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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
Resolved: That the following appointments be agreed. Governing Body Appointments Governing Body Appointments / Resignations / Disqualifications Name Glan Usk Primary School Reappointment Councillor Paul Bright Crindau Primary School Resignation Andrew Mitchell Crindau Primary School Appointment Gill Lee Mount Pleasant Primary School Resignation Chris Reeks Mount Pleasant Primary School Appointment Councillor Rhian Howells Tredegar Park Primary School Appointment Derek Ross Ysgol Gymraeg Ifor Hael Resignation Sian Jenkins Ysgol Gymraeg Ifor Hael Appointment Shah Shahinoor Alom Maindee Primary School and Newport Nursery School Partnership Appointment Councillor Paul Bright Maindee Primary School and Newport Nursery School Partnership Appointment Councillor Farzina Hussain Maindee Primary and Newport Nursery School Partnership Appointment Councillor Carmel Townsend Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Teyrnon Resignation Daniel Minty Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Teyrnon Appointment Stephanie Harborne Councillor Jordan wanted to convey his thanks to the teachers and members of the Governing Bodies at both Millbrook and Monnow Primary Schools, which had closed for the last time this summer, as the schools were amalgamating in September 2026.
Resolved: Council supported the motion as outlined above. At this juncture Council was adjourned for a short comfort break at 18:23 and reconvened at 18:44.
Resolved: Council supported the motion as outlined above.
Resolved: Council noted the report on treasury management activities during the 2025-26 financial year.
Resolved: Council approved the extension of the Newport City Centre Local Rate Relief Scheme so that the scheme, as described in the report and in Appendix 1, operates during the 2026-27 financial year.
Resolved: Council approved the Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report 2025-26 for publication in line with statutory requirements.
Resolved: Council reviewed and noted the Scrutiny Annual Report 2025-26 and endorsed the actions set out on page 22 of the report.
Resolved: Council approved and adopted the Members Schedule of Remuneration of 2026/27 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.
Resolved: Council - 1. noted the feedback received during the consultation on the draft proposals set out in Appendix C and D of the report, 2. approved the final recommendations report setting out proposals for changes to community boundaries and electoral arrangements of community councils outlined in Appendices B of the report, 3. approved the submission of the final recommendations report to the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru for their consideration.
Resolved: Council approved the recruitment panel’s recommendations concerning the appointment of lay members to the Standards Committee for an initial term of office.
1.i Presiding Member’s Announcements The Presiding Member announced that Nick Portman had recently been elected as Councillor for Rogerstone North and welcomed him to his first meeting of Council. The Presiding Member then invited the Opposition Leader, Councillor Evans, to formally introduce Councillor Portman to Council colleagues. The Presiding Member also invited Councillors to remove their jackets due to the hot weather. 1.ii Apologies Councillors R Howells, Bright and A Pimm. 1.iii Declarations of Interest Councillor Horton declared an interest under Item 8: National Non-Domestic Rates Extension to City Centre Rate Relief Scheme 2025-26.
The Minutes of the last meeting held on 19 May 2026 were accepted as a true record. This was proposed by the Leader, Councillor Batrouni and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Councillor D Davies.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: That the following appointments be agreed. Governing Body Appointments Governing Body Appointments / Resignations / Disqualifications Name Glan Usk Primary School Reappointment Councillor Paul Bright Crindau Primary School Resignation Andrew Mitchell Crindau Primary School Appointment Gill Lee Mount Pleasant Primary School Resignation Chris Reeks Mount Pleasant Primary School Appointment Councillor Rhian Howells Tredegar Park Primary School Appointment Derek Ross Ysgol Gymraeg Ifor Hael Resignation Sian Jenkins Ysgol Gymraeg Ifor Hael Appointment Shah Shahinoor Alom Maindee Primary School and Newport Nursery School Partnership Appointment Councillor Paul Bright Maindee Primary School and Newport Nursery School Partnership Appointment Councillor Farzina Hussain Maindee Primary and Newport Nursery School Partnership Appointment Councillor Carmel Townsend Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Teyrnon Resignation Daniel Minty Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Teyrnon Appointment Stephanie Harborne Councillor Jordan wanted to convey his thanks to the teachers and members of the Governing Bodies at both Millbrook and Monnow Primary Schools, which had closed for the last time this summer, as the schools were amalgamating in September 2026.
To consider the proposed appointments set out in the report 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 Glan Usk Primary School Reappointment Councillor Paul Bright Crindau Primary School Resignation Andrew Mitchell Crindau Primary School Appointment Gill Lee Mount Pleasant Primary School Resignation Chris Reeks Mount Pleasant Primary School Appointment Councillor Rhian Howells Tredegar Park Primary School Appointment Derek Ross Ysgol Gymraeg Ifor Hael Resignation Sian Jenkins Ysgol Gymraeg Ifor Hael Appointment Shah Shahinoor Alom Maindee Primary School and Newport Nursery School Partnership Appointment Councillor Paul Bright Maindee Primary School and Newport Nursery School Partnership Appointment Councillor Farzina Hussain Maindee Primary and Newport Nursery School Partnership Appointment Councillor Carmel Townsend Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Teyrnon Resignation Daniel Minty Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Teyrnon Appointment Stephanie Harborne Councillor Jordan wanted to convey his thanks to the teachers and members of the Governing Bodies at both Millbrook and Monnow Primary Schools, which had closed for the last time this summer, as the schools were amalgamating in September 2026.
The Presiding Member introduced Superintendent Esyr Jones, of 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 Superintendent Esyr Jones. Councillor Batrouni thanked Supt Jones for his recent attendance at a public meeting hosted by BID, where the Police and Crime Commissioner, Councillor Jane Mudd, was also in attendance. 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: Council supported the motion as outlined above. At this juncture Council was adjourned for a short comfort break at 18:23 and reconvened at 18:44.
The Presiding Member invited Councillor Batrouni to present the Notice of Motion: This Council notes and supports the long-standing position of Newport City Labour leaders in favour of the M4 relief road. In light of the Plaid-led Welsh Government’s announcement of a review of the M4 motorway, this Council registers its unequivocal opposition to any proposal to close M4 junctions, or to pursue any measure that diverts motorway traffic onto Newport’s already congested city streets. Such proposals would place an unacceptable burden on residents, businesses and local infrastructure, and must be firmly rejected. Councillor D Davies seconded the motion and reserved her right to speak at the end of the debate. Proposed Amendment to the Motion: Councillor M Howells proposed an amendment to the motion by changing the following wording in the first sentence to: “This Council notes and supports the long-standing position of Newport City Labour leaders, and the three main opposition groups, in favour of the M4 relief road.” Councillor Evans seconded the motion. Councillor Batrouni accepted the amendment and requested it be moved to a vote which was seconded by Councillor D Davies. There were no objections and the amendment was carried. The Presiding Member asked was there any further amendments. Second Proposed Amendment to the Motion: Councillor James presented an amendment to the motion which was to amend the motion by inserting the following sentence at the end of it: "This Council further believes the Welsh Government should continue implementation of the Burns programme, adapting individual measures where necessary, and properly assess the overall impact of the programme while alternative strategic interventions are considered." Councillor Mayer seconded the amendment to the substantive motion. Several members spoke on their opposition to the amendment. Councillor Al-Nuaimi spoke on his support for the amendment. Councillor James spoke to the amendment and felt it complimented the substantive motion by adapting the measures where necessary. The Burns programme was already underway; therefore, it was considered a practical and imminent viable option for Newport. A vote was taken on the amendment, and a majority of members were not in favour, therefore the amendment was not carried. The Presiding Member then invited comments on the previously amended motion. Several members spoke in support of the motion. Councillor James spoke to the motion. Councillor D Davies gave her closing speech in support of the motion. Councillor Batrouni summed up and the Presiding Member invited Members to vote on the motion. The majority of members voted in support of the motion. To access a full recording of the debate please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic Meetings / Cyfarfodydd Democrataidd Resolved: Council supported the motion as outlined above. At this juncture Council was adjourned for a short comfort break at 18:23 and reconvened at 18:44.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: Council supported the motion as outlined above.
The Presiding Member invited Councillor Batrouni to present the Notice of Motion: This Council notes 1. That the new Plaid Cymru Welsh Government has committed to reviewing the local government funding formula in order it “reflects the realities of serving large rural populations” and the communities it serves. 2. The importance of ensuring that any revised formula is fair, transparent, and does not disadvantage Newport. This Council resolves to 1. Write to Welsh Government and seek assurances that Newport City Council and, most importantly, Newport residents are not financially disadvantaged by any changes. 2. Request that Newport City Council is fully consulted before any reforms are implemented. Councillor D Davies seconded the motion and reserved her right to speak at the end of the debate. Several members spoke in support of the motion. Councillor Al-Nuaimi spoke against the motion. Councillor D Davies gave her closing speech in support of the motion. Councillor Batrouni summed up and the Presiding Member invited Members to vote on the motion. The majority of members voted in support of the motion. To access a full recording of the debate please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic Meetings / Cyfarfodydd Democrataidd Resolved: Council supported the motion as outlined above.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: Council noted the report on treasury management activities during the 2025-26 financial year.
The Presiding Member invited Councillor Batrouni to present the report to colleagues, which informed Council of treasury activities undertaken within the financial year 2025-26 and provided an update on the position in relation to the Treasury Management prudential indicators as at March 2026. The report was previously considered by Governance and Audit Committee and Cabinet, both of whom provided no reservations or adverse feedback. Councillor D Davies seconded the report. Resolved: Council noted the report on treasury management activities during the 2025-26 financial year.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: Council approved the extension of the Newport City Centre Local Rate Relief Scheme so that the scheme, as described in the report and in Appendix 1, operates during the 2026-27 financial year.
The Presiding Member invited Councillor Batrouni to present the report to Council, giving consideration to extending Newport City Council’s City Centre Local Rate Relief Scheme for a further 12 months, providing additional rate relief to qualifying city centre businesses until 31 March 2027. Councillor Clarke seconded the report. Resolved: Council approved the extension of the Newport City Centre Local Rate Relief Scheme so that the scheme, as described in the report and in Appendix 1, operates during the 2026-27 financial year.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: Council approved the Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report 2025-26 for publication in line with statutory requirements.
The Presiding Member invited the Cabinet Member for Communities and Sport, Councillor Hughes to present the report to Council. Council was required to report annually on its progress in complying with the Welsh Language Standards. These duties were imposed by the Welsh Language Commissioner to promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language. The report covered the tenth year of the implementation of the Council’s Welsh Language Standards since March 2016, summarised key achievements during the year and identified priority areas for future work. Councillor Fouweather seconded the report. Resolved: Council approved the Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report 2025-26 for publication in line with statutory requirements.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: Council reviewed and noted the Scrutiny Annual Report 2025-26 and endorsed the actions set out on page 22 of the report.
The Presiding Member invited the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee, Councillor Hourahine to present the report to Council. The annual report summarised the work carried out by the Council’s Scrutiny Committees during the year from May 2025 to April 2026. The report contained an action plan to be taken forward by officers to support the work of the Scrutiny Committees during 2026-27. This report was produced annually and formed part of the Council’s arrangements for maintaining effective scrutiny in compliance with requirements of s.21 of the Local Government Act 2000. Councillor Routley seconded the report. Resolved: Council reviewed and noted the Scrutiny Annual Report 2025-26 and endorsed the actions set out on page 22 of the report.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: Council approved and adopted the Members Schedule of Remuneration of 2026/27 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.
The Presiding Member invited the Cabinet Member for Communications and Culture, Councillor Stowell-Corten to present the report to Council. The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru (DBCC) published its Annual Remuneration Report for 2026/27, which set out the Commission’s determinations for the year from 1 April 2026. The DBCC determined that the basic annual salaries for elected members should be re-based at £21,044 in order to continue to ensure that remuneration was linked to average salary levels. This represented a 6.4% increase in the basic salary from the previous year. Senior salaries were also increased and re-set in line with relevant comparators. Councillor Fouweather seconded the report. Resolved: Council approved and adopted the Members Schedule of Remuneration of 2026/27 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: Council - 1. noted the feedback received during the consultation on the draft proposals set out in Appendix C and D of the report, 2. approved the final recommendations report setting out proposals for changes to community boundaries and electoral arrangements of community councils outlined in Appendices B of the report, 3. approved the submission of the final recommendations report to the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru for their consideration.
The Presiding Member invited the Cabinet Member for Communications and Culture, Councillor Stowell-Corten to present the report to Council. Council completed its review of community boundary and electoral arrangements for Newport and prepared final recommendations for submission to the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru (DBCC). The review followed the statutory process. This included publishing draft proposals, engaging with mandatory consultees and other interested parties, considering consultation responses, and preparing final recommendations. The DBCC would consider the Council’s report and determine the appropriate next steps in line with the statutory framework. Councillor Fouweather seconded the report. Councillor Watkins requested that minor errors on the tables be corrected. Councillor Stowell-Corten agreed to these changes being made before submission of the proposals to the DBCC. Resolved: Council - 1. noted the feedback received during the consultation on the draft proposals set out in Appendix C and D of the report, 2. approved the final recommendations report setting out proposals for changes to community boundaries and electoral arrangements of community councils outlined in Appendices B of the report, 3. approved the submission of the final recommendations report to the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru for their consideration.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: Council approved the recruitment panel’s recommendations concerning the appointment of lay members to the Standards Committee for an initial term of office.
The Presiding Member invited the Cabinet Member for Communications and Culture, Councillor Stowell-Corten to present the report to Council. A recruitment process was undertaken to fill two lay member vacancies on the Standards Committee. Following advertisement, shortlisting and interviews, the recruitment panel identified two candidates who it considered met the requirements of the role and were suitable for appointment. Council was therefore asked to approve the panel’s recommendations. Councillor Fouweather seconded the report. Resolved: Council approved the recruitment panel’s recommendations concerning the appointment of lay members to the Standards Committee for an initial term of office.
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: I think most people would agree the Newport Indoor Market is a popular visitor destination and successful. So, it is surprising that the Council hasn’t received any profit share, that I am aware of. Back in March of this year, you told me that the £6 million loan due to have been paid in full by the end of February hadn't been paid. You told Council that you were unable to comment further due to “commercial sensitivities“ Again, surprising, when you talk about openness and transparency. Ultimately this is not your money or my money. It is the taxpayers of Newport’s money, and they deserve to be told what has happened to it. So, can you confirm the exact amount of money outstanding, and what action you have taken to ensure we get our money back in full? To view the Leader’s response and any supplementary questions, please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic Meetings / Cyfarfodydd Democrataidd Councillor Fouweather asked: The police have recently increased patrols in the city centre and have made a number of arrests. This is very welcome news for traders , shoppers and businesses in the city centre and will help the general public feel safer when using the city centre. Therefore, Can the leader assure me that he is actively supporting and encouraging this proactive action from the police and that this robust approach will continue and that it will not just fizzle out allowing the mob once again to rule in our city centre. What action will he be taking to ensure that the police carry on with this proactive stance and how does he plan to support this. To view the Leader’s response and any supplementary questions, please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic Meetings / Cyfarfodydd Democrataidd Councillor Routley asked: Following the devastating closure of Marks & Spencer, their spokesperson said “serious” ongoing theft, anti-social behaviour and the failure to stop repeat offenders meant they had to go, warning that more businesses will close without urgent action. With such a damning verdict from one of our major flagship shops, does this administration accept that it has failed in its basic duty to protect local trade, and what immediate, tangible action are you taking to show that you have not given up on the safety and viability of our city centre? To view the Leader’s response and any supplementary questions, please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic Meetings / Cyfarfodydd Democrataidd
Question 1: Cabinet Member for Communities and Sport Councillor Routley asked: Cabinet member the recent announcement that the local authority must find £300,000 simply to restore basic CCTV coverage in our city centre is a stark indictment of years of systemic underfunding and operational neglect. It is highly concerning that broken cameras have been left blind due to a total lack of routine maintenance. Furthermore, successive budget cuts have severely eroded our control room capabilities, leaving a skeleton staff expected to monitor live feeds while simultaneously handling out-of-hours council telephone lines. Could the Cabinet Member please provide a direct and clear answer to the following: Was any formal risk assessment carried out regarding the potential impact on retail crime, street safety, and anti-social behaviour before these monitoring hours were reduced and vital maintenance budgets were stripped back? To view the response from Councillor Hughes and any supplementary questions, please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic Meetings / Cyfarfodydd Democrataidd Question 2: Cabinet Member for Communities and Sport Councillor Fouweather asked: Does the cabinet member feel that Newport Council is providing a good service for Welsh Speakers living within the authority boundary. To view the response from Councillor Hughes and any supplementary questions, please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic Meetings / Cyfarfodydd Democrataidd Question 3: Cabinet Member for Communities and Sport Councillor Evans asked: Can the cabinet member please tell us how many staff are employed in the pest control service we provide, and how much profit did we make in the last year? To view the response from Councillor Spencer and any supplementary questions, please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic Meetings / Cyfarfodydd Democrataidd
ITEM 16: DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING The date of the next meeting was set as Tuesday 29 September 2026 at 5pm.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
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