3,726 items
Decided: The Chairperson will write to the Cabinet Member with the Committee's comments and observations before Cabinet considers the report.
Decided: The Chairperson will write to the Cabinet Member with the Committee's comments and observations before Cabinet considers the report.
Decided: The Committee agreed the next steps to take this scrutiny review forward. The minute does not list them. It records that the Committee asked Cabinet Members and officers to return to a future meeting on the effect of the Supreme Court ruling on non-HR functions. It also recommended that the Council speed up its review of possible liabilities, publish any breaches of the Equality Act it finds, and give a timeline for the review.
Decided: The Committee approved the draft Scrutiny Annual Report 2025/26 (Appendix A), to be laid before Council, subject to the amendments noted.
RESOLVED – T H A T the minutes of the meeting held on 2nd March 2026 be approved as a correct record.
RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the Draft Multi-Location Meetings Policy, attached at Appendix A to the report, together with any feedback points, be referred to Cabinet for further consideration and approval. (2) T H A T a review of the Policy be undertaken upon receipt of any further statutory guidance from Welsh Government, any accessibility requirements and the Council's Public Participation obligations. Reasons for decisions (1) For Democratic Services Committee Members to input into the development of the policy ahead of consideration by Cabinet. (2) Having regard to statutory guidance received, accessibility requirements and the Council's Public Participation obligations.
RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the analysis of the findings as identified within the report, including the detailed findings within Appendix A to the report, be noted. (2) T H A T the proposed action plan identifying areas for improvement (Appendix B to the report) to be undertaken by Democratic Services be endorsed. Reasons for decisions (1) Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting. (2) To agree improvement actions because of the Survey responses provided.
RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the Annual Report of the Head of Democratic Services (Appendix A to the report) be noted. (2) T H A T the Committee are satisfied there are adequate resources to undertake the Council’s Democratic function. Reasons for decisions (1) Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting. (2) To keep under review the provision by the Council of adequate resources to discharge Democratic Services functions as per the Committee’s Terms of Reference.
RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the topics contained within the table attached at Appendix B to the report be endorsed, including the learning areas which were considered essential (mandatory) or recommended (non-essential) and that this be included as part of the refresh of the Member Development Strategy. (2) T H A T the refreshed Member Development Strategy, attached at Appendix A to the report, be endorsed to inform the development of the future Member Induction Programme and referred to Cabinet for consideration and approval.. Reasons for decisions (1) In acknowledgement of essential and recommended learning subject areas to be included in the Council's Strategy. (2) To seek Cabinet's approval of the refreshed Strategy.
RESOLVED – T H A T the provisional Forward Work Programme for the 2026/27 Municipal year be agreed. Reason for decision To allow for the Committee to have a clearly structured programme of work to support their ongoing work.
RESOLVED: That Cllr Goodway be appointed as the Chair.
RESOLVED: To note the terms of reference as set out in the agenda.
RESOLVED: That the public be excluded during the discussion on the following item of business on the grounds that, if members of the public were present during the discussion, because of the nature of the business to be transacted there would be disclosure to them of the exempt information as defined in Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and as described below:- Paragraph 12 – Information relating to an applicant to become an employee of the Authority; and Paragraph 13 – Information which was likely to reveal the identity of an individual.
RESOLVED: That candidates 91336, 91666 and 91694 be assessed.
RESOLVED: · To note the updated Contract Procedure Rules (CPR)and Financial Procedure Rules (FPR) in Appendices A and B To delegate authority to the Corporate Director Resources to amend the FPR; and to the Director of Governance and Legal Services to amend the CPR; to make any amendments that may be required from time to time, which do not serve to materially alter the FPR or CPR.
RESOLVED: · To note the update on proposed governance changes. · To defer a decision on this matter until an All Member briefing had been provide on the proposed changes to the Planning Committee Procedure Rules and Committee Delegations. The views of the Members were required before further consideration of this matter could be undertaken by the Committee. The feedback from Members and an updated report be presented to the Committee at its meeting on 29th September 2026.
AGREED. 2. Cabinet Statements – Supplementary Questions To delete the option of a supplementary question and answer, as it is not currently used. The Committee agreed that Members were not generally aware of this option and if it was not being used or needed then it should be deleted. AGREED. 3. Cabinet Statements - Order of business Consider introducing a rule to provide that Cabinet Statements are dealt with after Ordinary Motions Members considered that any items requiring voting should be done in the early part of the meeting. Attendance and management of time for those with caring responsibilities would be easier. The introduction of this rule was AGREED. 4. Cabinet Statements – outside full Council meeting Consider introducing a rule to make formal provision for Cabinet Members to issue Written Statements between Council meetings Members should be provided with information in advance of press releases or media reports. Cabinet should have more control of this process to provide Members with longer time to consider the issues and to raise questions at Council. The introduction of this rule was AGREED. 5. Oral Questions To publish each question as it is being dealt with on the Council’s website Members felt it was important for them to ask the question on behalf of their constituents at the Council meeting. This will enable the question to be followed by the public and could be helpful for sharing this information with the public on social media. This proposal was NOT AGREED. 6. Written Questions (Deadline) Remove the deadline for submission of Written Questions, so that they are dealt with on a ‘rolling basis’, with written answers provided within a set time and attached to the minutes of the next appropriate Council meeting. Members were concerned about pressure created by the number of questions in the short timescale leading up to a Council meeting. This amendment would help manage this situation. The removal of this deadline was AGREED. 7. Public Questions To make provision for public questions at Cabinet meetings, unless the question relates to a function reserved to full Council e.g. budget / policy matters Members suggested that if questions are addressed to the Cabinet or other committees, could these go to those meetings rather than Council. Comments were also made that the public may prefer questions to be asked at Council meetings. There was a desire to encourage more back bencher involvement and their empowerment at Council meetings. Some questions highlight issues other Members may not be aware of. This proposal could also support succession planning. It was noted that there have been an average of 1-2 question to Council per meeting. The proposal to move public questions for Cabinet Members to Cabinet meetings was NOT AGREED. 8. Public involvement (Deputations) Consider provision for Deputations, allowing 3-6 members of the public to present an issue to full Council, with one nominated person permitted to speak for 3- 5 minutes Members suggested trialling this, as it works well in other Local Authorities. It should be on a specific topic and have criteria attached, and how it working in other areas will be looked at for future consideration. The development of a trial was AGREED 9. Petition Scheme Consider increasing the threshold number of signatures – to a requirement for 100 signatories before a petition may be presented to Council Members pointed out that the figure of 100 signatures could be discriminatory in some areas if all constituents in an area sign a petition but it does not reach this level. It can be area dependant. It remained important to ensure all signatories are valid for the area it relates to the need to avoid preventing public involvement. The Committee was advised that on average there have been 18 petitions per year for the 8 ordinary Council meetings. If under 20 and up to 50 signatures, it is passed to the Director for that area; 51+ signatures go to Cabinet for a response. 80% of petitions received have been over 51 signatures and heard at a Council meeting. Increasing the number of signatures would just change where the petition goes for a response. It was also suggested that a log is created so feedback on what has happened with the petitions can be accessed. Making changes to the number of signatories was NOT AGREED. ACTION: An outcomes log for petitions was to be created. 10. Ordinary Motions (Debate) Provide that Cabinet members may only speak on their own portfolio area This was not intended to limit the ability of Cabinet Members to speak but to encourage back benchers to fully engage on the issues arising as part of the motion. This proposal was AGREED 11. Ordinary Motions (availability for inspection) To ensure Rules reflect practice that Motions are made available when Council papers are published Members agreed for Motions to be made available when the agenda is published. This would align with existing custom and practice - AGREED. 12. Ordinary Motions (Number & Allocation) To review whether to retain the Chair’s discretion to allow more than the maximum number of 2 Ordinary Motions at a Council meeting. Consider whether to insert a rule stating that if more than the maximum number of Motions are submitted, that opposition group motions shall be given preference over those of the ruling group. Members felt this was not an issue and this rule should be removed, although the discretion the Lord Mayor regarding the number of motions should be retained - AGREED 13. Amendments to Motions To amend rule 22(ua) to reflect the fact that the amendment must be proposed and seconded before it can be accepted by the proposer of the Motion AGREED. 14. Amendments to reports To extend the deadline for notice of amendments to reports to 12 noon on day of Council Members AGREED that the existing timings be retained. 15. Recorded Vote To review this Rule, implications and how it is implemented The committee AGREED that the outcomes of an electronic vote showing how each member voted would be displayed on screen at the end of each vote. These full details would be included in the written minutes and circulated as soon as possible after the meeting to Members as required. 16. Member Speaking To consider making explicit provision allowing any Member who may have difficulty speaking clearly to nominate another Member to read their statement or question on their behalf, subject to advance approval from the Lord Mayor AGREED. RESOLVED: · To progress the agreed changes in respect of the rules governing meetings of the full Council and the Cabinet The Monitoring Officer to consult with Group Leaders and Whips on proposed changes which the Committee wishes to progress, and report back to the next Committee meeting, on consultation feedback and with draft amendments for the Committee’s further consideration.
AGREED. Freedom of Information Act 2000, designation of the Council’s ‘Qualified Person’ for purposes of the Section 36 Exemption. Adding this as delegated authority to the Monitoring Officer. AGREED. Trusts governance – to reference the Trusts Cabinet Committee and approved officer delegation; and amend the Procedure Rules for the Acquisition or Disposal of Land to reference land held in trust. Clarification points. AGREED. Delegation for responses to Government consultations. AGREED. Protocol on Member / Officer Relations, update. AGREED. Councillor Call for Action. Criteria be considered, and a further report will be brought to the Committee. AGREED. Allocation of certain local choice licensing function Refresh to ensure that the Constitution reflects the law. AGREED. Joint Committee delegations, update. Refresh of Constitution. AGREED. Delegated authority for amendments to operational HR employment policies Discussed with Chief Executive and Chief HR Officer. AGREED. Delegated authority to update RIPA (Regulation of Investigatory Powers) policies and procedures. Monitoring Officer to make timely amendments AGREED. Allocation of Non-Executive Functions; Committee membership requirements. Minor changes required. AGREED. A number of other minor amendments · Committee Membership requirements – Article 8. · Clarification point - Independent Members voting at Standards & Ethics Committee in addition to Council Members. · Aligning Finance Contract provision thresholds at £75,000. AGREED. The Chair requested that consideration of a summary of Officers Decisions and their call in status be presented to Council for information. RESOLVED: · To approve the minor Constitution amendments made under the Monitoring Officer’s delegated authority, as referenced in the report for the Committee’s information · To approve the substantive Constitution amendments recommended in the report, including any agreed changes · Authorise the Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Chair, to draft any further amendments to reflect the views of the Committee Recommend the agreed substantive Constitution amendments to full Council for approval.
RESOLVED: Approved the Forward Work Plan 2026/27, and the areas considered as priorities as set out in Appendix A.
RESOLVED – T H A T under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 4 of Schedule 12A (as amended) of the Act, the relevant paragraphs of the Schedule being referred to in brackets after the minute heading.
RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the extension of flexible retirement of B be agreed, in accordance with the Council's policy subject to no other circumstances arising in the interim whereby the employment was to be terminated for a different reason. (2) T H A T the use of the appropriate delegated powers be endorsed, to enable B to continue employment until 28th July 2027 with hours remaining at 22 per week (as previously agreed by the Committee on 20th June 2024) effective from 29 th July 2026. (3) T H A T the retirement of B from employment with the Council takes place on or before 29th July 2027. Reasons for decisions (1) To determine the flexible retirement application of B within the Regulations and to allow for any eventualities that may not be known at the time. (2-3) To achieve the necessary change to the employee's flexible retirement date, to assist service continuity and contribute to ongoing service provision within the Environment team as well as support improved succession planning. The continued reduced hours would also represent a continued saving to the department without significant detriment to the team.
RESOLVED – (1) T H A T J’s request for flexible retirement be approved with effect from st 1 August 2026. (2) T H A T the flexible retirement of J be agreed in accordance with the Council's policy subject to no other circumstances arising in the interim whereby the employment was to be terminated for a different reason. (3) T H A T the flexible retirement of J be agreed with an end date of 31st July 2028, providing no other circumstances arose in the interim whereby the employment was to be terminated for a different reason. Reasons for decisions (1) To support the employee’s request for flexible retirement whilst also securing the employee’s continued employment for a period of up to 24 months, during which time, the employee’s skills and experience would continue to be an asset to the Learning and Skills Directorate. The period allowed for planned succession building and sharing of knowledge and skills. (2-3) To determine the flexible retirement application within the regulations and to allow for eventualities that may not be known at the time.
RESOLVED – T H A T the minutes of the meeting held on 19th March 2026 be approved as a correct record.
Decided: Council received nominations and appointed members to the committee vacancies, following the wishes of the political groups, as set out on the Amendment Sheet.
Decided: Council approved the new appointments of local authority governors to school governing bodies, as listed in Appendix 1, each for four years from the date of appointment.
Decided: Council adopted the revised Statement of Licensing Policy, to be published and to take effect from 8 July 2026. It also authorised the Head of Shared Regulatory Services to make administrative amendments if needed.
Decided: Council approved the Welsh Language Standards Annual Report 2025-26 before it is published. It approved the revised Bilingual Cardiff Bilingual Council policy and its Single Impact Assessment. It also approved the revised Guidance on Dealing with Welsh Language Calls. The vote was 65 for, none against and no abstentions.
Decided: Council received nominations and approved appointments and nominations to the outside bodies listed in Appendix A, and any further nominations on the Amendment Sheet.
RESOLVED – T H A T the Annual Internal Audit Report for the 2025/26 financial year including the Head of Internal Audit’s Annual Opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s framework of governance, risk management and internal control, be endorsed. Reason for decision Following consideration of the Head of Internal Audit's Annual Opinion on the overall control environment at the Council and to ensure compliance with the Global Internal Audit Standards.
RESOLVED – T H A T the draft Internal Audit Strategy (Appendix A to the report) and draft Annual Risk Based Audit Plan for 2026-27 (Appendix B to the report) be approved. Reason for decision To approve the proposed draft Internal Audit Strategy and Annual Risk Based Audit Plan for 2026-27 in compliance with the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) and the Committee's Terms of Reference. RECOMMENDATION MONITORING REPORT (HRIAS) At the request of the Chair of the Governance and Audit Committee, the report provided members of the Committee with an update from the relevant Service Managers on the status of recommendations made in audits issued prior to 2025/26, which were yet to be implemented. The comments had been agreed by the relevant Head of Service or Director. RESOLVED – T H A T the contents of the report and the information provided in respect of the recommendations made prior to 2025/26 which were yet to be implemented be noted. Reason for decision Following consideration of the status of Internal Audit recommendations and to review and assess the effectiveness of risk management and internal control. FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME (HRIAS) The Governance and Audit Committee had several core functions and responsibilities within its remit. To enable the Committee to carry out those core functions and responsibilities effectively and to ensure it covered its range of responsibilities, a Forward Work Programme was presented at each meeting, setting out the reports to be presented at future meetings, for approval or amendment, as necessary. It was requested that the number of items for the next meeting be closely considered by the Chair and Officers. RESOLVED – T H A T the schedule of items for the next meeting on 20 th July 2026 be endorsed. Reason for decision Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting.