Economic Development in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, the Section 151 Officer, and the Director of Legal & Governance to:
i. Enter into a PCSA to develop detailed designs and final costs as set out at Confidential Appendix 2 and in-line with the financial implications and associated risks set out at Appendix 1.
ii. Negotiate the Development Agreement for the delivery of the new offices to be approved at a future Cabinet meeting.
4) the City Hall Phase 2 works be authorised in line with the capital budget set-out in the Financial Implications of this report.
5) authority be delegated to the Director of Economic Development in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, the s151 Officer and the Director of Legal and Governance to deal with all aspects of the procurement of a contractor for the City Hall Phase 3 works, with the final appointment of a contractor and the allocation of budget to be approved at a future meeting of Cabinet. Noting that this can be no earlier than the budget setting process report.
Caerdydd, Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee,
RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting at this point during consideration of this item as the Committee discussed exempt information of the description contained in paragraph 14 and 16 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Action 1972. The public may be excluded from the meeting by resolution of the Committee pursuant to Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 during discussion of this item.
Regeneration
The Cabinet Member was invited to make an opening statement after which Members were provided with a presentation from Officers on the information in the public domain.
The Chairperson invited questions and comments from Members for the open session.
Members sought assurance regarding the Capella production studio and were pleased to hear that the Wales Millennium Centre has officially launched Capella, alongside announcing £1M in support funding.
In relation to the Event Hall, members noted that this is not included in the Business Case for the Core Office development.
Members were interested to hear whether creche facilities have been considered as part of the wider regeneration of the area, particularly given their potential contribution to local prosperity and alignment with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which promotes sustainable development and its five ways of working. Members noted that a previous creche at County Hall had closed due to financial sustainability issues, however it was considered that there might be a role for private sector provision of such facilities.
RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting at this point during consideration of this item as the Committee discussed exempt information of the description contained in paragraph 14 and 16 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Action 1972. The public may be excluded from the meeting by resolution of the Committee pursuant to Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 during discussion of this item.
Finance & Property
The Cabinet Member was invited to make an opening statement after which Members were provided with a presentation from Officers on the information in the public domain.
The Chairperson invited questions and comments from Members for the open session.
Members noted that external capacity has been engaged to assist with due diligence. The Chief Executive and the s151 officer are satisfied with the process and the robustness of the procurement exercise.
With regard to Risk Management, Members heard that the Council is protected from build cost risks, as a Development Agreement is being used instead of a JCT build contract. Under this arrangement, the preferred bidder bears the construction costs, and the Council will acquire the completed building at a fixed price and agreed-upon specification.
In relation to the procurement process, Members expressed their support for the approach taken, acknowledging the overall robustness of the process, which provides assurance regarding financial risk.
Members also considered the rationale for discarding alternatives to a new build. They noted that decanting into existing offices would be more expensive both in the short term (due to moving and running costs) and in the long term (because a new office will eventually be needed, and construction costs are expected to rise).
Regarding how the proposals align with the Well-being of Future Generations Act (Wales) 2015 and its sustainability requirements, Members referred to Appendix 3 of the Cabinet report, which outlined how the new Core Office meets these criteria. Notably, the new office will be more accessible to the public, better integrated into the public realm, and include spaces for local residents. It will also lead in carbon efficiency, support well-being, facilitate the provision of social housing on the existing County Hall site, and contribute to building safe and empowered communities.
Recognising that the new Core Office will be a flagship building, Members sought reassurance that it would be designed to a high standard. They were pleased to learn that the project will deliver a flexible, dynamic space that accommodates more staff than currently work at County Hall.
The need for the Core Office to meet democratic accountability requirements was also highlighted. Members were reassured by the offer that they will have an opportunity to provide input regarding their specific requirements.
In terms of workspace design, Members sought to understand how the new Core Office would feel for those working there. They were informed that the new office will allocate 8m² per person (excluding meeting rooms), which is more generous than the 6m² typically found in call centres. This allocation is based on a more efficient use of space, reflecting new working practices such as the use of docking stations instead of desks with storage. Additionally, workspaces will be tailored to meet the needs of different services.
Members noted that the new Core Office is proposed to be 100,000 square feet, supporting approximately 925 staff, with other council employees based in community hubs, delivering front-line services, and/or working from home. They also noted that the Council has a responsibility to provide space for staff who are either unwilling or unable to work from home. The new Core Office is seen as a positive driver for staff productivity by providing a better working environment that better meets their needs.
Regarding City Hall, Members sought clarification on whether any short-term measures could be implemented to reduce its running costs. Members heard that the Council’s current strategy is to make only the minimum necessary improvements. Members were also informed that recent upgrades to the heating system have inadvertently increased costs, as electricity is currently more expensive than gas.
RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting at this point during consideration of this item as the Committee discussed exempt information of the description contained in paragraph 14 and 16 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Action 1972. The public may be excluded from the meeting by resolution of the Committee pursuant to Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 during discussion of this item.
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; that
1. the review of the Shared Prosperity Fund attached to the report as Appendix A be noted.
2. authority be delegated to Assistant Director for Housing and Communities in consultation with the Section 151 Officer to extend any existing Shared Prosperity Fund Schemes subject to the criteria outlined in paragraph 24 should any successor scheme be implemented.
RESOLVED: that
1) the build contract be approved and entered into for delivery of the new MSCP at Atlantic Wharf as set out at Confidential Appendix 7 and for any further matters arising authority be delegated to the Director of Economic Development in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, the Section 151 Officer and the Legal Officer.
2) the PCSA costs as set out in Confidential Appendix 7 be approved and made following the conclusion of the PCSA works.
3) the exclusivity agreement with Aviva Capital Partners for the development of Area B - Atlantic Wharf be extended up to the end of March 2025.
RESOLVED: that
1. authority be delegated to the Director of Economic Development and the Corporate Director of Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance and the Cabinet Member for Investment & Development, to clarify and agree acceptable funding terms of a loan with Welsh Government.
2. Subject to recommendation 1, a loan of £1.63 million be made to the applicant on conditions set out in Confidential Appendices 2 & 7.
RESOLVED: that
(a) it be noted that Cantonian High School is currently located within temporary accommodation and therefore it is important to bring forward the Fairwater Campus as a matter of urgency.
(b) all of the options as outlined in Confidential Annex 1, Appendix 1 be considered and agree to proceed with Option 7 to:
i) Novate the existing ISG contracts to a supply chain partner, as set out in Confidential Annex 1, Appendix 6 to enable urgent works to continue on site for a limited period of time and with limited scope whilst a tender is undertaken for the remaining works of Fairwater Campus.
ii) Commence the process for a tender exercise for the remaining works with immediate effect to complete Fairwater Campus with the least possible disruption.
(c) Subject to finalisation of and entry into the various agreements, it be agreed that the urgent option to proceed with, novating the existing ISG Construction Ltd contracts to a supply chain partner, with the intention for it to be for a limited timeframe and scope.
(d) Subject to agreeing (b) and (c) above, the ISG Construction Ltd enabling and main works contracts be terminated as outlined in Confidential Annex 1 & Appendix 2.
(e) authority be delegated to the Director for Education and Lifelong Learning in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Cabinet Member for Finance, Chief Executive, Director for Economic Development, Section 151 Officer and Monitoring Officer to:
i) agree an alternative option in the event that the novation of ISG Construction Ltd contracts fails to proceed with an existing supply chain partner and
ii) to determine and agree all aspects of the procurement process and the tender and appointment for a main contractor for the remaining works to complete Fairwater campus (Confidential Annex 1, Appendix 1 - Option 7) (including for the avoidance of doubt development of all procurement documentation and selection and award criteria, commencement of procurement through to award of contracts) and all ancillary matters (including but not limited to agreement of ancillary documents).
(f) subject to any final legal and financial advice, that the Council enters into the agreements necessary to implement the recommended urgent option including but not limited to any agreement with the administrator, contractor and sub-contractors.
(g) the Single Impact Assessment outlined in Annex 2 be noted.
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:
· Members agreed the nominations for the Filming in Cardiff Inquiry as, Cllr Wong, Cllr Jenkins, Cllr Lewis and Cllr Shimmin.
· Members agreed the nominations for the Visitor Levy & Regulation Inquiry as, Cllr Wong, Cllr Jenkins, Cllr Lewis and Cllr Shimmin.
Members agreed to approve the work programme and the publication of a Forward Work Programme.