The Newport City Council held its May Cabinet meeting, where they discussed several key topics, including the Strategic Asset Management Plan, the Safer Newport Strategic Needs Assessment Plan, and the Serious Violence Duty Strategic Needs Assessment and Strategy. The meeting also included a report on external pressures and concluded with reflections from the outgoing leader.

The most significant topic was the Strategic Asset Management Plan. The revised plan aims to ensure that the principles of asset management are reflected in business decisions across the organization. It focuses on making buildings sustainable and meeting community needs while managing and maintaining properties within budget constraints and in line with climate change objectives. The plan was updated to address changes brought by the global pandemic, the cost of living crisis, and the current economic outlook. The Council holds over 1,500 assets valued at £750 million, with a current maintenance backlog of £100 million. The plan includes an asset rationalization program and community asset transfers to optimize the use of buildings for the benefit of residents and the environment. The plan was approved by the Cabinet.

The Safer Newport Strategic Needs Assessment Plan was also discussed. This plan, required under the Crime and Disorder Act, aims to reduce crime and disorder through the Safer Newport partnership, which includes Gwent Police and other partners. The assessment identifies three priority areas: serious violence and organized crime, antisocial behavior, and support for vulnerable community members, such as children at risk of exploitation and those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. The plan was approved and recommended for adoption by the full Council.

The Serious Violence Duty Strategic Needs Assessment and Strategy was another key topic. This duty, which became law in January 2023, requires local authorities to work with other specified authorities to develop a plan to reduce and prevent serious violence. The strategy, developed in collaboration with partners across Gwent, identifies four strategic priorities: better use of data, addressing risk factors with evidence-based interventions, understanding and maximizing impact, and adopting a place-based approach. The strategy aims to create a Gwent without violence and has been embedded within the Safer Newport Community Safety Plan. The plan was approved and recommended for adoption by the full Council.

The meeting also included a report on external pressures, highlighting the Council's efforts to support residents through collaboration and partnership working. The report mentioned various activities and support measures, such as Easter family activities, distribution of essential food, shopping vouchers, and household goods. The report also addressed pressures on housing and homelessness services and the Council's strategy to tackle these challenges, including working with the Royal Foundation Homewards programme. The report was noted by the Cabinet.

The meeting concluded with reflections from the outgoing leader, who expressed gratitude to the officers, democratic services team, and Cabinet members for their dedication and commitment to the citizens of Newport.