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Cardiff Recycling Targets Boosted; Green Crematorium Planned

This week in Cardiff:

Recycling Targets Under Pressure: Council Boosts Collections to Avoid Fines

Cardiff is facing a significant challenge to meet its ambitious recycling targets, with the council at risk of substantial fines if performance doesn't improve. The Environmental Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 12 March 2026, to discuss strategies to boost the city's recycling rate to the statutory Welsh target of 70%. Current projections place Cardiff at 64%, potentially leading to fines of up to £1.8 million.

To tackle this, the council is introducing two key initiatives:

  • Weekly Absorbent Hygiene Product (AHP) Collections: Starting in April 2026, collections for items like nappies and incontinence products will move from fortnightly to weekly. This is expected to capture significantly more of this waste, diverting an estimated 500-1,200 tonnes annually and contributing 0.2-0.4 percentage points to the recycling rate. This change aims to improve hygiene for residents and reduce residual waste.
  • Soft Plastics Curbside Collection: From summer 2026, a dedicated collection for soft plastics, such as crisp packets and plastic film, will be rolled out. This proactive measure prepares Cardiff for a national requirement due in April 2027 and is projected to add another 0.4-0.7 percentage points to the recycling target.

Councillor Daniel Waldron raised concerns about the practicalities of implementing these changes, particularly in areas with limited bin space, referencing challenges faced during previous rollouts like the red and blue bag system. Officials assured the committee that lessons learned are being incorporated, with enhanced training for collection crews and targeted education campaigns planned. The introduction of ten additional enforcement and education officers, funded by Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) payments1, will focus on hotspot areas to improve compliance.

Councillor Andrea Gibson questioned what other high-performing councils are doing differently. While acknowledging the difficulty in direct comparisons due to Cardiff's unique demographic challenges, including a high proportion of flats and transient populations, officers highlighted that Cardiff is being approached by English councils for advice on its methods.

The committee generally supported the proposals, with Councillor Helen Lloyd Jones calling the weekly hygiene waste collection a no-brainer. However, concerns were raised about the communication strategy for the soft plastics collection, with a desire for clarity on how the change would be managed and communicated to avoid public confusion. Councillor Daniel Waldron also voiced skepticism about the 70% target itself, suggesting it might be unrealistic for a city like Cardiff and that fines could be counterproductive to investment. The committee agreed to support challenging the fairness of these targets in feedback to the Cabinet Member.

The council is also moving forward with plans for a new green crematorium, designed to be more sustainable and meet future demand. This project aims to incorporate electric cremators and renewable energy sources.

Additionally, the Environmental Scrutiny Committee reviewed proposed updates to the Active Travel Network Map, which outlines future walking and cycling routes. While the map represents a long-term vision, councillors like John Lancaster expressed frustration over a perceived disconnect between the map's aspirations and the reality on the ground, citing unaddressed requests for basic safety improvements like pedestrian crossings. Officials acknowledged that delivery is dependent on funding, a challenge that impacts the pace of implementing these improvements.

The committee also received an update on the Cardiff Crossrail Phase 1a project, a new tram-train link between Cardiff Central Station and Cardiff Bay. The project is progressing towards its construction phase, with works anticipated to begin in summer 2026.

View the Environmental Scrutiny Committee meeting details here

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming Cardiff Council meetings:

  1. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach where producers are given significant responsibility for the treatment or disposal of post-consumer waste. ↩

Cardiff Council Approves Budget, Tax Rise

This week in Cardiff:

Council Sets Course for Next Three Years: Corporate Plan and Budget Approved

Cardiff Council's Cabinet met on Thursday, 26 February 2026, to finalise the council's strategic direction and financial plans for the next three years. The Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee and the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee also met this week, scrutinising the draft Corporate Plan and budget proposals.

The Cabinet approved the Corporate Plan for 2026-2029, outlining the council's priorities and objectives. This plan is underpinned by the budget for 2026/27, which aims to balance essential service delivery with financial prudence. A key decision was the approval of a 3.9% council tax increase, which equates to £1.15 per week for a Band D property. This increase is considered one of the lowest in Wales and is expected to keep Cardiff's Band D council tax the lowest in the country.

The council faces a budget gap of £22.6 million, which will be addressed through over £40 million in savings, primarily from back-office efficiencies and a change programme, alongside the council tax increase. Crucially, no cuts to frontline services are proposed.

Significant investment is planned for areas identified as priorities by residents, including education, children's services, and adult services. One-off funding of £4.5 million will be allocated to stronger, fairer and greener priorities, with £2 million for highways and £1.4 million for street cleansing.

The Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee reviewed the draft Corporate Plan and budget proposals, noting the council's commitment to culture, sport, and parks. Councillor Chris Burke, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Parks, highlighted that savings in her portfolio have been achieved through income generation and cost reductions, with no significant drop in service levels expected. Plans include reopening St David's Hall by Q4 2026-2027 and developing a new tourism and events strategy.

The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee also scrutinised the budget, with Councillor Ash Lister, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, outlining an £8.9 million net increase for Children's Services, bringing the total to £116 million. This increase is to address inflation and demand pressures, with savings linked to the Striving for Excellence strategy focusing on prevention and early help. Concerns were raised about the realism of some efficiency savings and the complexity of supporting care leavers.

View the Cabinet meeting details here View the Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee meeting details here View the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee meeting details here

Housing First: Council Pushes Ahead with New Homes and Repairs Investment

Cardiff Council is continuing its commitment to tackling the housing crisis, with significant investment planned for new homes and improvements to existing stock. The Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee met on Monday, 23 February 2026, to discuss housing matters, including the purchase of land for new council housing and the Responsive Repairs Unit.

Councillor Lynda Thorne, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, highlighted the council's progress in ending the use of leased hotels for emergency accommodation and the ongoing delivery of new council homes. The approval to purchase additional land at Central Quay for new council housing, with plans for 460-730 apartments, signals a continued focus on increasing housing supply.

However, concerns were raised about the impact of these developments on local amenities, such as school places and parking, particularly for disabled residents. Councillor Peter Littlechild voiced worries about parking provision for disabled individuals and their carers.

Significant investment is also being directed towards the Responsive Repairs Unit, with £1.7 million allocated from the HRA to strengthen its capacity. This investment will focus on the dry homes team to improve the response to damp and mould cases, a growing issue exacerbated by recent weather. New roles, including technical managers, skilled operatives, and caseworkers, will be created to ensure a more robust and coordinated response.

Furthermore, £1.1 million is being invested in tenancy services and anti-social behaviour teams to enhance proactive approaches and strengthen enforcement. A new Housing Customer Excellence Unit is set to launch in 2026 to improve complaint handling and drive service improvements.

The council is also preparing for major changes to the homelessness and allocation system, with the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation Bill set to be phased in from 2027. These changes will likely increase demand on services, and the council is investing in prevention officers and planning for these future pressures, despite no additional funding being confirmed from Welsh Government yet.

View the Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee meeting details here

Migrant Care Workers' Rights Strengthened with Council Charter

Cardiff Council is reinforcing its commitment to ethical employment practices by embedding the 'Working Together to Protect Migrant Care Workers in the Adult Social Care Sector – A Charter for Local Care Commissioners' into its operations. The Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee discussed this initiative on Monday, 23 February 2026, following its approval by the Cabinet.

The charter, developed in partnership with UNISON, aims to combat exploitation faced by migrant care workers, who are vital to the city's social care workforce. Issues such as illegal fees, forced relocation, and threats of deportation, often linked to the Health and Care Worker Visa system, are being addressed. The charter outlines 11 commitments, including ethical recruitment, pay transparency, and protection against sponsorship exploitation.

Councillor Lynda Thorne, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, highlighted the council's pioneering role as one of the first in Wales and second in the UK to adopt such a charter. The recommissioning of care services will incorporate these principles, ensuring fair treatment and better working conditions for all care workers. The council is also working to strengthen the Cardiff Care Academy to encourage UK nationals into the care workforce, aiming to mitigate risks associated with changes to immigration rules.

This initiative is crucial for ensuring the well-being of a workforce that provides essential support to vulnerable residents, promoting dignity and fair employment practices across the sector.

View the Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee meeting details here

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming Cardiff Council meetings:

Cardiff Council seeks new Director of Frontline Services

This week in Cardiff:

Top Job Vacancy: Council Seeks Director of Frontline Services

Cardiff Council is actively seeking to fill a critical senior leadership role: the Director of Frontline Services. The Appointment Committee met on Thursday, 19 February 2026, to begin the crucial shortlisting process for this position. This role is vital, overseeing essential services that directly impact residents' daily lives, including recycling, parks, highways, and bereavement services. The successful candidate will earn a salary of £145,999 per annum and will be responsible for driving strategic change and ensuring the effective delivery of these services, aligning with the council's vision of a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Cardiff.

The recruitment process is rigorous, focusing on candidates' ability to lead transformational change and provide strategic analysis to councillors and Cabinet members. The council is using its Behavioural Competency Framework, which assesses candidates on core skills like Putting Our Customers First, Getting Things Done, and Leading Change. This ensures that the chosen individual possesses the leadership qualities needed to manage complex operations and deliver on the council's policy commitments. The next stage for shortlisted candidates will be interviews, scheduled for 13 March 2026.

View the Appointment Committee - Director of Frontline Services meeting details here

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming Cardiff Council meetings:

Cardiff Housing Decisions & Leadership Appointments

This week in Cardiff:

Homes for All: Council Approves Co-Living and Affordable Housing Developments

Cardiff Council's Planning Committee met on Thursday, 12 February 2026, to consider two significant housing developments that will shape the city's future. The committee approved plans for a nine-storey co-living building on Penarth Road, Butetown, and the demolition of the former Fairwater Social & Athletic Club on Plasmawr Road, Fairwater, to make way for affordable housing.

Co-Living on Penarth Road: A New Housing Model

The proposal for 51-59 Penarth Road, Butetown, will see the demolition of existing buildings to construct a nine-storey co-living development. This will provide 168 units designed for shared living, alongside commercial spaces on the ground floor. The development aims to cater to young professionals, key workers, and students, offering a modern housing solution in a regeneration area.

Councillor Sean Driscoll, while appreciating the design, raised concerns about the size of the individual units, noting they are smaller than standard one-bedroom flats and may not be suitable for people with children. He also questioned the provision for pets and the lack of direct access to amenity spaces for residents on certain floors. Officers explained that co-living is a new concept in Cardiff, intended for single occupants and designed to encourage communal living, with more amenity space provided than in a previous, similar development. The development also includes a Section 106 contribution of £327,000 towards local regeneration and infrastructure.

The committee also discussed the impact of shadowing on neighbouring properties and the loss of commercial land. The report highlighted that the development contributes to the urban regeneration of a historically industrial area and brings a site back into use.

View the Planning Committee meeting details here

Affordable Homes for Fairwater: Replacing a Vacant Club

In Fairwater, the former Fairwater Social & Athletic Club will be demolished to make way for 14 affordable homes. This development, located on Plasmawr Road, will offer a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom houses, including a bungalow for supported living. This project directly addresses the urgent need for affordable housing in the area, providing family homes on a previously developed site.

Councillor Michael Michael expressed his full support for the application, highlighting the benefits of repurposing brownfield land for much-needed housing. Councillor Garry Hunt also supported the scheme, noting the high standard of design and the positive impact on the local area. Concerns were raised about the loss of trees, but the council secured a £26,000 off-site contribution for tree planting to mitigate this. The development also includes a Section 106 agreement for open space provision.

The committee also reviewed a list of applications decided by delegated powers, ensuring transparency in the planning process.

View the Planning Committee meeting details here

Senior Leadership Appointments Underway

Cardiff Council is continuing its process of appointing senior leadership roles to drive its strategic agenda. The Appointment Committee met on Thursday, 12 February 2026, to consider candidates for the vital role of Director of Children's Services. This position is crucial for overseeing services that protect and support the city's most vulnerable children and families, managing a budget of approximately £107 million. The recruitment process involves rigorous assessment against the council's Behavioural Competency Framework, ensuring candidates possess the leadership qualities needed to manage complex services and drive transformational change.

Separately, the Appointment Committee - Director of Strategy & Transformation met on Monday, 9 February 2026. While the agenda focused on the Director of Strategy and Transformation role, the committee's discussion and resolution centred on the appointment of an Assistant Director, Adult Services. A candidate's application, submitted late due to technical issues, was considered and approved for assessment, demonstrating the council's commitment to a fair and thorough recruitment process.

View the Appointment Committee - Director of Children's Services meeting details here View the Appointment Committee - Director of Strategy & Transformation meeting details here

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming Cardiff Council meetings:

Cardiff Council: New Director Search & Taxi Services

This week in Cardiff:

Top Job Vacancy: Council Seeks Director of Strategy & Transformation

Cardiff Council is on the hunt for a new Director of Strategy and Transformation, a crucial role that will shape the future direction of the city's services. The Appointment Committee met on Monday, 2 February 2026, to begin the selection process. This senior position, with a salary of £147,524 per annum, will be instrumental in driving the council's Change Programme and ensuring the delivery of its Stronger, Fairer, Greener commitments.

The Director will oversee a wide remit, including corporate policy, performance, research, communications, and partnerships. They will also work closely with the Chief Digital Officer to spearhead service transformation through data and technology. The recruitment pack paints a picture of an ambitious council with a can-do and optimistic culture, seeking a leader with excellent strategic vision and the ability to deliver innovative, partnership-focused services.

The appointment process involves a rigorous longlisting stage, where candidates are assessed against a behavioural competency framework. This framework focuses on skills such as Putting Our Customers First, Getting Things Done, Leading Change, and Optimising Resources. The successful candidate will be expected to navigate significant demand and financial pressures, ensuring the council's services remain efficient and effective for all residents.

The meeting was attended by Councillor Huw Thomas, Leader of the Council, and Councillor Chris Weaver, Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance, alongside other councillors and senior officers. Information relating to the appointment is considered restricted, meaning the public will not have access to details about the candidates.

View the Appointment Committee - Director of Strategy & Transformation meeting details here

Taxi Services Under Review: Public Protection Sub Committee Discusses Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Matters

The Public Protection Sub Committee met on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, to discuss matters concerning Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles. While the agenda item was listed as Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Matters, the details of the discussion were kept confidential.

The report pack provided to the committee contained 88 pages of information, but this was deemed exempt from public publication. This decision was made under paragraphs 14 of Part 4 and 21 of Part 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 19721, which allows for the exclusion of the public when confidential information is being discussed. This means that the specific issues affecting taxi services, and any potential decisions made, remain private.

The Public Protection Sub Committee plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and quality of services that residents rely on, including public transport. Decisions made in private sessions can have a direct impact on the availability, cost, and regulation of these services, particularly for those who depend on them for essential travel.

View the Public Protection Sub Committee meeting details here

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming Cardiff Council meetings:

  1. The Local Government Act 1972 is a piece of UK legislation that governs the structure and functions of local government in England and Wales. Schedule 12A, as referenced, outlines provisions for the exclusion of the public from meetings when confidential information is being discussed. ↩

Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee

Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 17th March, 2026 4.30 pm

The Economy and Culture Scrutiny Committee met to discuss proposals for the Ely Youth Zone, the International Sports Village, the introduction of a visitor levy, and the renewal of the Business Improvement District. Key decisions included in-principle agreement to progress the Ely Youth Zone, confirmation of a permanent car parking solution for the International Sports Village, and support for the visitor levy and Business Improvement District renewal.

March 17, 2026, 4:30 pm
Local Authority Governor Panel

Local Authority Governor Panel - Monday, 16th March, 2026 2.00 pm

The Local Authority Governor Panel was scheduled to discuss nominations for school governor vacancies across various schools. The panel was also set to review existing and future vacancies, considering applications for these roles.

March 16, 2026, 2:00 pm
Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee

Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 16 March 2026 - 4.30 pm

The Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee of Cardiff Council met on Monday, 16 March 2026, to discuss the proposed Core Office Strategy and receive an update on the Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) System. The meeting focused on pre-decision scrutiny of the Core Office Strategy, examining its financial, legal, and property implications, as well as key risks and proposed mitigations.

March 16, 2026, 4:30 pm
Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee

Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 16 March 2026 - 4.30 pm

The Community and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee met on Monday, 16 March 2026, to scrutinise the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan 2026-27 and the Cardiff Council Homes Tenant Engagement Strategy 2026-2030, as well as a proposed property acquisition and the procurement of contractors for recladding works. The committee also considered a task and finish report on access to adult social care services for older ethnic minority communities.

March 16, 2026, 4:30 pm
Pensions Committee

Additional Meeting, Pensions Committee - Monday, 16th March, 2026 5.00 pm

The Pensions Committee of Cardiff Council was scheduled to meet on Monday 16 March 2026 to review and approve the 2026/27 Business Plans for the Wales Pension Partnership (WPP) and the WPP Investment Management Company (IMCo). The committee was also scheduled to review and approve the Funding Strategy Statement (FSS) for the Cardiff & Vale of Glamorgan Pension Fund.

March 16, 2026, 5:00 pm
Appointment Committee - Director of Frontline Services

Interviews, Appointment Committee - Director of Frontline Services - Friday, 13th March, 2026 10.00 am

The Appointment Committee met to discuss the process for appointing a new Director of Frontline Services. The meeting's agenda focused on interviewing candidates for this senior role.

March 13, 2026, 10:00 am
Glamorgan Archives Joint Committee POSTPONED

Glamorgan Archives Joint Committee - Friday, 13th March, 2026 2.00 pm

This meeting has been postponed.

March 13, 2026, 2:00 pm
Planning Committee

Planning Committee - Thursday, 12th March, 2026 10.30 am

The Planning Committee of Cardiff Council met on Thursday 12 March 2026 and granted planning permission for a significant mixed-use development in Central Square, Cardiff, and approved reserved matters for a large residential development in Grangetown. The committee also granted permission for a minor extension to a property in Llandaff North.

March 12, 2026, 10:30 am
Environmental Scrutiny Committee

Environmental Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 12th March, 2026 4.30 pm

The Environmental Scrutiny Committee meeting on 12 March 2026 focused on improving Cardiff's recycling performance, the proposal for a new green crematorium, updates to the active travel network map, and the Crossrail Phase 1A project. Key decisions included approving the introduction of weekly absorbent hygiene product collections and soft plastics recycling, moving forward with plans for a new green crematorium, and approving the consultation process for the active travel network map. The committee also received an update on the Crossrail project, with delegated authority sought for the Stage 2 construction contract.

March 12, 2026, 4:30 pm
Appointment Committee - Director of Childrens Services

Appointment Committee - Director of Childrens Services - Wednesday, 11 March 2026 - 9.00 am

The Appointment Committee of Cardiff Council met on Wednesday 11 March 2026 to discuss the appointment of a new Director of Children's Services. The meeting's agenda and recruitment pack were made public, outlining the process and requirements for the role.

March 11, 2026, 9:00 am
Cabinet

Cabinet - Thursday, 19 March 2026 - 10.00 am

Cardiff Council's Cabinet is scheduled to convene on Thursday, 19 March 2026, with a packed agenda covering a range of significant local issues. Key discussions are expected to include the proposed renewal of the Business Improvement District (BID) for the city centre and Cardiff Bay, alongside plans for a new green crematorium and wake facility. The Cabinet will also consider the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan for 2026-27 and a new Tenant Engagement Strategy for 2026-2030, as well as proposals for recladding works at Beech House and Sycamore House. Further topics on the agenda include the procurement of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, the development of the Ely Youth Zone, and the potential introduction of a visitor levy. Additionally, the Cabinet will review the draft school admission arrangements for 2027/28 and a variation to the 2026/27 arrangements for St Mellons Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled Primary School. The meeting will also address the delivery of the Path to 70% plan to improve recycling performance, including changes to absorbent hygiene product collections and the introduction of a soft plastic collection service. Finally, an update on the International Sports Village project and the proposed Core Office strategy will be presented.

March 19, 2026, 10:00 am
Cabinet Trust Committee

Cabinet Trust Committee - Thursday, 19 March 2026 - 11.00 am

The Cabinet Trust Committee is scheduled to consider the future of two properties: 28 The Parade and Roath Park House. Discussions will focus on the options available for each property, with a view to ensuring their best use in line with charitable trust objectives.

March 19, 2026, 11:00 am
Governance and Audit Committee

Governance and Audit Committee - Tuesday, 24 March 2026 - 1.00 pm

The Governance and Audit Committee of Cardiff Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 24 March 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a comprehensive review of the Council's financial performance, internal audit progress, and risk management strategies. Key discussions are expected to cover the Finance Update, the Statement of Accounts for 2025/26, and the Treasury Management Strategy for the upcoming year.

March 24, 2026, 1:00 pm
Licensing Sub Committee

Licensing Sub Committee - Wednesday, 25th March, 2026 10.00 am

We do not yet have a summary for this meeting. Since it is in the future, this may be because we have not yet processed it. Please check back later.

March 25, 2026, 10:00 am
Appointment Committee - Director of Strategy & Transformation

Appointment Committee - Director of Strategy & Transformation - Wednesday, 25 March 2026 - 10.30 am

We do not yet have a summary for this meeting. Since it is in the future, this may be because we have not yet processed it. Please check back later.

March 25, 2026, 10:30 am
Council

Council - Thursday, 26 March 2026 - 4.30 pm

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March 26, 2026, 4:30 pm
Public Protection Sub Committee

Public Protection Sub Committee - Wednesday, 1st April, 2026 10.00 am

We do not yet have a summary for this meeting. Since it is in the future, this may be because we have not yet processed it. Please check back later.

April 01, 2026, 10:00 am
Planning Committee

Planning Committee - Thursday, 9th April, 2026 10.30 am

We do not yet have a summary for this meeting. Since it is in the future, this may be because we have not yet processed it. Please check back later.

April 09, 2026, 10:30 am
Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee

Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee - Monday, 13 April 2026 - 3.00 pm

We do not yet have a summary for this meeting. Since it is in the future, this may be because we have not yet processed it. Please check back later.

April 13, 2026, 3:00 pm
Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee

Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 14 April 2026 - 4.30 pm

We do not yet have a summary for this meeting. Since it is in the future, this may be because we have not yet processed it. Please check back later.

April 14, 2026, 4:30 pm