The Cardiff Council met on Thursday, 16 July 2026, to discuss a range of important issues including the appointment of a new Chief Executive, the Corporate Safeguarding Annual Report, and the Local Authority Social Services Annual Report. Key decisions made included the unanimous appointment of Chris Lee as the new Chief Executive and the approval of the Corporate Safeguarding Annual Report for 2025/2026.

Appointment of Chief Executive

Council approved the recommendation of the Appointments Committee to appoint Chris Lee as the new Chief Executive, Electoral Registration Officer, and Returning Officer. Councillor Chris Weaver, Leader of the Council, proposed the appointment, highlighting Lee's passion, commitment, and professionalism. Councillor Rodney Berman, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, seconded the proposal, noting the unanimous decision of the cross-party Appointments Committee.

Corporate Safeguarding Annual Report 2025-2026

Council approved the Corporate Safeguarding Annual Report for 2025/2026. Councillor Leonora Thomson, Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance, proposed the report, emphasizing that corporate safeguarding is a responsibility shared across all Cabinet portfolios and departments to protect vulnerable individuals. Councillor Weaver seconded the report, highlighting the year-on-year progress and the seriousness with which safeguarding is taken within the organisation. Councillor Jayne Cowan, speaking in the debate, supported the report, noting the progress made across all five areas of corporate safeguarding and suggesting clearer timescales for ongoing actions in future reports.

Local Authority Social Services Annual Report 2025-2026

Council approved the Local Authority Social Services Annual Report for 2025-2026. Councillor Ash Lister, Cabinet Member for Social Services (Children's Services & Safeguarding), proposed the report, highlighting the work of staff across both directorates and the focus on people, practice, and place in children's services. Councillor Norma Mackie, Cabinet Member for Social Services (Adult Services and Public Health), seconded the report, detailing achievements in adult services, including increased client satisfaction and reduced social worker vacancies. Councillor John Lancaster raised questions regarding the sufficiency of accommodation for children and Councillor Mackie responded, acknowledging challenges but outlining ongoing efforts. Councillor Elen Yeo welcomed the report and highlighted the Caring Friends Befriending Scheme. Councillor Robert Hopkins also spoke, noting the report's focus on children's services and the challenges faced. Councillor Lister responded to the points raised, thanking staff and acknowledging the ongoing journey of improvement.

Obstructive Parking and Council Responsibility

Councillor Berman raised concerns about obstructive parking on Ipswich Road, leading to pavements being blocked. Councillor De'Ath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport, acknowledged the frustration of residents and stated that Cardiff Council does not have the powers to police obstructions, which remains the responsibility of South Wales Police. He confirmed that he would contact the police to ensure their officers are aware of whose responsibility this is and would discuss the matter with Councillor Proctor to ensure the situation does not continue. Councillor Berman sought supplementary information on the Council's actions to progress powers for local authorities to deal with parking issues, to which Councillor De'Ath responded that the Council is in dialogue with the Welsh Government on a range of transport interventions, including this issue, but also highlighted the need for resources to effectively police pavement parking and the potential impact of fines on officer time.

Speed Surveys on Patmar Road and Hill-Tillacoyd

Councillor Cohen asked if the Cabinet Member would commission an urgent speed survey on Patmar Road and review the case file relating to speeding on Hill-Tillacoyd. Councillor De'Ath agreed to assess speeds on both roads and send the data to Councillor Cohen and his ward colleagues. Councillor Cohen expressed thanks for the positive response and acknowledged the residents who had contacted him regarding their concerns.

Illegal E-bikes and Partnership with South Wales Police

Councillor Green asked how the Council is working with South Wales Police to tackle the use of illegal e-bikes in the city. Councillor Proctor, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Cohesion & Digital, stated that the Council continues to support South Wales Police in responding to concerns regarding crime and antisocial behaviour linked to illegal e-bikes. Partnership operations take place throughout the city, with examples including Operation Livewire and Operation Green Horizon, which have led to the seizure of a significant number of illegal vehicles. The Council's community safety team supports this work by coordinating partnership activity and liaising with relevant services and partners. An application for funding has also been presented to the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner to fund additional operations. Councillor Green sought supplementary information on simplifying the reporting of e-bike sightings, to which Councillor Proctor expressed happiness to look into this constructive suggestion, noting the need to discuss practicalities and resources with South Wales Police.

Social Housing and Taxpayer Subsidies

Councillor Davies questioned whether social housing subsidised by the British taxpayer should be allocated to non-British citizens when there are thousands of British families on the housing waiting list. Councillor Thorne, Cabinet Member for Housing & Communities, strongly refuted the premise of the question, stating that social housing is funded through the Housing Revenue Account, paid for by tenants' rents, not general taxation. She explained that councils cannot legally use council tax or national taxation to subsidise council housing, and that council tenants actually subsidise the wider system. Councillor Thorne also highlighted that access to social housing is determined by housing need, not nationality, and that the council is legally prohibited from discriminating. Councillor Davies asked a supplementary question regarding rates set below market rate and census data showing a proportion of social tenants born outside the UK, to which Councillor Thorne reiterated the legal prohibition on discrimination and the importance of shared values shaped by diverse experiences.

UNICEF Child-Friendly City Re-accreditation

Councillor Pocknell asked about the benefits to Cardiff children of the city being re-accredited as a child-friendly city for another three years. Councillor Merry, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Education, expressed pride in the re-accreditation, highlighting achievements such as embedding children's rights into policy, strengthening children's voices, expanding rights education, creating child-friendly neighbourhoods, and innovative work to address inequality. Councillor Pocknell asked a supplementary question about the biggest opportunity to build on this success, to which Councillor Merry responded sentimentally, focusing on the unexpected benefits and the magic of involving children in shaping their environment.

Differential Parking Permit Charges for SUVs

Councillor McGarry asked if Cardiff Council still plans to introduce differential parking permit charges for dangerous, larger vehicles such as SUVs, as outlined in the city parking plan. Councillor De'Ath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport, confirmed that this is something the Council intends to bring in, describing it as a really important part of keeping children and families safe and roads usable for everyone. Councillor McGarry asked a supplementary question about when these charges might be introduced, to which Councillor De'Ath replied that the traffic regulation order process would need to be gone through.

Enforcement in Butetown Parking Permit Zones

Councillor Gunter raised concerns about the low number of traffic warden visits to parking permit zones in Butetown, stating that the level of enforcement is not acting as a deterrent. Councillor De'Ath advised that Butetown is the fourth most enforced area in the city, providing statistics on visits and PCNs issued. He explained that the money is not ring-fenced and goes to running the service, but he is in discussions with the team to make the business case for employing more wardens. Councillor Gunter asked a supplementary question about receiving monthly figures on visits by enforcement cars, to which Councillor De'Ath agreed to discuss with the team and supply any information he is able to glean.

Waste Collection Services and Heatwaves

Councillor Caruana asked how waste collection services are adapting to recent heatwaves. Councillor Stubbs, Cabinet Member for Waste, Street Scene & Environmental Services, outlined that hot weather working practices have been reviewed with an emphasis on keeping staff safe, including briefings on hydration, additional rest rates, and access to sun cream and hats. Employees are also trained to recognise signs of heat stress. Councillor Caruana added that the community has been amazing in supporting waste teams with refreshments and asked if the Cabinet Member would join in thanking the people who gave their support. Councillor Stubbs agreed and took the opportunity to praise Councillor Caruana's campaign.

Exploitation of Children and Young People

Councillor Gunter asked what the Council is doing to deal with the exploitation of children and young people. Councillor Lister, Cabinet Member for Social Services (Children's Services & Safeguarding), explained that training happens across local authority staff and partners, supported by an exploitation screening toolkit and consultation with the safeguarding adolescents from exploitation service. Multi-agency processes are in place, and a harm outside the home working group has been established. He also mentioned the 'Exploitation Not In Our City, Not Our Children' campaign, developed in partnership with South Wales Police. Councillor Gunter asked a supplementary question about how the Council can do better at communicating these initiatives so that young people and families can benefit. Councillor Lister acknowledged this as learning for the Council and stated he would take it back to Children's Services, Youth Services, and the comms team to see how they can better expand that work.

Welsh Government Supplementary Benefit

Councillor Caruana asked the Cabinet Member to comment on the current situation with the Welsh Government's supplementary benefit. Councillor Thomson, Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance, welcomed Councillor Caruana to the Chamber and stated that the Council will strongly continue to make the case alongside other local authorities and organisations for additional funding for additional learning needs (ALN) in Wales. She highlighted that figures show the Council's budgets associated with ALN provision have increased by £65 million over the last six years, representing a 95% increase. This has become the biggest pressure on the Council's budget and will not be affordable without significant budget savings or funding provided at levels far beyond current models. Councillor Thomson urged the Welsh Government to step up and ensure that the SEND consequential funding is allocated in full to support ALN provision in Wales.

Constitution Update

Council approved the Constitution amendments recommended by the Constitution Committee. These included clarifications on the appointment of Cabinet members, new officer delegations for urgent consultation responses, amendments to operational HR employment policies, and updates to RIPA and IPA policies. The Protocol on Member/Officer Relations was also updated.

Political Balance and Appointments to Committees

Council noted the revised political composition of the Council following the Splott By-Election, with Labour now having 50 councillors. Council approved the updated Allocation of Seats for Committees, which reflected the new political balance, and made corresponding appointments to standing Committees based on Party Group nominations.

Appointment and Re-appointment of Governance and Audit Committee Independent Members

Council approved the appointment of two new Independent Members to the Governance and Audit Committee, subject to satisfactory references, for an initial 5-year term. Dr Janet Wademan was also re-appointed for a second 5-year term.

Councillor Suspension

Council noted that Councillor Imran Latif had been found in breach of the Members' Code of Conduct and was suspended as a Councillor for a period of 2 months, effective from 9 July 2026 until midnight on 8 September 2026. This followed a referral from the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales and a hearing by the Standards & Ethics Committee Hearings Panel. Councillor Latif confirmed he would not appeal the decision.

Cabinet Statements

Leader's Statement (Councillor Chris Weaver): Councillor Weaver discussed the Welsh Government's Supplementary Budget and its implications for ALN funding, expressing significant concerns about the lack of allocation for ALN provision in Wales. He also mentioned the civic reception for the Fiji national rugby squad, the Remembering Srebrenica Wales Commemoration, the unveiling of the Rhodri Morgan statue, and a visit to Whisper Cymru, a broadcast production company. He thanked council employees for their efforts during extreme hot weather and highlighted the importance of the Cardiff Public Services Board meeting.

Social Justice, Cohesion & Digital Statement (Councillor Bethan Proctor): Councillor Proctor announced Cardiff Council's success in winning the Institutional Mechanisms for the Advancement of Women Award at the National Alliance of Women's Organisations (NAWO) Awards. She also provided an update on the National WISES Steering Group, the Community Safety Partnership Board, and the release of the latest version of the Cardiff.gov app, highlighting its redesign and increased Welsh language usage. She also mentioned the successful migration of website content to a new platform.

Deputy Leader & Education Statement (Councillor Sarah Merry): Councillor Merry addressed concerns about the Welsh Government's Supplementary Budget and ALN funding, reiterating the Council's call for the full consequential funding to be allocated to ALN provision in Wales. She celebrated the opening of the new Fairoak Primary School, highlighting its modern facilities and community focus. Updates were also provided on the Constructing Excellence in Wales Awards, where Fairwater Community Campus won the Innovation Award, and the Healthy Playgrounds programme, which is transforming school grounds into greener spaces. She also congratulated Cardiff Youth Service for winning two awards at the Youth Work Excellence Awards 2025.

Waste, Street Scene & Environmental Services Statement (Councillor Ed Stubbs): Councillor Stubbs reported on the success of the 'Students on the Move' campaign, which collected over 17,000kg of unwanted items for reuse and recycling. He also thanked volunteers for their contribution to the 'Love Where You Live' initiative and acknowledged the hard work of frontline operational teams during the recent extreme heatwave. Updates were provided on highways maintenance, including the use of thermal repair technologies and the ongoing work to manage traffic signal assets.

Culture, Leisure & Tourism Statement (Councillor Jennifer Burke): Councillor Burke announced the upcoming opening of the new swimming pool at Pentwyn Leisure Centre, scheduled for Monday, 20 July. She also highlighted the success of the Tafwyl festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary, and the Blackweir concerts, which attracted over 160,000 visitors. She thanked the Friends Groups and volunteers for their invaluable contribution to maintaining Cardiff's parks and green spaces and provided updates on the Community Ranger Team and Local Nature Partnership's engagement events. An exhibition exploring childhood play in Cardiff, 'Ely Memory Lane', was also mentioned.

Finance, Modernisation & Performance Statement (Councillor Leonora Thomson): Councillor Thomson reiterated the Council's concerns regarding the Welsh Government's Supplementary Budget and the allocation of ALN funding. She confirmed that the contract for a replacement HR and finance system has been signed, with implementation over the next 12-18 months. She also highlighted a successful Career Insights Day for Cardiff University students, organised by HR People Services, and the launch of the Cardiff Growth Fund, providing grants to local businesses and social enterprises.

Housing & Communities Statement (Councillors Lynda Thorne & Lee Bridgeman): Councillors Thorne and Bridgeman reported on the continued pressure on homelessness services, with all hotels used for homeless families and single clients now closed. They highlighted the success of the Prevention Team in preventing homelessness in 82% of cases and the LETS team's efforts to secure additional private rented accommodation. Updates were provided on the development of new Gypsy and Traveller pitches at Shirenewton Caravan Site and the commencement of ground and ecological surveys for a temporary site at Pengam Green. They also acknowledged the importance of community hubs and libraries, the rebranding of the Carers Advice Line, and the success of the Caring Friends Volunteer Befriending Scheme.

Investment, Employment & Inclusive Growth Statement (Councillors Russell Goodway & Peter Bradbury): Councillors Goodway and Bradbury announced the launch of the latest round of Local Growth Fund grants, the Cardiff Growth Fund, providing support for businesses, social enterprises, and charities. They highlighted recent investment news, including plans for the Queens Arcade and the Park House development. The success of Cardiff University's spinout companies was also noted, reinforcing Cardiff's status as a leading UK city for knowledge-based businesses. They congratulated the Welfare Liaison Team for winning third place in the TPAS Cymru National Good Practice Awards.

Social Services Statement (Councillors Ash Lister & Norma Mackie): Councillor Lister reported on the success of the Cardiff Family Advice and Support GP Project, which received a Cardiff and Vale Regional Partnership Award. He also highlighted the 'Excellent' ratings received by Twinkle STAR and Little Angels Flying Start childcare settings following CIW inspections, and the Safeguarding Partnership Award won by SAFE Service Manager Charlotte Gerrard. Councillor Mackie shared updates on the Regional Partnership Board conference, the success of the 'Grow Our Own' approach to social worker recruitment, and the proactive response of care workers during extreme hot weather. They also announced the formal approval of the Migrant Workers Charter operational tool and the rollout of Neurodivergent Friendly Information points in Hubs and libraries.

Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport Statement (Councillor Dan De'Ath): Councillor De'Ath confirmed that the Cabinet does not support a congestion charge as the preferred road user payment option, favouring a Workplace Parking Levy instead. He provided updates on the Climate Resilient Playgrounds programme, the success of the One Planet Cardiff Schools Awards, and positive progress on the Coastal Defence Scheme. He also thanked council employees for their efforts during the recent extreme heatwave.

Oral Questions

A total of 20 oral questions were asked of the Leader and Cabinet Members. Key topics included:

• ALN Funding: Several councillors expressed concern about the Welsh Government's Supplementary Budget and the allocation of SEND consequential funding, urging the Welsh Government to allocate the full amount to ALN provision in Wales. Councillor Weaver, Leader of the Council, stated that the Council strongly continued to make the case for additional funding for ALN provision.
• Parking Charges: Councillor Driscoll questioned the impact of removing two-hour free parking on businesses in Llandaff and Canton, and asked what more businesses, patients, and shoppers needed to do to convince the Council to reverse the decision. Councillor De'Ath responded that parking spaces are not free and there is a cost to the Council for providing them, but that the Council would look at any evidence of businesses being harmed by the change.
• SUV Parking Permit Charges: Councillor McGarry asked when differential parking permit charges for SUVs would be introduced. Councillor De'Ath confirmed that this is something the Council intends to bring in and that the traffic regulation order process would need to be gone through.
• Waste Collection Services and Heatwaves: Councillor Cowan asked if the Council could arrange extra collections or community green skips if hot weather continues. Councillor Stubbs stated that the Council is reviewing what happens in hot weather and learning lessons, but could not commit to anything at that moment.
• Pentwyn Leisure Centre Opening: Councillor Norton asked when the swimming pool at Pentwyn Leisure Centre would open and if it would be in time for the school summer holidays. Councillor Burke confirmed that the pool is on track to open before the school holidays, but the date is contingent on works being completed on time. She also confirmed plans for a community fun day to celebrate the reopening.
• Waste Collection Services and Street Bins: Councillor Driscoll raised concerns about overflowing street bins and asked if this service had been affected. Councillor Stubbs asked residents to keep reporting full bins if they are not being collected and stated that household waste being put in street bins is appalling behaviour.
• Pothole Repairs: Councillor Berman questioned the policy on pothole repairs, asking if the Council would now see more potholes receiving permanent repairs from the off. Councillor Stubbs confirmed that the Council is moving away from temporary repairs but cannot move away from them completely as sometimes something just has to be made safe. He also mentioned a new pothole machine.
• Waste Collection Services and Climate Change: Councillor Gibson asked if the department would consider changing the way they work in the long term, given that hot weather is likely to continue. Councillor Stubbs agreed that climate change is an issue and that working practices would have to adjust. |
• Illegal Parking in Butetown: Councillor Gunter raised concerns about the low number of traffic warden visits in Butetown. Councillor De'Ath provided statistics on enforcement in the area and stated that he is in discussions to make the business case for employing more wardens.
• Exploitation of Children and Young People: Councillor Gunter asked what the Council is doing to deal with the exploitation of children and young people. Councillor Lister explained the training, multi-agency processes, and awareness campaigns in place. He acknowledged the need for better communication of these initiatives.
• Welsh Government Supplementary Benefit: Councillor Caruana asked for clarification on the figure for the supplementary benefit and where additional funding would come from for schools' deficits. Councillor Thomson provided clarification on the figures and reiterated the Council's call for the full SEND consequential funding to be allocated to ALN provision.
• Housing and Community Safety: Councillor Norton asked about plans for similar family fun day events at Pentwyn Leisure Centre and if it would fully reopen this summer. Councillor Thorne stated she could not give a commitment but would gladly have a conversation about events at the leisure centre.
• Investment in Queen's Arcade: Councillor Berman questioned the Council's plans to ensure the city centre remains vibrant, particularly with the conversion of shops into hospitality venues. Councillor Bradbury responded that the Council does well in this area and that the city centre has a mix of retail and hospitality.
• Migrant Care Worker Chart Operational Tool: Councillor Davies questioned the cost of foreign care workers to taxpayers and asked if the Council's needs strategy would involve steering young British people into these roles. Councillor Mackie responded that the Council looks to get younger people into caring, but most do not want to do it, and that the Council would not survive without migrant workers.
• Congestion Charge and Workplace Parking Levy: Councillor Driscoll asked if the Council would listen to residents and businesses if they said no to both the congestion charge and workplace parking levy. Councillor De'Ath stated that the Council is legally required to consult on a range of options but ruled out introducing a congestion charge. He also stated that the Council cares about businesses and will look at the business case for the Workplace Parking Levy. Councillor Lancaster asked if the charge would apply to public sector employers, to which Councillor De'Ath replied that they are not ruling out public sector workers but would give serious consideration to exempting professions like teachers and healthcare workers. Councillor Williams asked if Councillor De'Ath would rule out introducing a congestion charge, to which Councillor De'Ath responded Yes, I will.
• Coastal Defence: Councillor Yeo asked if the barrage is up to the job of defending the city from flooding. Councillor De'Ath stated that in his view, it is.
• Waste Collection Services and Street Bins: Councillor Driscoll raised concerns about overflowing street bins and asked if household waste was being put in them. Councillor Stubbs asked residents to keep reporting full bins and stated that putting household waste in street bins is appalling behaviour.
• Pothole Repairs: Councillor Berman questioned the policy on pothole repairs and asked if more potholes would receive permanent repairs from the off. Councillor Stubbs confirmed that the Council is moving away from temporary repairs but cannot eliminate them completely. He also mentioned a new pothole machine.
• Blackweir Concerts Noise: Councillor Shimmin asked if noise implications from the Blackberry Live Concert Series had failed or if the Council did not care about residents. Councillor Burke stated that a debrief is ongoing and noise complaints are being considered. She apologised if residents felt there was a failure and stated the Council does care.
• Pentwyn Leisure Centre Affordability: Councillor Williams asked what discussions had taken place with GLL regarding the affordability of admission charges and memberships for Pentwyn Leisure Centre. Councillor Burke stated she would raise it with GLL on Tuesday next week.
• ALN Funding: Councillor Driscoll asked for clarification on the figure for the supplementary budget and where additional funding would come from for schools' deficits. Councillor Thomson provided clarification and reiterated the Council's call for the full SEND consequential funding to be allocated to ALN provision. Councillor Gibson asked how often the previous council leader lobbied the former Welsh government for extra ALN funding. Councillor Thomson stated that the Council always asked for more money but it was not coming from the UK.
• Housing and Community Safety: Councillor Jones questioned the Migrant Care Worker Charter Operational Tool and asked if the Council's needs strategy would involve steering young British people into these roles. Councillor Mackie responded that the Council looks to get younger people into caring, but most do not want to do it, and that the Council would not survive without migrant workers.
• Climate Change and Working Patterns: Councillor Gibson asked if the department would consider changing the way they work in the long term. Councillor Stubbs agreed that climate change is an issue and that working practices would have to adjust.
• Attractiveness of Gateways into Cardiff: Councillor Robson asked what action the Cabinet Member is taking to improve the attractiveness of gateways into Cardiff. Councillor Stubbs thanked Councillor Robson for raising the issue and stated that works have to be scheduled, but if issues are identified, other cleaning can be scheduled.
• Illegal Trading: Councillor Fognor asked what lessons the Council has learned from a case involving the sale of illegal tobacco and what additional resources are available. Councillor Stubbs praised the successful prosecution and stated that the Council is willing to take action but also demonstrated the limitations of what they can do alone.
• Employment, Education and Training for Economically Inactive 16-24 year olds: Councillor Tobin asked what the Council is doing to improve employment, education and training opportunities for economically inactive 16 to 24-year-olds. Councillor Bradbury outlined a comprehensive view of what the Council will do in partnership with education, youth services, and Cardiff Commitment. Councillor Tobin asked if there were any targeted measures for economically inactive needs. Councillor Bradbury stated that anyone between 16-24 who is economically inactive or unable to get employment should be entitled to support.

Unopposed Council Business

Council approved the Constitution Update Report, Political Balance Appointments on Committees, and the Appointment and Reappointment of Governance and Audit Committee Independent Members. The recommendations of the report on Councillor Suspension were also noted.

Written Questions

Written questions and answers to those questions were published on the website and circulated to members by email prior to the meeting.

The meeting concluded with the Lord Mayor thanking attendees and mentioning a fundraising event for City Hospice.