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Full Council met on 3 September 2026. It adopted a change to the rules for appointing senior officers, agreed to add a statutory pensions post and an Independent Person for the Local Government Pension Scheme, and changed some committee memberships. It also adopted two notices of motion, on additional learning needs (ALN) funding and on high street planning, and received annual reports from three committees.
The Chief Legal Officer gave advice regarding the potential personal and prejudicial interests that Councillors and / Officers may have on the agenda. The Head of Democratic Services reminded Councillors and Officers that the “Disclosures of Personal and Prejudicial Interests” sheet should only be completed if the Councillor / Officer actually had an interest to declare. Nil returns were not required. Councillors and Officers were also informed that any declarable interest must be made orally and in writing on the sheet. In accordance with the provisions of the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea the following interests were declared: 1) Councillors C M J Evans, B Hopkins, D H Hopkins, N L Matthews, and S J Rice declared a Personal & Prejudicial Interest in Minute 40 “Notice of Motion: Additional Learning Needs (ALN)” and withdrew from the meeting prior to its consideration. 2) Councillor A H Stevens declare a Personal Interest in Minute 41 “Notice of Motion: Taking Back Control of our Local High Streets”.
Resolved that the following Minutes be approved and signed as a correct record: 1) Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 2 July 2026.
The Chief Legal Officer submitted an information report setting out the written responses to questions asked at the last Ordinary Meeting of Council.
i) Condolences - Bonnie Tyler The Presiding Member referred with sadness to the recent death of Bonnie Tyler. Bonnie Tyler rose to worldwide fame with a string of hit records including It's a Heartache, Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out for a Hero. Her success made her one of Wales' most celebrated performers and her passing has attracted tributes from musicians and fans from around the world. An online Book of Condolence is available at https://www.swansea.gov.uk/bonniecondolences All present stood as a mark of sympathy and respect. ii) Fundraising for the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust The Presiding Member referred to Councillor Jess Pritchards’ tragic ectopic pregnancy earlier this summer. She stated that Councillor Jess Pritchard had participated in the Ectopic Pregnancy's trust 80 in 1 campaign to raise awareness of the 1 in 80 pregnancies which sadly are ectopic. An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that happens when a fertilized egg implants outside the main cavity of the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube Jess has walked over 100 miles during August raising money for the vital work of the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust. The Presiding Member asked that Councillors considered donating to this cause. https://ectopicpregnancytrust.enthuse.com/pf/jessica-pritchard?fbclid=IwdGRleAUE5UlwZG9mBWZkaWQWUNo7V-etEw3qFbCT_VRXK7gch-rPVWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzE3Mzg0NzY0MjY3MDM3MAABHvtKQNguhamDsf56i2W3RAChtYgdqwpQlQFZuFqRpIvzRsjKHEov658AgKWO_aem_e54_krJeNRHK7xaI7idzwg&utm_id=97757_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1dennhb7hdqag iii) Marriage The Presiding Member congratulated Councillor Beth Rowe on her recent marriage and also expressed best wishes to Councillor James McGettrick as he will be getting married later this month. iv) Eisteddfod y Garreg Las 2026 a) Emyr Lewis. Winner of the National Eisteddfod Chair 2026 The Presiding Member congratulated Emyr Lewis of Craig-cefn-parc for winning the Chair at Eisteddfod y Garreg Las 2026. This is the second time the poet has received the award, following his success at the 1994 Neath and District National Eisteddfod. He also won the Crown at the 1998 Bro Ogwr Eisteddfod. b) Jonathan Davies. Winner of the Welsh Learner of the Year at the National Eisteddfod 2026 The Presiding Member congratulated Jonathan Davies of Loughor for winning the Welsh Learner of the Year award at the National Eisteddfod 2026. v) Green Flag Community Awards The Presiding Member stated that Keep Wales Tidy had announced its 2026 Green Flag Awards. Twenty-Two Swansea parks and green spaces have been awarded Green Flag status this year. Green Flag Status recognises the vital role that they play in boosting residents’ wellbeing and improving the natural environment. Nine Swansea parks retaining full award status: Clyne Gardens, Botanical and Ornamental Gardens, Brynmill Park, Cwmdonkin Park, Parc Llewelyn, Victoria Park (all managed by Swansea Council), Mount Pleasant Hospital (managed by Coastal Housing Group), Penllergare Valley Woods (managed by Penllergare Trust), and Swansea University Singleton Campus (managed by Swansea University). Penllergare Valley Woods and Swansea University's Singleton Campus also hold the Green Heritage Site Accreditation special status for protecting and promoting local heritage. Thirteen smaller or volunteer-run community hubs, allotments, and nature reserves were recognised for outstanding community efforts and were awarded Green Flag Community Awards: Cadle Heath Local Nature Reserve, Coedbach Park, Coeden Fach Community Tree Nursery, Friends of Coed Gwilym Park, GRAFT: A Soil Based Syllabus, Kilvey Community Woodland, Llys Nini, Mayhill Washing Lake & Community Food Garden, Pontlliw Park, Rosehill Quarry Park, St Madoc Centre, Swansea Canal and Swansea Community Farm She congratulated all involved.
i) Thanks to Council Teams & Fire Service The Leader of the Council thanked the Council Teams and the Fire Service for their hard work responding to the wildfires across Swansea and Wales over the summer months. He also thanked Council Teams for their work in dealing with the extensive growth of flora, fauna and weeds. ii) St Helens Stadium Progress The Leader of the Council provided an update on the progress of the new St Helens Stadium. He stated that everything was on track for the Ospreys to play their first home game there on 24 October 2026. He also stated that the Community Board was in place and that the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) should note that the Council would be continuing its legal action to ensure that a first class, professional rugby team would continue to play in Swansea.
A question was asked in relation to Minute 41 “Notice of Motion: Taking Back Control of our Local High Streets”. The Cabinet Member for Investment & Delivery provided a response.
The Chair of the Governance & Audit Committee submitted for information the Governance & Audit Committee Annual Report 2025-2026. Paula O’Connor, Chair of the Governance & Audit Committee, presented the report setting out the work of the Committee over the period. The Leader of the Council thanked the Committee for its work. He stated that the Chair’s term of office would end in May 2027 and that this would be her last presentation to Council. He thanked her for her dedication, professionalism and excellent service since her appointment on 6 March 2018.
Janet Pardue-Wood, Chair of the Standards Committee presented for information the Standards Committee Annual Report 2025-2026 setting out the work of the Committee over the period. The Leader of the Council thanked the Chair and the Committee for its work.
Councillor Lynda James, Chair of the Democratic Services Committee presented for information the Democratic Services Committee Annual Report 2025-2026 setting out the work of the Committee over the period. The Leader of the Council thanked the Chair and the Committee for its work.
The Director of Corporate Services and Head of Human Resources, Organisational Development & Wellbeing submitted a report that sought to amend the Council Constitution relating to the JNC Officer Appointment Procedure Rules. Resolved that the amendements as outlined within the report be adopted.
The Presiding Member, Monitoring Officer, Head of Democratic Services & Section 151 Officer submitted a report that sought to amend the Council Constitution following the enactment of the Local Government Pension (LGPS) Scheme (Amendment) (Governance) Regulations 2026. Resolved that: 1) The legislative requirement to create the statutory post of Senior LGPS Officer be noted. This role will be undertaken by the Head of Pensions postholder. 2) The amendments to Article 12 and Part 7 of the Council Constitution to reference the new statutory post and its associated functions as set out in Paragraph 6 of the report be approved. 3) The appointment process will be undertaken by the Appointments Committee. 4) The legislative requirement to appoint an Independent Person to assist the Senior LGPS Officer and the Pension Fund Committee be noted and authority be delegated to the Pension Fund Committee to make this appointment. 5) The changes to the terms of reference of the Pension Fund Committee and Local Pension Board as set out in Paragraph 9 of the report be approved.
The Cabinet Member for Investment & Delivery submitted a report that sought approval of the nominations / amendments to various Council Bodies. He also outlined changes to Outside Bodies that had been made by the Leader of the Council. Outside Bodies i) South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee - Governance & Audit Sub-Committee Remove Councillor J W Jones. Add Councillor C L Philpott. ii) South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee - Strategic Planning Sub-Committee Remove Councillor D H Hopkins. Add Councillor R A Williams. Resolved that the membership of the Council Bodies listed below be amended: i) Climate Change & Nature Recovery Strategic Transformation Committee Remove Councillor E T Kirchner. Add Councillor L V Walton.
1) Part A ‘Supplementary Questions’ Ten (10) Part A ‘Supplementary Questions’ were submitted. The relevant Cabinet Member(s) responded by way of written answers contained in the Council Summons. Those supplementary questions required a written response are outlined below. Question 1 i) Councillor P M Black asked for a copy of the Fire Risk Assessment relating to Kilvey Hill be shared. The Cabinet Member for Development stated that he would share the Fire Risk Assessment. ii) Councillor S J Risk asked for an update and outcome relating to the Stability of Ground Assessment & the Supply of Water onsite Assessment for Kilvey Hill. The Cabinet Member for Development stated that he would provide a written response. Question 2 i) Councillor M H Jones asked how many Men’s Sheds and how many Women’s Sheds there are within Swansea and whether there was funding available for Women’s Sheds? The Cabinet Member for Community stated that he would provide a written response. ii) Councillor A M Day asked for a breakdown of the amount of funding provided to each Men’s Shed within Swansea? The Cabinet Member for Community stated that he would provide a written response. Question 3 i) Councillor H E Williams asked that the schedule of weed spraying online be updated and shared. The Cabinet Member for Community & the Cabinet Member for Environment & Infrastructure jointly stated that they would arrange for the website be updated and the spreadsheet circulated. Question 4 i) Councillor P N May asked that for the exact evidence required to allow for a Regulation 7 of the Advert Regulations. The Cabinet Member for Development stated that he would provide a written response. 2) Part B ‘Questions not requiring Supplementary Questions’ Ten (10) Part B ‘Questions not requiring Supplementary Questions’ were submitted.
Proposed by Councillor A Harrington and Seconded by Councillor R A Williams. “This Council notes: That Swansea Council has a proud record of meeting the needs of children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) through an inclusive approach and has committed resources to doing so. That there is a rising number of children with ALN and their needs are becoming more complex: • Over 6,600 pupils in Swansea primary schools need ongoing support, and about 1,600 need extra help beyond what is usually available. • 117 children have been identified as needing specialist places • Nearly 1,000 children are already in specialist placements, which is about 3% of the school population. • Even after adding more specialist places, demand remains high. Cabinet has committed to build a new Special School with increased capacity and has developed an innovative Supporting Sufficient Specialist Places (SSSP) plan that have increased specialist teaching facilities (STFs) and piloted projects such as Cluster Enhanced Provision (CEPs) and school-based Enhanced Inclusion Provisions (EIPs). These have shown success in filling this gap and reducing referrals to specialist placements. However, sustainability is a concern due to costs. Council further notes: The receipt of a ‘one-off’ amount of £322m consequential funding by Welsh Government (WG) relating to additional Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) spending in England. That in England, accumulated high-needs deficits (estimated at over £3.3 billion by 2025/26) are now being addressed through national interventions such as the use of a statutory override. That the Local Government Association in England has estimated that 8 out of 10 Councils would be bankrupt without such action. While schools and education services are funded differently in Wales compared to England the challenges and deficits are similar. In Wales, these pressures have been absorbed over a sustained period within core local government and education budgets. Unlike England, where high-needs deficits have accumulated separately, Welsh Local Authorities, including Swansea, have sought to manage this demand within existing resources. As a result the equivalent funding shortfall facing Welsh Local Government is at least the same, if not higher than the £322 million consequential. The absence of formal deficits does not reflect an absence of pressure; rather, it demonstrates the extent to which Councils and schools have already accommodated growth in need within constrained funding envelopes. The funding for ALN provision is an enormous budgetary pressure with more than 60% of schools in some areas carrying negative balances. This Council believes that: The funding allocated to SEND in England is not only for new provision, but also to address cumulative pressures and to sustain the ALN system and statutory entitlements. This factor applies equally in Wales. There is a strong evidence-based case for directing the £322m consequential to Councils in Wales, where the statutory responsibility and most acute pressures sit and where the wider financial evidence, including the deterioration in schools reserves, points to a system that is already absorbing strain rather than one that has capacity to carry more without additional support. This Council therefore resolves to Build on our existing work as well as in partnership with others across region and nationally who share our determination to deliver support to children and young people with ALN. Request that the Leader of the Council writes to the First Minister urging the Welsh Government to ensure that Local Authorities receive a substantial proportion of any SEN/ALN related consequential received from the UK Government”. Resolved that the Notice of Motion outlined above be adopted.
Proposed by Councillor A Harrington and Seconded by Councillor R A Williams. “This Council notes: • That our high streets and town centres are the heart of our local communities, providing identity, local employment, and a focal point for civic life. • That too many local commercial units suffer from persistent vacancy, decline, or an unmanaged proliferation of single-type outlets (vape shops, Barbers and repetitive low-footfall uses) due to restrictive or outdated national planning and parameters. • That local residents and business owners consistently express frustration at the lack of local influence over high street changes in terms of a diverse offer of shop types and additionally. This Council believes: • Decisions regarding the character, vitality, and retail balance of our town centres are best made locally by the people and the council who know the area, rather than through blanket national permitted development rights. • A proactive, zero-tolerance approach to dereliction, anti-social behaviour, and illicit trading protects honest, tax-paying local traders and restores public pride in our public spaces. This Council resolves: That the Leader and Chief Executive write to the WG Ministers for Licensing and Planning, requesting policy change to expand local powers, while urging Welsh Government to reform A1 and A3 planning designations to ensure local authorities can explicitly manage the clustering of vape shops, barbers, and nail and beauty bars without regulatory loopholes”. For Information only • A1 Shops - Shops, hairdressers, undertakers, travel and ticket agencies, post offices (but not sorting offices), pet shops, sandwich bars, showrooms, domestic hire shops, dry cleaners and funeral directors. • A2 Financial and professional services - Financial services such as banks and building societies, professional services (other than health and medical services) including estate and employment agencies (excludes betting offices). • A3 Food and drink - For the sale of food and drink for consumption on the premises - restaurants, snack bars and cafes, drinking establishments and take-aways. Resolved that the Notice of Motion outlined above be adopted.
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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