Schools, school places and buildings, additional learning needs and Welsh-medium education.
What councils do
Councils run community schools, fund every state school, provide school transport and support pupils with additional learning needs. They plan school places, including Welsh-medium places under a ten-year plan.
Who decides
The Cabinet decides on school changes, such as opening, closing or merging schools, after a formal consultation. Head teachers and governing bodies run each school day to day.
Having a say
Proposals to change a school must be consulted on, and anyone can respond. Parents can also become school governors.
In numbers
Welsh councils plan to spend £1,307 per person on this in 2026-27.
It ranges from £1,099 in Monmouthshire to £1,475 in Merthyr Tydfil.
Year 1 pupils taught in Welsh: 25% across Wales (2025-26).
RESOLVED – That the Council be recommended to approve the recommendations of the Panel to appoint the following persons to current Local Authority Governing Body vacancies as follows:
School Name
Ward
Start of Vacancy
Applications
Received
Baden Powell Primary School
Splott
01/07/2026
Jake Lloyd
Bryn Celyn Primary School
Pentwyn
11/07/2026
Bryn Deri Primary School
Radyr & Morganstown
01/08/2026
Cantonian High School x 3
Fairwater
01/07/2026
01/07/2026
15/07/2026
Ann Lewis
Michael James
Richard Hember
Cardiff High School
Cyncoed
01/07/2026
Grangetown Nursery School
Grangetown
27/03/2026
Greenhill School
Rhiwbina
02/07/2025
Rhys Purnell
Hawthorn Primary School
Llandaff North
18/07/2026
Lakeside Primary School
Cyncoed
01/07/2026
Llanedeyrn Primary School
Pentwyn
30/04/2026
Llysfaen Primary School
Lisvane & Thornhill
01/08/2026
Abby Waters
Marlborough Primary School
Penylan
01/07/2026
Meadowbank School
Llandaff North
13/07/2026
Yasir Syed
Meadowlane Primary School
Trowbridge
01/08/2026
Mount Stuart Primary School
Butetown
24/07/2026
Peter Lea Primary School
Fairwater
01/07/2026
Pontprennau Primary School
Pontprennau & Old St Mellons
01/08/2026
Springwood Primary School
Pentwyn
20/07/2026
Siobhan Wison
St Cuthbert's R.C Primary School
Butetown
13/07/2026
St Francis RC Primary School
Ely
08/03/2025
St Joseph's R.C Primary School
Gabalfa
27/04/2026
Ysgol Cynefin
East- Llanrumney
West-Fairwater
01/05/2026
Windsor Clive Primary School
Ely
02/07/2026
Ysgol Gynradd Gwaelod Y Garth Primary School
Pentyrch & St Fagans
02/07/2026
Fflur Rowlands
Ysgol Pencae
Llandaff
27/11/2024
Cllr Driscoll declared a prejudicial interest in the application relating to Danescourt Primary and left the meeting for consideration of the application.
Cllrs Driscoll & Williams declared prejudicial interests in the application relating to Llanishen High School and left the meeting for consideration of the application.
The Committee received and considered applications to future vacancies against criteria, matching skills to vacancies.
RESOLVED – That the Council be recommended to approve the recommendations of the Panel to appoint the following:
School Name
Ward
Start of Vacancy
Re-appointment requested
New Application Received
Bryn Celyn Primary School
Pentwyn
28/09/2026
No
Cathays High School
Gabalfa
25/11/2026
No
Danescourt Primary School
Llandaff
28/11/2026
Marie John
Eastern High
Trowbridge
25/11/2026
No
Glyncoed Primary School
Pentwyn
25/11/2026
Nicola Rylett
Llanishen High School
Llanishen
30/11/2026
Cllr John Lancaster
Ninian Park Primary School
Grangetown
30/11/2026
Joseph Edwards
Pentrebane Primary School x2
Fairwater
28/09/202630/09/2026
No
No
Pontprennau Primary School x 2
Pontprennau & Old St Mellons
30/11/2026
30/11/2026
John Morley
No
Radyr Primary School
Radyr & Morganstown
28/09/2026
No
Roath Park Primary School
Plasnewydd
30/09/2026
No
Zoe Spencer Biggs
Springwood Primary School
Pentwyn
30/11/2026
Sian Sarwar
St Paul's C.I.W Primary School
Grangetown
24/11/2026
Julie Longville
The Rainbow Federation
Llanrumney
25/11/2026
Kyle Boddy
The Western Learning Campus
Caerau
30/09/2026
No
Willows High School
Splott
28/09/2026
No
Anna Grace
Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr
Fairwater
25/11/2026
Awen Penri
Ysgol Gymraeg Coed-Y-Gof
Fairwater
25/11/2026
No
Ysgol Gymraeg Melin Gruffydd
Whitchurch & Tongwynlais
30/09/2026
No
Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna x 2
Canton
30/09/2026
27/11/2026
No
Cllr Susan Elsmore
Ysgol Mynydd Bychan
Gabalfa
24/11/2026
Cadi Rhys Thomas
Cardiff, Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee,
Decided: The committee resolved that the Chair will write to the Cabinet Member on its behalf, setting out the comments and observations from the discussion. The minute records no other decision.
Cardiff, Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee,
Decided: The committee resolved that the Chair will write to the Cabinet Member on its behalf, setting out the comments and observations from the discussion. The minute records no other decision.
RESOLVED – That the following matters be dealt with as indicated:
(1)
Application 1
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s License given that complaints had been received relating to inappropriate sexual language used towards female passengers.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver stated that he didn’t remember the particular passengers who had complained, having driven thousands of people around, and didn’t feel there was any evidence against him that was strong enough to merit any consequences. Responding to questions from Members, he explained that he felt the incidents didn’t happen and that the complaints were false feedback. He had a dashcam but it deleted footage after 24 hours so he couldn’t prove otherwise.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the first witness explained that she had ordered an Uber from Cardiff Central. The driver was pleasant and chatty at first but then asked if she was rich and called her a ‘high value woman’. He said she was very attractive, then talked about his own sexual experience and made suggestive comments about her body.
Members asked if the experience had affected her confidence in getting taxis. The witness explained that she had made the complaint because she didn’t want it to happen to other people. It was the first bad experience she had had with Uber, and it made her question how they monitored their drivers. She felt that he was using his job to try to pick up women, and that young women could not feel safe and comfortable in his taxi.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the second witness explained that she had booked a short journey with Uber because she was running late, but the driver went a very long way around and took a while to get there. They chatted about normal things at first but then the driver asked if she was a lesbian. She said no, and he said that must mean she would like his dick. She reported this to Uber at the time, and emphasised that he should not be allowed to drive young women around.
The driver added that he didn’t recognise either witness, and asked if they had any video or audio evidence. The Chair clarified that Members would take the witness statements from all parties into account when making their decision. The second witness added that she had spoken to friends about it as soon as she got to their house.
The driver added that he was married with children and had no intention of harassing women in his taxi. He felt that Uber did not care about drivers, as it didn’t have a process like the Sub Committee where he could make his case in response to complaints. He drove for Bolt and Veezu too without any issues.
RESOLVED – that the Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s License be revoked.
(2)
Application 2
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s License given that a complaint had been received stating that he parked his licensed vehicle in a bay subject to a temporary suspension, failed to comply promptly with instructions from authorised personnel to move his vehicle, and behaved in an aggressive and confrontational manner.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that he had driven taxis for 20 years and was used to major events. He was on Fitzhamon Embankment when someone in a high-vis came over and said ‘bloody taxis think they can park anywhere’, which he felt was rude. He wound his window down and spoke to the official, who said he was going to get him sacked.
Members asked whether the driver accepted that he had parked in a temporarily suspended bay. The driver acknowledged that he had. The whole street was normally temporary parking but the cones were moved depending on the event. What he disputed was the witness’ suggestion that he had been rude and aggressive. Members asked how long it had taken him to move after he was asked, which the driver felt was about 5 minutes.
Members asked why he had been on that particular street, which the driver explained because he lived close by. He had been waiting for a resident to pull out so he could use the resident bay. He pulled into a pay and display bay which was suspended for the day because of the rugby, and wasn’t picking up or dropping off a passenger.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the witness explained that he had worked in Transport Services for more than 30 years, and was doing his usual walkabout to make sure the road was safe for buses to pick up and park. Two council officials had asked the driver to move, and he had told them to ‘piss off’ and to mind their own business. The witness went over to the driver himself, who refused to move several more times, so he told him he would be reported. He estimated that 15 minutes passed in total before the driver finally moved.
Members asked how the traffic management system worked on major event days. The witness explained that he and other officers tried to keep vehicles away to ensure that buses could safely park and pick up, but taxis refusing to leave was a recurring issue that affected public safety. The driver would only have been allowed into the coned off area by Clare Gardens if he lived there or was dropping off a passenger who did. Even if he lived there, he should have moved when asked.
The driver suggested that it wouldn’t have made sense for him to refuse to move, when he could lose his licence if Transport Services made a complaint. He lived in the area, and reiterated that he would have moved if asked. He had just been waiting for a residential parking bay to open up, and hadn’t sworn at anyone.
RESOLVED – that the Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s License be suspended for 7 days.
(3)
Application 3
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s License given that he had been disqualified from driving for six months.
(Cllr Driscoll left his seat as a member of the Sub Committee for this item in accordance with his prejudicial interest.)
The driver was not in attendance.
RESOLVED – that the Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s License be revoked.
(4)
Application 4
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s License given that he had six penalty points on his driving licence which he had not declared to the licensing authority.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that while coming from Newport towards Rover Way, tried to turn left and was caught by a red light. He didn’t receive a letter about this, and only found out when he was given six points for failing to give information as to the identity of the driver.
Members asked why he hadn’t received the letter, and why he hadn’t reported the points to the licensing authority. The driver explained that his post often went to a neighbour whose house had the same number, and he hadn’t realised at the time that he was obligated to report any offences to the council.
Responding to questions from Members, the Legal Officer clarified that the £660 fine was likely due to the driver not attending court.
RESOLVED – that the driver receive a written warning.
(5)
Application 5
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s License given that he had six penalty points on his driving licence which he had not declared to the licensing authority.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that he had received 6 points on his licence for failing to give information as to the identity of the driver after being caught speeding on Manor Way, after the limit had changed from 40mph to 30mph. He had received a letter about the offence but didn’t respond, and plead guilty to this in court.
Members asked why he had failed to report the points. The driver explained that he wasn’t aware at the time of the obligation to report them to the licensing authority, but was now.
RESOLVED – that the driver receive a written warning.
(6)
Application 6 was deferred to the next meeting.
(7)
Application 7
The Sub Committee was asked to consider an application for the grant of a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s License given that the applicant had declared a major motoring conviction contrary to the guidance.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that he had received 12 points for driving without the correct insurance on two occasions. The first time, he had been pulled over while driving a friend’s car. He had third party insurance and thought that was enough. The second time, he was driving a new car and believed that his insurance would carry over, but had not informed his insurer of the change of vehicle.
The driver added that he also had a conviction for driving with a defective tyre, after being pulled over for a broken brake light. The two insurance offences had led to a six-month disqualification from driving in 2024.
RESOLVED – that the application for the grant of a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence be refused.
(8)
Application 8
The Sub Committee was asked to consider an application for the grant of a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s License given that the applicant had convictions contrary to the guidance and had previously had his licence revoked by Cardiff Council.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the applicant explained that he had been convicted of domestic abuse in 2013. He had worked hard since arriving in the country and felt he now had a good reputation and had demonstrated good character. He had worked as a mechanic for many years but wasn’t able to do tough physical work any more and wanted to drive taxis instead.
Members asked about the circumstances of his conviction. The applicant explained that he had been convicted of domestic abuse after pushing his wife, and during the probation was prohibited from contacting her. He wasn’t aware of this and sent her a letter asking to see his daughter, not realising that this wasn’t allowed.
RESOLVED – that the application for the grant of a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence be approved.
(9)
Application 9
The Sub Committee was asked to consider an application for the grant of a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s License given that the applicant had motoring convictions and criminal convictions contrary to the guidance.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the applicant felt he was a fit and proper person to drive taxis, and that he had learned from his experiences. He had been fined and disqualified from driving for six months in 2025 for totting up points. This was partly due to receiving six points for failing to provide details of the driver, after an offence was committed while he was out of the country getting married, and he believed someone else had been driving his car.
Members asked whether the offence had been committed in his own vehicle. The applicant explained that it was, though it was hired from the fleet operator. He was registered as the vehicle operator but was on holiday at the time, so someone else must have been driving it. He didn’t know at the time that he could appeal the conviction, as he was trying to cope with a lot of different things and didn’t fully grasp what was going on with the case.
The applicant explained that another offence related to school runs, when the private fleet operator who hired him assigned him to specific school runs that he wasn’t qualified for or comfortable doing. He also explained that he had been convicted of possession with intent to supply Class C drugs in 2008. This was many years ago, and he had been young and stupid and felt he was a very different person now.
Members queried the circumstances of one of the motoring offences, which related to using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks. The applicant clarified that this involved a personal vehicle rather than a taxi. It had a mechanical fault and he put temporary insurance on it, which he thought covered six hours, but he did this in a rush on the phone so may have made a mistake.
RESOLVED – that the application for the grant of a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s License be refused.
Vale of Glamorgan, Governance and Audit Committee,
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the unaudited Vale of Glamorgan Council Statement of Accounts for
2025/26 be noted.
(2) T H A T the unaudited Joint Committee Shared Regulatory Services
Statement of Accounts for 2025/26 and the Shared Regulatory Services Annual
Governance Statement be noted.
(3) T H A T a commentary note be added to provide more detail around the
Council reserves for schools, the Housing Revenue Account and Capital grants.
Reasons for decisions
(1&2) Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting.
(3) To provide an explanation around the level of Council budgetary reserves.
Decided: Cabinet noted the planned temporary increase of 60 places at Glantaf for 2027/28 and authorised officers to take the actions needed to allow it. It noted the revenue and capital costs and the planned investment works. It also noted that a further report on long-term growth of Welsh-medium education will come to Cabinet in autumn 2026.
Cardiff, Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee,
Decided: The Committee resolved that the Chair will write to the Cabinet Member, for the Committee, with its comments and observations from the discussion.
RESOLVED – That
(1) the report be noted;
(2) the Director of Education and Lifelong Learning to attend the September Committee meeting to provide an update on actions taken in response to the three Internal Audit reports that received an opinion of insufficient with major improvement needed.
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the Council work with partners across the county, region and
nationally who shared its determination to deliver support to children and young
people with Additional Learning Needs (ALN).
(2) T H A T the Leader of the Council write to the First Minister urging the Welsh
Government to ensure that the full value of any SEND/ALN related consequentials
received from the UK Government be allocated to Local Authorities.
(3) T H A T copies of the letter be sent to all Members of the Senedd and MPs for
the Vale of Glamorgan.
(4) T H A T copies of the letter be forwarded to all Members of the Vale of
Glamorgan Council, to all schools and to the School Budget Forum.
Reason for decisions
(1-5) Having regard to the discussions at the meeting.
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the updates to the Cabinet Quarterly Work Programme for April to
June 2026 attached at Appendix 1 be agreed.
(2) T H A T the Cabinet Quarterly Work Programme July to September 2026
attached at Appendix 2 be endorsed.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To monitor progress.
(2) To approve the Work Programme for July to September 2026.
C30 CABINET QUARTERLY REPORT - REPORTING MINUTES OF
JOINT COMMITTEES AND COMMITTEES WHERE THE VALE OF
GLAMORGAN COUNCIL IS AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT (EL/PR) (SCRUTINY –
NO RELEVANT COMMITTEE) –
The Leader presented the report to make available to all Members the minutes from
various Committees over the period March to June 2026 as requested by
Governance and Audit Committee for ease of reference and for information.
Councillor Wilson, in referring to the minutes of the Cardiff Bay Advisory Committee,
referred to a number of matters considered at the meeting, including a Navigational
Safety and General Progress Report, production of an anniversary book
documenting Cardiff Harbour Authority’s 25th anniversary, discussion regarding
water-taxi services, and updates from Natural Resources Wales and Waterfront
Partners. The next meeting would be taking place in September and would include a
visit to the barrage to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
Councillor Williams in referring to the minutes of the Corporate Parenting Panel said
the Panel discussed the Pupil Development Grant which was specific to Children
Looked After as there had been concerns as to how processes were working and to
ensure that those children were able to access that finding. He thanked the Officers
concerned for their investigation work and ensuring that processes were now more
robust and those children would be able to access that funding wherever they were
located, including those based out-of-County. It was also noted that the Grant would
be separate from other budgets to ensure it was being spent where it was needed
and not part of more general funding. He looked forward to Cabinet receiving the
minutes from the June meeting that replaced the May date.
The Leader said that the commitment of Officers to ensure that Children Looked
After got the best possible start in life was to be applauded.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED – T H A T the minutes concerning meetings of Joint Committees and
Committees where the Vale of Glamorgan Council was an active participant from
March to June 2026 be noted.
Reasons for decision
To present to Cabinet a report on a quarterly basis which would provide an overview
of all the Joint Committee Meetings of which the Vale of Glamorgan Council was a
formal member and links to the respective minutes
C31 REVENUE OUTTURN POSITION 2025/26 (EL/PR) (SCRUTINY –
RESOURCES) –
The Leader presented the report to approve the report and the financial measures
taken and proposed.
Throughout the year, the financial position was monitored on an ongoing basis with a
full picture available at the end of year as to how some aspects had changed, where
additional grant funding had been received and where it had been necessary to use
reserves, and would assist as part of future budget-setting activities which would be
resuming for the 2026/27 financial year shortly.
The provisional outturn for 2025/26 had a near balanced position with a net adverse
variance of £47k after £6.7m unplanned use of reserves that offset existing school
deficits, which were not written off, and which would have to be recovered and would
be made available for other services. There was just under £3m of reserves used to
support Council services and a reserve allocation of £7m to create a dedicated
schools’ deficit off-set reserve.
School deficits remained the Council’s most significant financial concern with 32
schools ending the year in deficit with gross deficits totalling £14.3m. 21
schools in a surplus position with surplus balances amounting to £3.47m, leaving an
overall net deficit of £10.827m. Recovery plans were in the process of being
developed with all schools in deficit with further intervention possible should and
deficits be considered irrecoverable, however some schools concerned were working
constructively and making good progress in terms of their deficit figures. The Council
would continue to work with those schools going forward. School transport continued
to be a significant ongoing pressure.
The Social Services Directorate reported a gross overspend of £3.2m mainly due to
increased costs of children’s external placements and bespoke care packages, the
rising demand in in complexity of cases in Adult Services, overspends in residential
and nursing care placements and staffing and agency pressures within Council-run
Care Homes.
In the Environment and Housing Directorate there were overspends in terms of
highway maintenance and pothole repairs, largely due to adverse weather
conditions. Staff were commended for their part in working to redress those issues.
The Council’s usable reserves had reduced from just over £63m down to £58.5m.
The Council Fund balance had reduced from £13m to £11.93m, but still above the
minimum level as set by the Authority’ Section 151 Officer.
Borrowing and investment projects had performed favourably. The Council had set
challenging saving targets of over £8.7m for 2025/26 and 81% of those were
achieved or mitigated.
There would be an opportunity for a more in-depth discussion as the report was
being referred to Resources Scrutiny Committee.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the report and the financial measures taken and proposed be
approved.
(2) T H A T the reserve reductions made to offset the increased 2025/26 school
deficit position be noted.
(3) T H A T the list of adverse variances set out in the report were discussed.
(4) T H A T savings that had not been achieved in 2025/26 and previous years
were discussed.
(5) T H A T the report be referred to Resources Scrutiny Committee for
consideration.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To approve the report and the financial measures taken and proposed.
(2) To ensure that Members had been consulted on reserve reductions
undertaken to offset school deficits and ensure the sustainability of the financial
position of the Council.
(3) To inform Members of the underlying adverse variances and the need to
address those budget areas in 2026/27.
(4) To make Members aware of the value of savings that had not been achieved
in 2025/26 and in previous financial years and the need to address those budget
areas in 2026/27 through delivery of the savings or mitigation.
(5) To enable the Scrutiny Committee responsible for finance to review the year
end position.
C32 CAPITAL OUTTURN 2025/26 (EL/PR) (SCRUTINY – RESOURCES) –
The Leader presented the report to provide detail on the outturn position for the
Capital Programme 2025/26.
Due to the work carried out cross all Directorates the report noted the current
adjusted Programme of £92.717m, despite continuing challenges including
significant cost increases and shortages of resources. The Capital Programme for
2025/26 out turned at £73.765m, with slippage of just over £17m which would move
over into the 2026/27 Capital Programme.
Investment had taken place on the new school at Ysgol Y Deri, £2.5m Welsh
Government investment in schools maintenance grants that provided repairs to
existing schools including new roofs, toilets, boilers and electrical works.
There had been just investment in Social Services to fund home adaptations such as
stairlifts, level access showers or ramps, which allowed people to continue living
safely and independently in their own homes.
Expenditure within the Housing Revenue Account included work on new build
schemes and also updates and renewing of internal and external aspects of existing
housing stock. Over £4m had been spent on highways maintenance works and the
Welsh Government Brilliant Basics programme grant funded toilet refurbishment for
Cosmeston and Porthkerry parks, meaning that refurbishment had been carried out
on all but one set of public toilets in the Vale of Glamorgan which was programmed
to be brought forward.
The Leader advised that it was proposed for the report to be referred to Resources
Scrutiny Committee and looked forward to the discussion that would take place
there.
Councillor Wilson said that both Officers and external contractors had undertaken a
lot of work as part of the programme. He referred to the slope stabilisation works that
were ongoing at Penarth Marina and would be delivered over the new financial year
as a good example of capital expenditure. Another scheme that had been delivered
was the improved crossing point on Windsor Road, Penarth.
The Leader also referred to the new homes at Cwrt y Chwarel on Coldbrook Road
East in Barry and refurbishment of the warden’s office at Cosmeston which was re-
roofed and had an 18kW PV solar panel array installed.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the year end capital position for financial year 2025/26 be noted.
(2) T H A T the additional scheme budgets as set out in Appendix 1 to the report
be approved.
(3) T H A T the summary position of the changes in the Capital Programme by
directorate from approval at Council on 10th March 2025 to 31st March 2026, as set
out in Appendix 2 to the report, be noted.
(4) T H A T the Emergency Powers in Appendix 3, approved in respect of the
slippage, be noted.
(5) T H A T the 2025/26 Capital Programme be amended to reflect the revised
lease arrangements for 2025/26 that met the threshold for inclusion under IFRS16.
(6) T H A T the report be referred to Resources Scrutiny Committee for
consideration and for any recommendations to be returned to Cabinet for
consideration.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To inform Cabinet of the year end capital position for financial year 2025/26.
(2) To inform Cabinet of the additional schemes added to the approved
programme for 2025/26.
(3) To inform Cabinet of the changes to the Approved Capital Programme set on
10th March 2025.
(4) To advise Cabinet of the approved slippage in the Emergency Powers from
the 2025/26 Capital Programme.
(5) To request approval of the revised Leasing amendments for 2025/26 for
inclusion under the IFRS16 accounting standard.
(6) To enable the Scrutiny Committee responsible for finance to review the year
end position.
C33 ANNUAL TREASURY MANAGEMENT REPORT 2025/26 (EL/PR)
(SCRUTINY – RESOURCES) –
The Leader presented the report to seek Cabinet acceptance of the annual report on
Treasury Management 2025/26.
During 2025/26 the Council maintained an under borrowed position, with borrowing
of £20.5m split between £16m from the Public Works Loan Board, £3.5m from
another Local Authority and an additional loan of £1m which had been advanced
from the Welsh Government for Town Transformation. Of the borrowing undertaken
£10.000m was in support of capital expenditure for the Housing Revenue Account.
The Council's borrowing requirement increased £11.478m in 2025/26 giving a total
Capital Financing Requirement of £213.634m on 31st March 2026. At the same
date, the Council held £181.871m of Gross External Borrowing and other longer term
debt liability of £3.506m. The Council was therefore under borrowed by £28.257m
as of 31st March 2026. External Borrowing was well within the Authorised Limit and
Operational Boundary set for 2025/26.
The Leader said that the Council continued to have a cautious approach to
investment and the priority was to safeguard and manage investments in-house and
only invest with institutions that met the minimum credit-rating criteria. The total
interest earned on such investments in 2025/26 was just over £2.3m and the total
investment balance at the end of the year was £37.1m.
If agreed, the report would be discussed further at Governance and Audit Committee
before referral to Full Council for final consideration.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED – T H A T the annual report on Treasury Management 2025/26 be
accepted and that the report be referred to Governance and Audit Committee prior to
referral to Full Council for final approval. Should Governance and Audit Committee
have no recommendations back to Cabinet, that the report be referred directly to Full
Council for final consideration.
Reason for decision
To accept and refer the report to the Governance and Audit Committee which had
oversight of the Treasury arrangements, prior to referral to Full Council for final
approval as required by regulation.
C34 PHASE 1 WORKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SULLY PRIMARY
SCHOOL, THROUGH THE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES FOR LEARNING
PROGRAMME (EAWL) (SCRUTINY – START WELL) –
The Cabinet Member presented the report to seek Cabinet approval to award a
direct contract through the compliant direct award process under the SEWSCAP
Framework (SEWSCAP 4, Lot 3) for Phase 1 works associated with the Sully
Primary School, through the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.
The Leader said that there were currently five schools in progress with eighteen
already having been built. The Capital report on the agenda referred to the
Resources Base at St Cyres which was also one of several that had put in place in
various schools, and it was recognised that the Vale of Glamorgan had one of the
most successful school building programmes in Wales, whether that be as new
builds, re-models or extensions.
Councillor Birch said that the five schools in progress were Ysgol Glyn Derw at
Cosmeston should be completed this year, Sir Richard Gwyn next year for March
2026, Ysgol Bro Morgannwg, Holm View and Sully Primary Schools. She thanked
the Council Officers concerned for the work in bringing forward the programme.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the use of the SEWSCAP Framework, Lot 3, as a compliant route to
market for the delivery of Phase 1 works at Sully Primary School, be approved.
(2) T H A T Phase 2 proposals remained subject to the identification and approval
of future funding contributions, including Section 106 and Welsh Government
Sustainable Communities for Learning funding.
(3) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Monitoring Officer/Head of
Legal and Democratic Services to complete and execute any contracts and any
associated legal documentation on behalf of the Council, in respect of the project
Reasons for decisions
(1) To enable the timely delivery of Phase 1 improvement works at Sully Primary
School in support of the Council’s Sustainable Communities for Learning
Programme, utilising an established and compliant procurement framework which
provided value for money, programme certainty, and reduced procurement
timescales.
(2) To note the longer-term strategic aspirations for the site and future phases of
investment.
(3) To ensure that the necessary legal documentation was in place for the
contract.
C35 OBJECTION REPORT: BENDRICK ROAD, BARRY – PROPOSED
DISABLED PERSONS’ PARKING PLACE TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER (NBS)
(SCRUTINY – PLACE) –
The Cabinet Member presented the report to advise Cabinet of an objection received
following the statutory consultation for a proposed Disabled Persons’ Parking Place
on Bendrick Road, Barry.
The Directorate of Environment and Housing worked with the Social Services
Directorate when looking at schemes such as disabled parking bays, with any
objections to proposed schemes considered by Cabinet. A summary of the objection
received and the responses to that objection were contained within the report in
Section 4. It was necessary to balance different interests and consider public safety.
Councillor Wilson emphasised that disabled spaces were not for the exclusive use of
an individual but for anyone with the relevant permission to use them, and there
were a number of such spaces across the Vale of Glamorgan dependent on need.
The Leader said it was difficult when dealing with existing parking pressures in an
area but also important to consider those with mobility issues.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T having considered the objection received in relation to this report, the
implementation of the proposed Traffic Regulation Order for a Disabled Persons’
Parking Place on Bendrick Road, Barry be approved.
(2) T H A T the objector be notified of Cabinet’s decision.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To ensure Cabinet fulfilled its statutory duty to consider the objection and
relevant evidence prior to determining whether the Traffic Regulation Order should
be made.
(2) To ensure transparency, procedural fairness and effective communication by
formally notifying objectors of Cabinet’s decision and the reasons for it.
C36 PENCOEDTRE PARK (NBS/LSW) (SCRUTINY – PLACE) –
The Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services presented the report
to Cabinet which recommended a series of delegations to support the delivery of
projects awarded funding by Welsh Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund,
including an upgrade to the existing splash pad, construction a new skate park, and
construction of a new toilet block with changing facilities.
The Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Well-being added that the splash pad
had provided enjoyment for children across the local wards but needed
improvement. Pride in Place Impact Funding had been awarded to support those
improvements. It was anticipated that the construction would be a minimum of 16
weeks, therefore work would need to commence on site by the end of October / early
November to ensure completion by March 2027.
Councillor Wilson then invited comments from two of the local Members.
Councillor Brooks said that refurbishment of the free of charge and safe splash pad
had been looked at for a number of years. The skate park required updating and the
community had requested access to a toilet block nearer to where the children
played for years, and it was so positive to see that request being actioned as part of
the proposals. The site would have a water re-fill station also. Pencoedtre park was
located in the Court ward but also served Gibbonsdown and Cadoc and would
benefit the residents of those Lower Layer Super Output Areas, as well as thew
wider Vale of Glamorgan.
Councillor Perkes was mindful of how well-used the splash pad was and was
pleased that work would take place over the autumn so the free facility would be
open for summer 2027. Having the investment at Pencoedtre Park was important for
both the local and wider communities and would serve a wide range of users from
across several age groups.
Councillor Wilson thanked the local Members for their comments.
The Leader said it was hoped that the local community would get involved to assist
with painting the play area which was still in a good condition and supported by a
further play area and multi-use games areas at Palmerston nearby. A new skate
park was also opening at Cowbridge, alongside the parks already in place at Cogan,
the Richard Taylor skate park at the Knap and Dinas Powys. It was hoped that an
upgrade to the skate park at Llantwit Major once funding could be found.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the arrangements and progress being made in respect of the
Pencoedtre Park projects be endorsed.
(2) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Director of Environment and
Housing, in consultation with the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for
Performance and Resources, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building
Services, Chief Executive, Head of Finance/Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring
Officer/Head of Legal and Democratic Services to procure and appoint
contractors/suppliers as may be required to achieve project delivery, subject to
funding.
(3) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Director of Environment and
Housing in liaison with the Head of Finance/Section 151 Officer to accept the
preferred tender(s) and approve the letting of the works contract(s) associated with
the project, following the completion of the tender process.
(4) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Director of Environment and
Housing, in consultation with the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for
Performance and Resources, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building
Services, Chief Executive, Head of Finance/Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring
Officer/Head of Legal and Democratic Services to direct award contracts where
necessary, subject to a compliant procurement process.
(5) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Director of Environment and
Housing to submit a planning application(s) and building regulations application for
the project by virtue of either Regulation 3 or Regulation 4 of The Town and Country
Planning General Regulations 1992 (As Amended), if required.
(6) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Monitoring Officer/Head of
Legal and Democratic Services to complete and execute any contracts and any
associated legal documentation on behalf of the Council, in respect of those projects.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To obtain endorsement from for the project from Cabinet for the current
position regarding the project and funding from Welsh Government.
(2) To enable the procurement process for the Pencoedtre Park Project to
progress efficiently and to support the timely delivery of the project.
(3) To obtain authority to let the works contract and for the project to be delivered
in a timely manner.
(4) To obtain authority to allow delivery of the project within funding timelines.
(5) To obtain authority to submit planning application(s) and building regulation
application (s) for the project.
(6) To authorise the Monitoring Officer/Head of Legal and Democratic Services to
execute the contract and associated legal documentation on behalf of the Council in
accordance with established governance arrangements.
C37 DECARBONISATION AND ENERGY DATA CONSULTANT
FRAMEWORK AWARD FOR HOUSING (PSHTE) (SCRUTINY – PLACE) –
The Cabinet Member presented the report to set out the rationale for a programme
of energy surveys and data collection across the Council’s housing stock, as the
Housing Service progressed towards meeting the Welsh Housing Quality Standard
(WHQS) 2023 and the pathway to WHQS 2026.
Councillor Wilson said the initiative was an example where both Portfolio holders
worked closely together with Officers and the information gathered would evidence
how the properties performed and to maximise efficiency.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED – T H A T the contents of the report be noted, with a view to taking
decisions on the award of the contract detailed within the Part II report later on the
agenda.
Reasons for decision
To update Cabinet on the strategy in meeting the first part of the WHQS’23 and to
consider approval regarding the procurement of the PAS2035 surveyors and
installation of data terminals (PAS 2035 was the overarching British Standard for
retrofitting dwellings to improve energy efficiency and included various stages, the
first of which was to survey the existing building).
C38 EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC –
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 item of business
on the grounds that it involves 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.
C39 DECARBONISATION AND ENERGY DATA CONSULTANT
FRAMEWORK AWARD FOR HOUSING (PSHTE) (EXEMPT INFORMATION –
PARAGRAPHS 12, 12A AND 14) (SCRUTINY – PLACE) –
The Cabinet Member presented the report to set out the rationale for a programme
of energy surveys and data collection across the Council’s housing stock, as the
Housing Service progressed towards meeting the Welsh Housing Quality Standard
(WHQS) 2023 and the pathway to WHQS 2026.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the award of the framework contract for the PAS 2035 retrofit
surveys, air leakage tests and environmental sensors to 2,000 Council homes to
‘LivGreen’, Bristol be awarded.
(2) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Director of Environment and
Housing and Monitoring Officer/Head of Legal and Democratic Services, in
consultation with the Cabinet Member for Public Sector Housing and Tenant
Engagement to Direct Award the contract.
(3) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Monitoring Officer/Head of
Legal and Democratic Services in consultation with Head of Finance/Section 151
Officer to finalise, complete and execute a RICS Standard Form Contract with
LivGreen, Bristhe contract and all ancillary documentation necessary to give effect to
Resolution (2).
Reasons for decisions
(1) To comply with the Council's Contract Standing Orders and Financial
Procedure Rules, which required contracts with a value in excess of £300k to be
agreed by Cabinet.
(2) To enable the contract documentation to be finalised with the successful
contractor, within the tight timeframe for allocation and delivery of the project within
the financial year.
(3) To ensure that the necessary legal documentation was in place for the
contract.
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.
Vale of Glamorgan, Governance and Audit Committee,
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the Quarter 4/End of Year position of corporate risks outlined in the
Risk Summary Report (Annex A) be noted.
(2) T H A T the Strategic Leadership Team’s consideration of the responses to
the Governance and Audit Committee’s comments for Quarter 3 be noted.
(3) T H A T Cabinet be requested to approve the delegated authority for the
Director of Corporate Resources to update the Risk Management Policy.
(4) T H A T Cabinet be requested to consider the comments of the Governance
and Audit Committee as per resolutions 5 and 6.
(5) T H A T additional information be provided to the Governance and Audit
Committee relating to the Scrutiny review into Additional Learning Needs Resource
Bases.
(6) T H A T a review of the risk scoring relating to the Climate Change Risk to be
undertaken.
Reasons for decisions
(1) Following consideration of the Q4 risk update and end of year position of
corporate risks, including any emerging issues and proposed mitigations, as set out
in Annex A.
(2) To identify the actions undertaken in response to Governance and Audit
Committee’s comments and consider any further action required.
(3) The Council reviewed and approved a revised Risk Management Policy in
2024/25. Since its approval, non-material, operational amendments have been made
to reflect decisions agreed by the Governance and Audit Committee and Cabinet.
Delegated authority was requested to be granted to the Director of Corporate
Resources to make further nonmaterial, operational amendments to the Risk
Management Policy and related guidance during the year, where necessary to give
effect to decisions of the Governance and Audit Committee and Cabinet.
(4) To ensure Cabinet have oversight of resolutions relating to the Council’s Risk
Register.
(5) To ensure that Governance and Audit Committee have oversight of the
Additional Learning Needs Risk.
(6) To undertake a review of the risk score given the forecasted direction of
travel.
Swansea, Armed Forces Community Covenant Signatories Panel,
RESOLVED – That the Council be recommended to approve the recommendations of the Panel to appoint the following persons to current Local Authority Governing Body vacancies as follows:
School Name
Ward
Start of Vacancy
Applications
Received
Cantonian
Fairwater
11/04/2026
Eastern High
Trowbridge
06/05/2026
Dylan Rees
Fairwater Primary School
Fairwater
26/03/2026
Tomos Dillon
Grangetown Nursery School
Grangetown
27/03/2026
Greenhill School
Rhiwbina
02/07/2025
Hywel Dda Primary School
Ely
03/09/2025
Russell Meade
Llanedeyrn Primary School
Pentwyn
30/04/2026
Meadowbank School
Llandaff North
23/04/2026
Russell Melbourne
Marlborough Primary School
Penylan
01/05/2025
Ninian Park Primary School
Grangetown
25/04/2026
Davina Guignard
Radnor Primary School
Canton
12/12/2025
Matthew Russell
St Alban’s RC Primary School
Splott
06/02/2026
Charlotte Husnjak
St Francis RC Primary School
Ely
08/03/2025
St Joseph's R.C Primary School
Gabalfa
27/04/206
St Peters RC Primary School
Plasnewydd
30/04/2026
Michelle Matthews
The Saints Federation
Pentwyn
09/09/2025
Lee Davies
Ysgol Cynefin
East- Llanrumney
West-Fairwater
01/05/2026
Whitchurch Primary School
Whitchurch & Tongwynlais
28/10/2025
Abigail Monk-Jones
Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf
Llandaff North
01/05/2025
Owain Jones
Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr
Fairwater
08/12/2025
Zoe Hayne
Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch
Canton
30/06/2025
Gareth Jones
Ysgol Gynradd Groes-Wen Primary School
Pentyrch & St Fagans
01/02/2025
Gareth Howells
Ysgol Pencae
Llandaff
27/11/2024
The Committee received and considered applications to future vacancies against criteria, matching skills to vacancies.
RESOLVED – That the Council be recommended to approve the recommendations of the Panel to appoint the following:
School Name
Ward
Start of Vacancy
Re-appointment requested.
New Application Received
Baden Powell Primary School
Splott
28/09/2026
Stuart Parsons
Bryn Celyn Primary School
Pentwyn
28/09/2026
Cantonian High
01/07/2026
School
Fairwater
01/07/2026
Corpus Christi R.C. High School
Lisvane & Thornhill
17/09/2026
Kath Brown
30/09/2026
Gordan Plant
Eastern High x 2
Trowbridge
30/09/2026
Martin Weinel
Gabalfa Primary School
Llandaff North
30/09/2026
Thomas Wooley
Lakeside Primary School
Cyncoed
01/07/2026
Llanederyn Primary School
23/07/2026
Nicola Whitefield
Llanishen High School
Llanishen
30/09/2026
Barbara Cooke
Stephen Hudson
30/09/2026
Llysfaen Primary School
Lisvane & Thornhill
01/07/2026
Cllr Sian Melbourne
Marlborough Primary School
Penylan
01/07/2026
Andrew Twyman
Meadowlane
Primary School
Trowbridge
31/07/2026
Moorland Primary School
Splott
30/09/2026
Cllr Margaret Lewis
Pentrebane
28/09/2026
Primary School
Fairwater
30/09/2026
Peter Lea Primary School
Fairwater
01/07/2026
Radyr Primary School
Radyr &
Morganstown
28/09/2026
Rhiwbeina Primary School
Rhiwbina
30/09/2026
Dr Samuel Williams
Roath Park Primary
23/07/2026
Cllr Peter Wong
School
Plasnewydd
30/09/2026
Springwood Primary School
Pentwyn
20/07/2026