The Cabinet of Cardiff Council met on Thursday 18 June 2026. The meeting recommended that the Council approve the Welsh Language Standards Annual Report for 2025-2026 and approved the commencement of a competitive tender process for Phase 1a of the Cardiff to Newport Sustainable Transport Corridor, including Kingsway Public Realm Improvements. The meeting also noted the report and actions taken in respect of the Council's Revenue and Capital Outturn position for 2025/26.

Welsh Language Standards Annual Report 2025-2026

The Cabinet recommended that the Council approve the Welsh Language Standards Annual Report for 2025-2026. This report highlights the significant progress Cardiff Council has made in promoting the Welsh language, exceeding targets for staff Welsh language skills and training. Councillor Chris Weaver, Leader of the Council, presented the report, noting that over 21% of the council's workforce now report Welsh language skills, surpassing the 20% target. He also highlighted that 77% of the workforce had received Welsh language training, well ahead of the 50% strategy target. The report also detailed achievements in digital and telephone services being available in Welsh, and the council's support for the Tafwyl festival. Councillor Rodney Berman, an opposition member, raised concerns about opportunities for pupils to use Welsh outside the classroom, which Councillor De'Ath acknowledged as a valid challenge for future strategy revisions. Councillor Lancaster also queried the financial implications and budget allocation for bilingual services, with officers promising to provide this information.

Cardiff to Newport Sustainable Transport Corridor – Phase 1a (Including Kingsway Public Realm Improvements)

Cabinet approved the commencement of a competitive tender process for Phase 1a of the Cardiff to Newport Sustainable Transport Corridor, which includes significant public realm improvements along Kingsway. Councillor Dan De'Ath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport, presented the report, outlining the strategic importance of the corridor in improving east-west connectivity, supporting public transport, and enhancing walking and cycling infrastructure. A key element of the scheme is the transformation of Kingsway into a people-focused public square, removing the Boulevard de Nantes subway and introducing a new street-level crossing. The evaluation criteria for the tender were approved at 60% cost, 30% quality, and 10% social value. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director of Planning and Transport to award the contract.

Councillor Rodney Berman welcomed the report but raised concerns about potential conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians, particularly at crossings, and the need for clear diversions when cycle routes are closed due to building works. Councillor De'Ath and John Mattingly, a senior officer, assured Councillor Berman that extensive modelling and stakeholder engagement had gone into the design to minimise such conflicts. Councillor John Lancaster, an opposition member, questioned whether the scheme would be undermined by potential future M4 relief road proposals, but Councillor De'Ath stated that the scheme was committed to delivery and would still be needed and beneficial.

Budget Monitoring – Outturn 2025/26

Cabinet noted the report on the Council's Revenue and Capital Outturn position for 2025/26, which indicated a balanced budget. Councillor Leonora Thomson, Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance, presented the report, highlighting a significant improvement compared to earlier projections. While acknowledging ongoing challenges in areas such as children's services, economic development, and transport, she expressed confidence in the positive actions being taken to mitigate these pressures. The report detailed a directorate overspend of £2.090 million, offset by underspends in capital financing and the summary revenue account, resulting in a balanced overall position. Councillor Berman raised concerns about directorate overspends and the delivery of savings targets, questioning the realism of some savings proposals. Councillor Thomson responded that many savings had been delayed rather than lost, and Chris Lee, Corporate Director and S106 Officer, added that robust processes were in place for financial management. Councillor Lancaster specifically queried the £1.5 million overspend in economic development, particularly concerning the Red Dragon Centre, and the sustainability of its funding. The Chief Executive indicated that a cabinet paper on the Atlantic Wharf regeneration would provide an update.

Other Business

Apologies were received from Councillors Lynda Thorne, Sarah Merry, Ed Stubbs, and Littlechild. No declarations of interest were made. The minutes of the previous Cabinet meeting on 28 May 2026 were confirmed. There were no urgent items or items exempt from publication.

The meeting concluded with thanks to all attendees and staff involved in the preparation of the reports.