This week in Cardiff:

Council Standards Under the Microscope: New Rules for Conduct and Complaint Handling

Cardiff Council's Standards & Ethics Committee met on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, to discuss crucial updates to how councillors conduct themselves and how complaints are handled. The meeting saw the adoption of new regulations that align the Members' Code of Conduct with the Equality Act 2010, ensuring a broader understanding of protected characteristics and socio-economic circumstances. This is a vital step in ensuring fairness and inclusivity in local government.

The committee also reviewed a significant number of complaints made against councillors in the latter half of the 2025/26 financial year. While many were not investigated by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW) due to insufficient evidence or not meeting the threshold for a breach of the Code of Conduct, one complaint regarding a member's alleged failure to cooperate with an Ombudsman investigation led to a strong recommendation for refresher training. Another complaint concerning a member's alleged misuse of council resources is still under investigation by the Ombudsman.

These discussions are essential for maintaining public trust. When councillors are held to high ethical standards, it reassures residents that their local government is working in their best interests. The committee also noted the registration of gifts and hospitality received by members, with a threshold of £25 for declaration, ensuring transparency in potential conflicts of interest.

View the Standards & Ethics Committee meeting details here

Licensing Applications Spark Local Concerns: Smoke UK and Pepe's Piri Piri Under Review

The Licensing Sub Committee met on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, to consider two applications for premises licences that raised concerns among local residents and authorities.

Smoke UK, Llanrumney: Alcohol Sales and Community Impact

An application for a premises licence for Smoke UK, a mini-market on Countisbury Avenue, Llanrumney, sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises. While South Wales Police initially objected due to concerns about crime, public nuisance, and harm to children, these were withdrawn after the applicant agreed to stringent conditions. These include a Challenge 25 policy, CCTV, staff training, and restrictions on alcohol sales.

However, a local ward Councillor, Councillor Lexi Pocknell, maintained an objection. Her concerns centred on the potential for increased anti-social behaviour, late-night nuisance, and underage drinking in an area already experiencing issues. She argued that an additional alcohol outlet was not needed and could exacerbate existing problems, directly impacting the quality of life for residents in the Countisbury Avenue area.

Pepe's Piri Piri, Cathays: Late-Night Refreshment and Neighbourly Concerns

The committee also considered an application for a premises licence for Pepe's Piri Piri on Salisbury Road, Cathays, to serve late-night refreshment until 3:00 AM. South Wales Police objected due to concerns about crime and disorder and the protection of children, proposing conditions such as CCTV and restrictions on unaccompanied minors after 11:00 PM.

The Pollution Control department also objected, highlighting the premises' location in a densely populated residential area. They warned that extending trading hours to 3:00 AM daily could lead to significant public nuisance from noise and customer dispersal, impacting the peace and quiet of residents living nearby. The department felt the applicant had not provided sufficient detail on how these issues would be managed.

These applications highlight the delicate balance the council must strike between supporting local businesses and protecting the well-being and peace of residents, particularly in densely populated areas.

View the Licensing Sub Committee meeting details here

Key Appointments for City Development and Planning & Transportation

The Appointments Committee held two meetings this week to fill crucial senior roles within the council. On Thursday, 30 April 2026, the committee met to discuss the appointment of an Assistant Director for City Development. On Tuesday, 28 April 2026, the committee convened to appoint an Assistant Director for Planning and Transportation.

These appointments are vital for the strategic direction and operational delivery of key council services. The Assistant Director for City Development will play a significant role in shaping the city's future growth and investment, while the Assistant Director for Planning and Transportation will be instrumental in managing the city's infrastructure, transport networks, and development. The meetings involved interviews and discussions, with some agenda items being held in private due to the sensitive nature of personnel appointments.

View the Appointments Committee - Assistant Director City Development meeting details here View the Appointments Committee - Assistant Director Planning and Transportation meeting details here

This week in Cardiff:

Waste Transfer Facility Sparks Resident Concerns: Planning Committee Weighs Environmental Impact

A proposal to establish a waste transfer facility at the former Civic Amenity Site on Wedal Road in Cathays, Cardiff, has generated significant public objection. The Planning Committee met on Thursday, 23 April 2026, to discuss the plans, which would see the site used to transfer recyclable waste from the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board to larger vehicles.

Residents have voiced strong concerns about potential noise, vibration, light pollution, traffic, odour, and the risk of vermin. These worries are amplified by the facility's proximity to a care home for elderly and dementia patients, raising questions about the impact on vulnerable individuals. Objectors argue that waste should be transported directly to recycling centres, bypassing the proposed intermediate station.

The facility is intended to address a shortfall in on-site waste storage for University Hospital Wales (UHW) and ensure compliance with the Waste Separation Requirements (Wales) Regulations 2023. The proposal is for long-term use, estimated between 5 to 20 years.

The committee was presented with a report recommending the granting of planning permission, subject to several conditions. These include the submission of an Operational Management Plan, details of ecological enhancement measures, and restrictions on operating hours and the types of waste handled. The decision on this facility will have a direct impact on the quality of life for nearby residents and the environmental health of the community.

View the Planning Committee meeting details here

Adult Social Care Commissioning and Empty Homes: Scrutiny Committee Reviews Key Services

The Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee met on Monday, 20 April 2026, to examine critical services, including the recommissioning of care home placements and the management of empty council homes. These discussions are vital for ensuring the continued provision of essential support for vulnerable residents and maximising the use of public housing stock.

Recommissioning Care for Older People

The committee received an overview of the wider Adult Services commissioning project, focusing on the development of new contracts for care home placements for older people, which are due by May 2027, and domiciliary care by November 2027. The proposed shift from the current Dynamic Approved Provider List (DAPL) to a Framework Arrangement aims to introduce a fixed pricing structure, clearer care categories, and enhanced quality assurance. This change could significantly impact the availability and cost of care for older residents and their families.

Tackling Empty Council Homes

A briefing on the management of empty Cardiff Council homes, known as voids, highlighted the Voids Management Unit's role in returning properties to use quickly and safely. This is crucial for addressing housing demand and reducing homelessness. The discussion covered the Welsh Housing Quality Standards (WHQS)[^1] requirements for void properties and the efficiency of in-house teams versus external contractors in completing necessary works. In November 2025, 135 out of 14,348 council homes were empty, with the average re-let time decreasing.

Committee's Annual Review

The committee also reviewed its Annual Report for 2025/26, summarising its work and making recommendations for future priorities. This process ensures accountability and helps shape the council's future direction.

View the Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee meeting details here

Allotments Strategy and Regional Scrutiny: Economy & Culture Committee Discusses Key Issues

The Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, to continue its scrutiny of the Allotments Strategy and receive updates on regional joint scrutiny arrangements. These discussions are important for ensuring equitable access to green spaces and effective collaboration across local authorities.

Allotments Strategy: Tenant and Council Perspectives

The committee continued its in-depth review of allotments in Cardiff, hearing from representatives of the Cardiff Allotment Holders Association (CAHA) and officers from the Parks Department. Discussions focused on tenancy management, billing, council support, new tenancy terms, water supply costs, and site maintenance. The committee was expected to identify key findings and recommendations to improve the allotment experience for residents.

Regional Collaboration and Scrutiny

An update was provided on the South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) and its Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JOSC). The CJC is the primary decision-making body for the Cardiff Capital Region, and the JOSC provides scrutiny for its activities. This collaboration is essential for addressing regional challenges and opportunities effectively.

Scrutiny Annual Report and Correspondence

The committee also reviewed its contribution to the joint Scrutiny Annual Report 2025-26 and discussed recent correspondence, ensuring transparency and accountability in its work.

View the Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee meeting details here

This week in Cardiff:

Licensing Policy Overhaul: Council Considers Stricter Rules for Alcohol Sales

Cardiff Council is set to review and potentially update its Statement of Licensing Policy (SLP) for 2026-2031, a crucial document that guides how the council regulates licensed premises. The Licensing Committee met on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, to discuss proposed changes aimed at enhancing public safety, reducing nuisance, and better supporting the city's night-time economy.

The review comes as the current policy was due for renewal. Following a public consultation, several key amendments have been proposed. These include:

• Tackling Alcohol Deliveries: New measures will address concerns about the sale of alcohol for delivery. The policy will now consider factors like robust age verification at the point of handover and strategies to mitigate risks associated with deliveries to open-air spaces. This is a direct response to worries about underage access and sales to intoxicated individuals.
• Strengthening Safeguarding: The policy will be updated to align with the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, changing terminology from vulnerable adults to adults at risk. This broadens the definition of harm to include neglect and exploitation, and explicit requirements for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for staff at events for under-18s are being considered.
• Addressing Martyn's Law: A new section on the Prevent duty will be included, aiming to safeguard individuals susceptible to radicalisation.
• Supporting Operation Makesafe: The policy will formally incorporate Operation Makesafe, a South Wales Police initiative to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation (CSE) within the hospitality and licensed sectors.

The proposed changes also acknowledge the wider regulatory landscape, including the UK Government's National Licensing Policy Framework, and aim to better reflect Cardiff's cultural identity. The committee was scheduled to recommend the amended policy to Full Council for adoption. This review is vital for ensuring that licensed premises contribute positively to the community while minimising potential harms.

View the Licensing Committee meeting details here

Corporate Parenting: Focus on Care-Experienced Young People and Future Plans

The Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee met on Monday, 13 April 2026, to review progress in supporting children looked after by the council and to plan for the future. A key area of discussion was the emerging concept of treating care experience as a protected characteristic, a move that could significantly impact how the council supports young people who have been in its care.

The committee was set to receive updates on the Corporate Parenting Annual Plan for 2025-2026, highlighting achievements in areas such as developing eLearning modules and launching a Youth Service webpage for children looked after. The draft Corporate Parenting Annual Plan for 2026-2027 was also on the agenda, focusing on actions to move beyond business as usual and embed core corporate parenting principles.

A significant part of the discussion was dedicated to emerging areas of work, including a review of best practices and the exploration of treating care experience as a protected characteristic. This concept, being explored through the Cooperative Councils Innovation Network (CCIN) Policy Lab, aims to ensure that individuals with care experience are not discriminated against and have equal opportunities. This aligns with the council's commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and ensuring they have the best possible life chances.

The committee was also to review opportunities for members to visit services and engage with staff and young people, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and successes in corporate parenting. The development of a Corporate Parenting Communications Plan for 2026-2027 was also on the agenda, aiming to raise awareness of corporate parenting responsibilities across the council and reduce the stigma associated with care experience.

View the Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee meeting details here

Other Matters

Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee

The Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 15 April 2026. While details of the discussions are pending publication, this committee plays a crucial role in scrutinising the council's performance and policies, ensuring they are effective and delivering value for residents.

View the Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee meeting details here

Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee

The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 14 April 2026, was cancelled.

Environmental Scrutiny Committee

The Environmental Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, 16 April 2026, was cancelled.

This week in Cardiff:

Chief Executive Recruitment and Visitor Levy on the Agenda as Council Convenes

Cardiff Council held its full Council meeting on Thursday, 26 March 2026, tackling key issues including the recruitment of a new Chief Executive and the potential introduction of a Visitor Levy. The meeting also addressed the council's Pay Policy Statement and a revised Local Code of Corporate Governance.

New Chief Executive Search Underway

The council is embarking on the search for a new Chief Executive, as the current postholder, who has served since December 2013, intends to step down. The recruitment process will involve public advertisement due to the salary exceeding £100,000. The Appointments Committee will lead the selection, with authority delegated to the Chief HR Officer and the Leader of the Council to manage the process. This appointment is crucial for the strategic direction and operational leadership of the council, impacting all services and residents.

View the Council meeting details here

Visitor Levy Consultation Results Reviewed

Following a public consultation, the council reviewed the outcomes of proposals to introduce a Visitor Levy. The levy, enabled by the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Act 2025, could be implemented from April 2027. The consultation revealed broad support for the levy in principle, with 62% of respondents in favour. Key concerns raised included the potential impact on visitor numbers and the need for transparency in how funds would be used. The council is proposing to implement the levy based on revised proposals that incorporate feedback, with a focus on reinvesting revenue into tourism infrastructure and marketing. This levy could generate significant income to support Cardiff's tourism sector, benefiting local businesses and the wider economy.

View the Council meeting details here

Pay Policy and Governance Updates

The council also considered its Pay Policy Statement for 2026/2027, outlining policies on chief officer remuneration. This statement, in line with the Localism Act 2011, ensures transparency in pay, bonuses, and severance arrangements. Additionally, a revised Local Code of Corporate Governance was presented, updated to reflect new guidance from CIPFA and Solace. This code is fundamental to ensuring the council operates effectively, ethically, and accountably, providing assurance to residents that public funds are managed responsibly.

View the Council meeting details here

Economic Development and Finance Under Scrutiny

The Governance and Audit Committee met on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, to review the council's financial health, internal audit progress, and risk management strategies. Key discussions included an update on the control environment within Economic Development and a comprehensive finance update.

Economic Development Control Environment

An update on the control environment within the Economic Development directorate revealed a number of ongoing audit recommendations, with 47 remaining open. Priority themes include reduced external funding, budget pressures, and staff retention. Risks escalated to Senior Management Team include ash dieback and dam safety. The committee noted that while the council has robust arrangements, areas for improvement include partnership working and ensuring mandatory fraud training is prioritised. This scrutiny is vital to ensure that economic development initiatives are managed effectively and deliver value for money.

View the Governance and Audit Committee meeting details here

Finance and Medium-Term Financial Plan

A detailed finance update highlighted the council's 2026/27 budget, which was balanced without reliance on reserves. However, the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for 2027/28 to 2030/31 indicates a challenging financial position, with projected pressures of over £227 million. The council faces significant savings requirements, necessitating a focus on efficiency, service change, and income generation. The report also provided an update on the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) replacement programme, which has reached the implementation procurement stage. The financial health of the council directly impacts the services it can provide to residents, particularly vulnerable groups who rely on council support.

View the Governance and Audit Committee meeting details here

Licensing Sub Committee Considers Pub Variation

The Licensing Sub Committee met on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, to consider an application to vary the premises licence for The Gatekeeper pub. The application sought to extend the hours during which the entrance doors on Westgate Street could remain open.

The Gatekeeper Pub Licence Variation

The application from JD Wetherspoon Plc proposed extending the opening hours of the Westgate Street entrance doors from 9:00 PM to 11:15 PM from Monday to Saturday, and until 10:45 PM on Sundays. This change was met with objections from local residents and Councillor Norma Mackie, who cited concerns about increased noise, anti-social behaviour, and littering in a residential area. The committee had the power to grant, modify, or reject the application, balancing the applicant's commercial interests with the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, ensuring public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm. The decision will have a direct impact on the quality of life for residents living near the pub.

View the Licensing Sub Committee meeting details here