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Newport City Council met on 20 January 2026. Councillors agreed school governing body appointments, noted a half-year treasury management report, and adopted a Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2026/27. They also approved a revised Statement of Licensing Policy, approved draft community boundary proposals for public consultation, and supported a motion on Newport County AFC and Dragons RFC. Councillor Debbie Harvey was nominated as Mayor for 2026/27.
The Minutes of the last meeting held on 25 November 2025 were accepted as a true record. This was proposed by Councillor Batrouni and seconded by Councillor D Davies.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: That the following appointments be agreed. Governing Body Appointments Governing Body Appointments /Resignations / Disqualifications Name Maes Ebbw Primary School Resignation Vicky Barry Maes Ebbw Primary School Appointment Lucy Robinson Malpas Church in Wales Primary School Reappointment Councillor Jane Mudd Tredegar Park Primary School Reappointment Councillor Allan Screen High Cross Primary School Reappointment Stewart Jones Newport High School Reappointment Councillor James Clarke Monnow Primary School Resignation Neil Griffiths Monnow Primary School Appointment Catrin Leyshon St Andrews Primary School Resignation Meryl Echeverry St Andrews Primary School Appointment Janice Dent
Councillor Spencer moved the appointments set out in the report. Councillor Mogford seconded the proposal. Resolved: That the following appointments be agreed. Governing Body Appointments Governing Body Appointments /Resignations / Disqualifications Name Maes Ebbw Primary School Resignation Vicky Barry Maes Ebbw Primary School Appointment Lucy Robinson Malpas Church in Wales Primary School Reappointment Councillor Jane Mudd Tredegar Park Primary School Reappointment Councillor Allan Screen High Cross Primary School Reappointment Stewart Jones Newport High School Reappointment Councillor James Clarke Monnow Primary School Resignation Neil Griffiths Monnow Primary School Appointment Catrin Leyshon St Andrews Primary School Resignation Meryl Echeverry St Andrews Primary School Appointment Janice Dent
The Presiding Member introduced Chief Inspector S Warden, Head of Neighbourhood Policing at Gwent Police, who provided Council Members with an update on police issues within East, West and Central Newport. Once the Chief Inspector had addressed the Council, the Presiding Member invited the Leader, Councillor Batrouni, to put forward his questions to Chief Inspector Warden. The floor was then open to councillors for police questions. To access a full recording of the agenda item please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic Meetings / Cyfarfodydd Democrataidd
Decision as recorded
Resolved: That Council supported the motion. At this juncture the meeting was adjourned at 18:35 and resumed at 18:45.
As Councillor M Howells was not present to take the item, Councillor Sterry proposed the Notice of Motion, which was seconded by Councillor Peterson: This Council recognises the significant cultural, social, and economic importance of Newport County AFC and Dragons RFC to the city of Newport. Council acknowledges that both clubs play a vital role in the life of the city, acting as important community anchors, sources of civic pride, and drivers of economic activity. Their continued presence at Rodney Parade brings substantial benefits to the city centre, supporting local businesses, hospitality and the wider evening and weekend economy. Council further recognises that both clubs are currently operating in challenging financial and structural circumstances, and that the long-term sustainability of professional sport in Newport is of strategic importance to the city’s identity, economy, and place-making ambitions. Council notes with particular concern that Newport County AFC currently has no permanent training facilities within the city, requiring players and staff to travel outside Newport. Council believes this situation is unsustainable, weakens the club’s connection to local communities, and is not befitting of a professional club representing the city. Accordingly, this Council resolves to: 1. Affirm its support for Newport County AFC and Dragons RFC, and place on record its commitment to standing with both clubs during this period of difficulty and into the future. 2. Request that the Leader of the Council establishes a cross-party task force, with appropriate senior officer support, to work constructively with the owners and directors of both clubs and other relevant stakeholders. 3. Request the leader to consider the following terms of reference should he be minded to set up the cross party task force in accordance with point 2 above. Potential terms of reference are that the task force will: a) explore options to support the long-term sustainability of Newport County AFC and Dragons RFC; b) consider opportunities for financial and non-financial support, where lawful and appropriate, including potential loan arrangements, subject to due diligence and governance requirements; c) engage on the future use and potential redevelopment of Rodney Parade and the “Cabbage Patch,” ensuring alignment with the Council’s city centre regeneration and place-making plan; and d) identify and assess viable options for securing permanent, high-quality training facilities for Newport County AFC within the city of Newport. 4. Request that the task force reports back to Council within 9 months with findings and recommendations. 5. Request that officers actively consider and maximise all available planning, regeneration, economic development, and policy tools to support both clubs and the continued vitality of the city centre. This Council believes that supporting Newport County AFC and Dragons RFC is not only an investment in professional sport, but an investment in Newport’s communities, economy, and future. Once Councillor Sterry addressed Council with his motion and Councillor Peterson had seconded it, the Leader moved an amendment to the motion, which was seconded by Councillor Spencer. The following amendment was circulated to all members: This Council recognises the significant cultural, social, and economic importance of Newport County AFC and Dragons RFC to the city of Newport. Council acknowledges that both clubs play a vital role in the life of the city, acting as important community anchors, sources of civic pride, and drivers of economic activity. Their continued presence at Rodney Parade brings substantial benefits to the city centre, supporting local businesses, hospitality and the wider evening and weekend economy. Council further recognises that both clubs are currently operating in challenging financial and structural circumstances, and that the long-term sustainability of professional sport in Newport is of strategic importance to the city’s identity, economy, and place-making ambitions. Council notes with particular concern that Newport County AFC currently has no permanent training facilities within the city, requiring players and staff to travel outside Newport. Council believes this situation is unsustainable, weakens the club’s connection to local communities, and is not befitting of a professional club representing the city. Accordingly, this Council resolves to: 1. Reaffirm its support for Newport County AFC and Dragons RFC and will continue to stand with both clubs during this period of difficulty and into the future. And, critically, the Council will enhance its backing for our grassroots clubs, working with the volunteers (Mums, Dads, and grandparents) who are the bedrock of sport in our city. 2. Thank the Leader for his strong support of Dragons RFC since the WRU’s original transformation proposals – the first political leader to vocally support one of their regional rugby clubs. Furthermore, the leadership team should continue to work closely with Newport RFC, the historical rugby titan of our city, in its plans for the future. 3. Recognise the leadership team’s unwavering commitment to sport in this city, evidenced by creating a dedicated Cabinet Member for Sport and funding an extra sports officer post to support all our sporting clubs and forthcoming publication of Newport’s pitch strategy. 4. Welcome all the current engagement between the owners of all sporting clubs with the leadership team. Partnership working is the only way we all succeed. 5. Support our dedicated officers who are already considering and maximising all available planning, regeneration, economic development, and policy tools to support both clubs and the continued vitality of the city centre, as evidence by the placemaking plan. 6. Warmly receive a vision document, business plan and allocated private monies (noting Cardiff and Swansea developments received significant private investment based on out of city retail parks) for the proposals from Newport AFC. We will collaboratively work together to deliver that vision. Members debated the amendment. Councillor Spencer spoke to the amendment as seconder. Councillor Batrouni spoke to the amendment as the proposer. The Presiding Member asked for Council to take a vote on the amendment. The vote was carried by the majority; therefore, the amendment became the substantive motion from this point in proceedings. There were no further comments on the amended motion. A vote was then taken on the amended motion. The vote was carried by the majority. To access a full recording of the debate please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic Meetings / Cyfarfodydd Democrataidd Resolved: That Council supported the motion. At this juncture the meeting was adjourned at 18:35 and resumed at 18:45.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: Council noted the report on treasury management activities during the first half year period of 2025-26.
The Presiding Member invited the Leader, Councillor Batrouni, to present the report on treasury activities undertaken within the first half of the financial year, as well as the position in relation to the Treasury Management prudential indicators as of September 2025. The report was recently considered by the Governance and Audit Committee and Cabinet who provided no reservations or adverse feedback. Councillor D Davies seconded the report. Resolved: Council noted the report on treasury management activities during the first half year period of 2025-26.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: Council adopted the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2026/27 in accordance with the Council Tax Reduction Schemes (Prescribed Requirements and Default Schemes) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 ("the Prescribed Requirements Regulations") exercising its local discretions as indicated in the report.
The Presiding Member invited the Leader, Councillor Batrouni, to present the report. Council was not required to consult on the proposals of the new scheme, as the changes were in consequence of amendments made to the Prescribed Requirements Regulations. The local discretions that were available to the Council were recommended to remain unchanged. Councillor D Davies seconded the report. Resolved: Council adopted the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2026/27 in accordance with the Council Tax Reduction Schemes (Prescribed Requirements and Default Schemes) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 ("the Prescribed Requirements Regulations") exercising its local discretions as indicated in the report.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: Council approved and adopted the revised 2026 Licensing Act Policy.
The Presiding Member invited the Cabinet Member for Communities and Sport, Councillor Spencer to present the report. The current SLP was effective for the period January 2021 to 31 January 2026. The Council was required to revise and republish the Statement of Licensing Policy no later than the end of January 2026. Statutory consultation took place between the 20 October 2025 and 15 December 2025. The proposed SLP retained many of the core policies, with a small number of amendments. It was noted that there was a typographical error within the Licensing Act Policy, which would be amended. This minor error had no material impact on the decision taken by Council. Councillor D Davies seconded the report. Resolved: Council approved and adopted the revised 2026 Licensing Act Policy.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: Council – § noted the feedback received during the initial consultation set out in Appendix B of this report. § approved the Terms of Reference § approved the draft proposals for changes to community boundaries and electoral arrangements of community councils outlined in Appendices C, D and E to this report; § agreed to commence the consultation exercise to seek public comments regarding those proposals; and § agreed to consider the outcomes of that consultation at a later meeting. § time going forward.
The Presiding Member invited the Cabinet Member for Communications and Culture, Councillor Corten, to present the report. The purpose of this report was to seek approval to publish and consult on initial proposals as part of a comprehensive review of community boundaries and associated electoral arrangements. This action was required to fulfil statutory obligations under the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 and to ensure that community arrangements continued to reflect local identities and facilitate effective, convenient local governance across the principal council area. Councillor Batrouni seconded the report. Resolved: Council – § noted the feedback received during the initial consultation set out in Appendix B of this report. § approved the Terms of Reference § approved the draft proposals for changes to community boundaries and electoral arrangements of community councils outlined in Appendices C, D and E to this report; § agreed to commence the consultation exercise to seek public comments regarding those proposals; and § agreed to consider the outcomes of that consultation at a later meeting. § time going forward.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: § Council agreed to adopt the schedule of meetings as the basis for arrangements for May 2026 to May 2027, recognising it was subject to change and amendment to meet the needs of the work programmes of each committee or other group. § Council agreed to consult all members on moving Council meetings to a 4pm start time going forward.
The Presiding Member introduced this item to Council colleagues providing the dates for committee meetings for 2026/27. The Leader proposed changing Council meetings from a 5pm to a 4pm start, with elected members invited to provide feedback through consultation. Councillor Evans supported the proposal. Resolved: § Council agreed to adopt the schedule of meetings as the basis for arrangements for May 2026 to May 2027, recognising it was subject to change and amendment to meet the needs of the work programmes of each committee or other group. § Council agreed to consult all members on moving Council meetings to a 4pm start time going forward.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: Council supported the nomination of Councillor Debbie Harvey as Mayor.
The Presiding Member asked the Leader, Councillor Batrouni, to present this item regarding the nomination of the Mayor for 2026/27. The Leader formally moved Councillor Debbie Harvey as the Mayor for the municipal year 2026/27, which was seconded by the Opposition Leader, Councillor Matthew Evans. The Leader took the opportunity to wish Councillor Debbie Harvey all the very best for their term for the Mayor’s Office for 2026/27. Resolved: Council supported the nomination of Councillor Debbie Harvey as Mayor.
The Leader presented his announcements to Council colleagues. To access a full recording of the Leader’s announcements, please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic Meetings / Cyfarfodydd Democrataidd Once the Leader had concluded, Councillors put their questions to the Leader, in line with Standing Orders arrangements. Councillor Evans asked: In 2003 the Welsh Government announced the establishment of an urban regeneration company, Newport Unlimited, against the backdrop of huge jobs losses in heavy industries and manufacturing, particularly the Llanwern steelworks. It was a partnership between Newport Council, The WDA, and Welsh Government. After the Welsh Government withdrew its funding, it ceased to exist in March 2014, almost 12 years ago, having attracted around £230 million in private investment over its tenure. Last week in your Cabinet meeting, you had your capital programme monitoring and additions report. This states; Whilst there is available headroom, it should be noted that it would only take a handful of significant issues to arise for this to be fully consumed. The scope to undertake additional projects funded from new borrowing is extremely limited, when considering the challenging medium-term outlook. With new Council borrowing being the absolute last resort, and only where it is clearly affordable, prudent, and sustainable to do so. There are however £2.2 million of unallocated capital receipts, which need approval from the Welsh Government, and need to be spent on city centre regeneration. This is still left over from when Newport Unlimited disbanded all those years ago. So, can the Leader of the Council explain why this funding hasn’t been utilised yet, at a time when the city centre needs all the help it can get? Response: In relation to the funds not yet being utilised, the Leader explained that he could not speak to the decisions of his predecessors, although there may well have been valid reasons at the time. He confirmed that the funding had been drawn upon periodically over the years to support various programmes. The Leader further noted that the Council could not independently determine the release of the funds. Under the terms of reference, approval from the Welsh Government (WG) was required, as the WG was responsible for endorsing any allocation of funding for either a broader strategy or a more targeted plan. The Leader reported that a plan was currently being developed in close collaboration with partners, and that the scale of the proposed work exceeded the amount held in the reserve. While £2.2 million was a substantial sum for most individuals, it was insufficient in the context of city centre regeneration. The Council had, however, been successful in securing additional funding from other sources, including: · Vibrant and Viable Places Fund - £17.8m awarded and delivered schemes such as the Kings Hotel and Central View redevelopment, providing much needed city living apartments for the over 55s. · Targeted Regeneration Intervention Fund (the predecessor to the current Transforming Towns fund) – a further £4m for projects including Chartist Tower and the Indoor Market. · Transforming Towns – over £17m for projects including the new Leisure Centre and Market Arcade · Heritage Funding – over £1m from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Cadw for Market Arcade, and · Shared Prosperity Fund – over £10.5m for city centre projects and events. Furthermore, the Leader emphasised that the Council would not lose access to the funding and that no specific timescale had been imposed. He acknowledged that the funds should be utilised to support city centre regeneration. Supplementary: Councillor Evans asked could the Leader provide assurance that Newport City Council would formally identify any representatives of the Welsh Government who may have hindered progress regarding the release of the relevant funding? Response: The Leader emphasised that he would not engage in identifying individuals but reaffirmed his strong support for enterprise and entrepreneurship, noting initiatives like the Newport Business Awards. He stressed that private sector growth was essential alongside Council funding. He assured Councillor Evans that the funding in question had not been forgotten and would be invested in the city centre as part of a wider, coordinated regeneration package. Councillor M Howells asked: Residents in Lliswerry continue to raise serious concerns about the condition of Somerton Road, Cromwell Road, and Corporation Road, all of which serve schools, bus routes, pedestrian crossings, and high footfall areas. The deterioration on both Somerton Road and Cromwell Road in particular is now extensive and clearly visible, with repeated surface failure, standing water and recurring defects along a key stretch of carriageway. Ward Members have been advised that these roads are included within the highways resurfacing programme, with completion currently indicated by June / July 2026. However, despite repeated requests, Ward Councillors have not been given clarity on where these roads sit within the programme, when works are expected to start, or whether Somerton Road and Cromwell Road will be prioritised given its condition and usage. Can the Leader of the Council confirm: · Whether Somerton Road and Cromwell Road will be formally reviewed as priority sites within the highways maintenance and resurfacing programme, in light of its current condition and safety risks; · Whether the Council will provide Ward Members with defined indicative timescales or sequencing for the resurfacing of Somerton Road, Cromwell Road, and Corporation Road, rather than a broad mid-2026 completion window; and · Whether additional interim, safety-led works will be scheduled on Somerton Road in particular while residents await full resurfacing, beyond routine reactive patching. Response: The Leader frequently used Cromwell Road and agreed the road was in poor condition and understood the residents’ concerns. The Council were eager to proceed but were reliant on sub-contractors and time delays were as a result of the sub-contractors. The Leader assured Councillor M Howells that he would be informed by officers as soon as the work was due to be undertaken. The Leader reiterated that the roads referenced were on the priority list and officers had a ranking order. In relation to the safety risks, the Leader would contact officers and get back to Councillor M Howells regarding this. Supplementary: Councillor M Howells asked whether the Leader could reassure the public that Highways decisions and prioritisation were based solely on road condition and safety considerations and not influenced by political representation or any other external pressures, as had been suggested by constituents in the Lliswerry ward. Response: The Leader reassured Councillor M Howells that Highways priorities were not politically driven, stressing that officers ensured decisions were fully de‑politicised. He noted that many repairs were carried out across all political wards and emphasised that the administration cared for the whole city. He acknowledged the poor condition of the roads and confirmed that repair lists were determined purely by priority need. Councillor Whitehead asked: I would like to ask the Leader whether, through the process of questions to the Leader, has there ever been a time when a positive and real outcome has materialised from this exercise? If yes are there any examples? Response: The Leader took this role seriously and should be held to account by opposition members as well has his own members. It was a privilege to be in a leadership position for this city and the Leader and Cabinet colleagues should be held accountable by elected members and the public through the issues raised during questions to the Leader. The Leader hoped that he gave clear and honest answers to those submitted by elected members. Councillor Routley asked: Leader, you often champion Newport as the 'economic engine house of Wales's due to our 9.5% population growth. However, this growth has clearly outpaced our infrastructure. With major projects like the new Leisure Centre still under construction and city centre footfall struggling, how can you justify further expansion when the basic services for our current residents are already stretched to a breaking point? Response: The infrastructure did need a lot of investment and the Leader looked forward to receiving support when it was considered at the next budget meeting. In terms of the city centre footfall, Newport was bucking the trend of Welsh figures, with Newport’s footfall increasing by 1.2%, whilst for Wales as a whole this had decreased. Whilst it was not the same levels as it was in the 1990s and 2000s, it was positive and moving in the right direction, showing that events were having a material impact. Retail would not be the same as previous years before online shopping and events was one of the new ways to continue to regenerate the city. Supplementary: Councillor Routley’s supplementary question did not relate to the original question, therefore the Presiding Member advised Councillor Routley to put the question to the Leader in writing. Response The Leader agreed to provide a written response.
Councillor Evans asked: What is the average time it takes to replace street signs? Response from Councillor R Howells: Thanks to additional funding from Welsh Government, the Cabinet Member was pleased to share that this year the Council will be able to replace street signs faster than ever before - in fact, the Council will be replacing five times the number of street signs this year than we have been able to annually for the last decade. As members know, Newport City Council has lost tens of millions of pounds from its budget since 2010, all while pressures have increased. The Cabinet Member was glad to say that 175 street signs will be replaced across Newport this year, which will clear almost half of the backlog. Thanks to this money, we have also been able to clean 309 street signs, and this work will continue at least until the end of March. We are working towards securing additional investment to keep the replacement and cleaning work up at these additional levels. The signs replaced will be prioritised in accordance with the Highways Asset Management Plan. Supplementary: Councillor Evans highlighted delays in replacing two damaged street name plates he reported last March. Despite being told one would be replaced within 6–8 weeks, neither has been fixed and one is now missing. He, therefore, questioned whether the Cabinet Member was satisfied with this level of service. Response: The Cabinet Member would look into this and recognised that it was an important issue, with other members also raising this in their wards. The budget was put in place for this as it was recognised that this is an important issue and there was a desire to remove the backlog. Councillor Routley asked: Cabinet Member, the rural lanes of Bishton and Langstone have moved past the point of pathetic 'patch-and-mend' repairs. They are failing. These roads are not a luxury; they are the essential lifelines for our hard-working residents, the safe passage for our children to school, and the critical infrastructure required for our farmers to tend to their livestock and manage the land. The current state of these highways is treacherous and represents a dereliction of service to the rural community. Will you now stop the sticking-plaster approach and instruct your officers to conduct an immediate, comprehensive survey of our lanes within the next month? Furthermore, will you commit today to a full renewal scheme—not mere patches—with a guarantee that these essential works will be completed within 12 months? Our residents pay their way; it is high time the council delivered the basic infrastructure they deserve. Response from Councillor R Howells: Over the last year, thanks to additional money coming to Newport, from the Welsh and UK Governments, we have been investing more money into roads than we have been able to for more than a decade. This £6.6m investment means that 55 roads across the city have been or will be resurfaced. We all know that the backlog of work needed on our road significantly exceeds £6.6m, but even with the best will in the world, it’s impossible to undo 14 years of historic underfunding from Westminster in 18 months, as all councils across the country are finding. Of course, at this time of year after a period of cold weather, potholes are worse and officers are assessing damage caused by the recent cold spell at locations across the city. Day to day repair work carries on alongside the major resurfacing work. For residents in Cllr Routley’s ward, the Cabinet Member was pleased to say that as a result of this significant resurfacing investment programme, lanes in the Bishton and Langstone Ward have seen investment with sections of Whitebrook Lane and Gilfach Lane being resurfaced this year, with part of the A48 Chepstow Road crucially also receiving surface treatment works. Resurfacing sites are identified in accordance with the Council’s Highway Asset Management Plan (HAMP), using a criterion that ensures appropriate prioritisation. The programme for next year is currently being developed using these criteria. It is not influenced by councillor representation at any level and for legal reasons, we can’t deviate from this prioritisation order. In terms of routine maintenance, these lanes are inspected according to their defined hierarchy in line with the Council’s HAMP. This is the case for all roads across the city. In this case, they receive an annual inspection, with additional inspections whenever enquiries are received. The Cabinet Member added that the lower part of Malpas Road was currently being repaired. Supplementary: Councillor Routley invited the Cabinet Member to visit Bishton and Langstone with ward members to see state of the roads. Response: The Cabinet Member was aware of the state of the roads within the Bishton and Langstone area and agreed that she would be happy to meet with ward members. In line with the Council Standing Orders, the time limit for individual Cabinet Member Questions had concluded. The following question was not asked during the meeting but the answer was supplied in writing. Councillor Evans asked: What is the average waiting time to fix streetlights in Newport, and what is the longest waiting time? Response from Councillor R Howells: The average time for fixing a streetlight in Newport is two days. Our contractor has a five-day turnaround time. Sometimes, there are issues out of our control, such as where the issue lies with National Grid, but where we have control of repairs they are being done quickly and efficiently. If Councillor Evans has a specific concern in your ward where he feels this hasn’t been met, please let the Cabinet Member know. Councillor Mogford asked: The former Leisure centre at Underwood remains an unsightly and environmentally toxic building. 1. Over one year ago (December 2024) the presence of diesel outflow in the associated car park was reported. One year on, after no apparent action it was again reported, and action was then initiated by NCC in December 2025 2. October 2025, the Cabinet member met with Ward Members on site following a request associated with previous question re. former Leisure centre. The Cabinet Member committed to investigate the options open to NCC with respect to the deteriorating structure and the impact on surrounding area. Can the Cabinet Member now give a full update as to overall progress made on points 1+2 above along with any other relevant new information relating to the site? Response from Councillor Spencer: Regarding the first point, there have been two unrelated fuel incidents at the Underwood Leisure Centre site, a year apart. The first incident in late 2024 was investigated by the Environmental Protection team as an alleged diesel dumping event. However, the case had to be closed due to lack of enforceable evidence. Natural Resources Wales were notified and confirmed no watercourse impact. The second, separate incident, reported in late November/early December 2025, involved new fuel contamination affecting both the private leisure centre site and adjacent NCC‑owned land. This triggered a Council response, including site visits, sampling, appointment of environmental consultants and engagement with the landowner. The investigation points to the likely cause being leakage from an underground heating fuel tank associated with the former leisure centre building. The team have issued an Abatement Notice and keep actively progressing with the investigation, enforcement, and remediation actions. Regarding the second point, officers continue to monitor the site when complaints are received and have found the site to be secure. Any concerns about the building being open to access should be reported in the normal way. The Cabinet Member had also advised that the appearance of the site has not warranted formal action under Section 215 of the Planning Act and at the time of the most recent inspection, was not considered a dangerous structure in accordance with the Building Act. As a privately owned building, the Council’s options for intervention are limited principally to enforcement powers, however the Cabinet Member was seeking a meeting with the owners of the site to discuss their plans for the site and seek a way forward. Supplementary: Councillor Mogford sought clarification on whether the Cabinet Member had stated that the matter was “not his problem.” He advised that, due to joining the meeting remotely, he had been unable to clearly hear the response that was provided. Councillor Mogford requested that the Cabinet Member supply a written copy of the response for clarity. Response: The Cabinet Member confirmed he would provide a written response. It was clarified that Councillor Hughes met with Councillor Mogford in October 2025, and Councillor Hughes would report back on the situation regarding the Leisure Centre.
Tuesday 24 February 2026.
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