The Policy, Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 1 July 2026 to review the Council's Annual Well-being Report for 2025/26, discuss the Annual Property Plan for 2026/27, and receive a briefing on the Council's relationship with Stonewall. Key decisions included noting the Council's performance across various well-being objectives, approving the Annual Property Plan, and discussing the ongoing review of the Council's engagement with Stonewall in light of recent legal judgments.

Annual Well-being Report 2025/26

The committee reviewed the Council's Annual Well-being Report for 2025/26, which summarises the Council's end-of-year performance. Councillor Chris Weaver, Leader of Cardiff Council, and Councillor Leonora Thomson, Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation and Performance, presented the report. They highlighted areas of progress, including improvements in educational attainment, a shift in the balance of care for children, and strong economic outcomes. Challenges were also acknowledged, such as the significant medium-term budgetary challenges facing the Council and the need for continued focus on improving performance in key services like education and children's social care.

Councillor Garry Hunt raised concerns about the length and volume of the report, suggesting a need for more streamlined reporting. He also specifically questioned the increase in rough sleepers in Cardiff and the funding for Additional Learning Needs (ALN). Councillor Joe Carter, who had recently vacated the finance portfolio, inquired about the Council's approach to balancing the budget in light of ongoing uncertainties. Councillor Hunt also asked about the Council's satisfaction levels with its services, particularly in relation to specific demographic groups.

Officers provided responses regarding ALN funding, noting ongoing discussions with the Welsh Government and the financial pressures this places on the Council. Regarding rough sleeping, it was acknowledged that numbers had risen, with a noted increase in individuals without a connection to Cardiff, and a commitment was made to investigate this further. On overall satisfaction levels, it was explained that while service-specific satisfaction is often high, overall council satisfaction can be lower, a trend seen across local authorities nationally. Sickness absence was also discussed, with a commitment to continue work on wellbeing plans for the workforce.

The committee also discussed the progress of major projects, including the indoor arena, which remains on track for its late 2028 opening. The report highlighted that the Council's commitment to equality and inclusion is reflected in its services and policies, with specific focuses on areas of deprivation and equality.

Annual Property Plan 2026/27

Councillor Leonora Thomson, Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation and Performance, presented the Annual Property Plan for 2026/27. This plan outlines the Council's land and property priorities for the year ahead, supporting the Corporate Property Strategy 2025-2030. Key targets for 2026/27 include achieving 90% statutory compliance, a £250,000 running cost reduction, £4.5 million in capital receipts, and a 4% reduction in built environment carbon emissions.

The plan detailed progress on various property-related initiatives, including the Core Office Programme, refurbishment of heritage assets like City Hall and St David's Hall, and the ongoing education investment strategy. Challenges were noted, such as the ageing estate, maintenance liabilities, and the significant investment required for decarbonisation.

Councillor Joe Carter questioned the Council's strategy for asset disposal in uncertain economic times, asking how decisions are made to ensure the best value for the Council. He also specifically inquired about conversations with the Welsh Government regarding the Mansion House. Councillor Garry Hunt echoed concerns about asset disposal, questioning the Council's financial position given its property holdings and asking what factors would prompt a different approach to land disposal. Councillor Hunt also raised the topical issue of air conditioning provision in light of rising temperatures and its potential conflict with carbon reduction targets. Councillor Sangani asked about the long-term aspiration for 100% statutory compliance and a timeframe for achieving it.

Officers explained the rigorous process for asset disposal, including scrutiny through an asset management board and a commitment to obtaining best value. They also clarified that informal discussions have occurred with the Welsh Government regarding the Mansion House, but no formal approaches have been made. Regarding air conditioning, it was noted that decarbonisation efforts, such as air source heat pumps, can provide cooling as well as heating, aligning with both energy efficiency and climate goals. The aspiration for 100% statutory compliance was acknowledged as a daily challenge due to the scale of inspections, but the Council's performance in exceeding 90% was highlighted as strong.

Cardiff Council's Relationship with Stonewall

The committee received a briefing on Cardiff Council's relationship with Stonewall, a charity campaigning for LGBTQ+ equality. Councillor Bethan Proctor, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Cohesion and Digital, along with Rachel Davis, Chief Human Resources Officer, and Craig Jacob, Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ Network, presented the information. It was clarified that the Council's working association with Stonewall, primarily since 2017, has focused on accessing guidance, support, and benchmarking for LGBTQ+ inclusion within the workplace. The Council's membership in the Proud Employer Scheme, achieving 'Trailblazer' status, was highlighted, with an annual cost of approximately £2,500.

It was emphasised that the Council's relationship with Stonewall does not imply universal agreement on all issues, nor does Stonewall influence the Council's decision-making, which remains independent and based on the Equality Act 2010 and UK government law. The presentation detailed the benefits of the membership, including access to expertise, support for vulnerable employees, and benchmarking. Employee voice, through staff surveys and feedback, indicated high levels of satisfaction with the Council's respect for individual differences and commitment to wellbeing.

Councillor Sangani asked how the Council ensures its approach to equality is genuinely inclusive of all protected groups, including those less often heard. Craig Jacob, representing the LGBTQ+ Network, explained the holistic approach taken, working with other staff networks to address intersectionality and ensure a wide range of voices are heard. Councillor Garry Hunt questioned the Council's position in relation to the Supreme Court ruling on gender definitions and Stonewall's advice, asking if there were alternative organisations providing similar services. Councillor Hunt also raised concerns about reputational risk associated with the Council's association with Stonewall, given its contested position on certain issues.

Officers clarified that their policies are based on the Equality Act and UK government law, and that Stonewall's advice is not followed without independent assessment. They confirmed that Stonewall is currently the only organisation providing employer accreditation for LGBTQ+ communities. Councillor Hunt expressed unease about the relationship, while Councillor Sangani sought further clarification on wider council-wide compliance beyond HR policies. It was noted that while the Council is working towards compliance with the Equality Act regarding single-sex spaces, this is an ongoing process, and the current guidance from the EHRC is not yet statutory. The committee discussed the potential reputational impact of the association with Stonewall, with officers and Councillor Proctor arguing that the benefits of the partnership, particularly in supporting staff and promoting inclusion, outweigh the costs and that many other reputable organisations continue to partner with Stonewall.

The committee also discussed the Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025/26, noting that recommendations from previous scrutiny sessions had been largely adopted. Specific points for inclusion in the letter to Cabinet included a request for more detailed updates on attendance at schools, clarification on Category D schools, and further information on the impact of IT system replacements on the Single View of the Child project. Concerns were also raised about funding uncertainties for Into Work services and the need for more realistic timescales for major projects. The committee also recommended that positive services like Bute Park and City Primary Schools be more clearly branded as Council services.

Finally, the committee discussed the Annual Property Plan, with a recommendation to amend wording to clarify that a tourism levy is not yet in force and to include references to the Tour de France coming to Cardiff in 2027 and the community benefits of major events. The committee also noted the slow progress on cycle hangar installations and recommended that lessons learned be used for future projects. The complexity of major projects like the Llanrumney Bridge and flood defences was acknowledged, with a recommendation for more realistic timescales. The committee also noted the discrepancy in figures regarding EDI training completion and recommended further exploration of the Council's relationship with Stonewall.