Cardiff Council's Cabinet met on Thursday 17 September 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, approving the Annual Wellbeing Report 2025/26, noting the significant budget challenges ahead, and agreeing to expand provision for children and young people with Additional Learning Needs. The Cabinet also approved a refreshed Home to School Transport Policy, the re-procurement of a collaborative technical and professional services framework, and a new framework model for commissioning care home placements for older people.

Annual Wellbeing Report 2025/26

Cabinet noted the contents of the Annual Wellbeing Report 2025/26, which provides an assessment of the Council's performance and progress against its Corporate Plan priorities. The report was recommended to full Council for approval. Councillor Chris Weaver, Leader of Cardiff Council, highlighted the Council's continued progress in delivering its Stronger, Fairer, Greener vision, with improvements in educational attainment and significant regeneration projects underway. However, the report also candidly acknowledged rising demand pressures and significant financial challenges. Councillor Rodney Berman, Leader of the Opposition, raised concerns about school maintenance, recycling performance, and street cleanliness in the city centre. Councillor Sarah Merry, Cabinet Member for Education, addressed the issues raised regarding school buildings, while Councillor Leonora Thomson, Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance, discussed the Council's determination to meet recycling targets.

Coastal Risk Management Programme – Construction Update

Cabinet received an update on the Cardiff Coastal Protection Scheme, noting that the project was approaching 80% completion. Councillor Dan De'Ath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport, presented the report, highlighting that enabling works and rock armour defences were complete, with significant sheet piling installed. The completion date has been revised to August 2027, with increased costs attributed partly to delays in obtaining environmental approvals from Welsh Government. Councillor Rodney Berman questioned the financial position, noting that the increased costs appeared to fall entirely on the Council. Councillor De'Ath acknowledged the frustration caused by delays and assured members that dialogue with Welsh Government was ongoing regarding funding. Cabinet approved the programme extension, sectional completion for the rock armour area, and noted contract modifications. Future contractual changes were delegated to the Director of Frontline Services.

Provision for children and young people with Additional Learning Needs: Phase 1 - Determination

Cabinet approved proposals for changes to Additional Learning Needs (ALN) provision across the city, aiming to meet increasing demand for specialist places. Councillor Sarah Merry, Cabinet Member for Education, explained that the proposals included establishing new Specialist Resource Bases (SRBs) and expanding existing ones at various primary and secondary schools, as well as increasing capacity at Meadowbank and Tŷ Gwyn Special Schools. There were three objections received regarding the expansion of Greenhill Special School, primarily concerning parking issues. Officers presented responses to these objections, and Cabinet approved the proposals without modification, authorising officers to implement them and delegate procurement aspects to the Director of Education & Lifelong Learning.

Home to School Transport Policy

Cabinet approved the publication of a refreshed Home to School Transport Policy, to be implemented from September 2027. Councillor Sarah Merry explained that the refresh aimed to align the policy with current legislation, guidance, and operational practice, improving clarity and accessibility for parents and learners. No substantive changes to eligibility or entitlement were proposed. Councillor Rodney Berman and Councillor John Lancaster sought clarification on the implications of the ALN expansion for school transport budgets, with Councillor Merry explaining that the expansion was expected to control cost escalation by enabling more local provision. Councillor Peter Littlechild shared an example of a family losing free transport due to revised safe walking routes, highlighting the importance of clear communication regarding policy reviews.

Re-Procurement of the Collaborative South East Technical and Professional Services Framework

Cabinet agreed to the re-procurement of the South East Wales Technical and Professional Services (SEWTAPS) Framework, known as SEWTAPS2. Councillor Leonora Thomson, Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance, highlighted the framework's success in supporting over 100 public sector bodies and generating significant expenditure. The new framework will introduce a revised structure covering a broader range of consultancy disciplines, with sub-lots designed to support competition and SME participation. Suppliers will be assessed on quality, price, and social value, in line with the Procurement Act 2023. Authority was delegated to the Section 151 Officer to manage the procurement process. Councillor Rodney Berman inquired about the income generated by the framework, and Councillor Peter Littlechild asked about the percentage of Welsh SMEs participating.

Budget Strategy 2027/28 and the Medium Term Financial Plan

Cabinet considered an update on the budget strategy for 2027/28 and the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP), highlighting a significant estimated budget gap of £45.0 million for 2027/28 and £163.7 million over the period 2027/28 to 2030/31. Councillor Leonora Thomson presented the report, emphasizing the challenging financial outlook due to increasing demand, inflation, and workforce costs, alongside uncertainty regarding Welsh Government funding. The strategy will focus on efficiency savings, income generation, and the Council's change programme, but it was acknowledged that service changes may also be necessary. Councillor Rodney Berman questioned the impact of the Welsh Government's supplementary budget on the predicted gap, while Councillor John Lancaster raised concerns about school funding deficits and the Council's plans to address them. Cabinet agreed to the budget principles and the approach to meeting the budget reduction requirement, delegating authority to the Chief Executive to implement saving proposals. The report also noted pressures associated with the recommissioning of care home placements for older people, with estimated additional costs of up to £4.0 million in 2027/28.

Pengam Green Masterplan Phase 1 - Gypsy Traveller Provision

Cabinet received an update on the Pengam Green Masterplan, focusing on proposals for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation. Councillor Lynda Thorne, Cabinet Member for Housing & Communities, presented the report, which addressed concerns raised by the Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP) Inspectors regarding the sufficiency of provision. The proposals included designating the new Pengam Green site as permanent, retaining and refurbishing the Rover Way site as permanent provision, and commencing a city-wide site assessment to identify additional pitches. Councillor Rodney Berman and Councillor John Lancaster asked about timescales for delivery and integration with other infrastructure projects. Councillor Peter Littlechild suggested considering alternative sites, but was informed that the identified site was already allocated for council homes.

Recommissioning of Care Home Placements for older people

Cabinet approved the introduction of a new Framework model for commissioning care home placements for older people, replacing the current Dynamic Approved Provider List (DAPL). Councillor Norma Mackie, Cabinet Member for Social Services (Adult Services and Public Health), explained that the new model aims to improve service user outcomes, strengthen market sustainability, and enhance financial control. The framework will feature clear care categories, a fixed and transparent pricing structure, and a framework first approach. Cabinet noted the significant increase in demand for higher-needs placements, particularly dementia and nursing care, and the challenges in securing these under the current system. Councillor Rodney Berman raised concerns about the impact of UK government migration rules on recruiting care workers, and Councillor John Lancaster questioned how the new framework would address complex medical needs within budget constraints. Cabinet delegated authority to the Director of Adults, Housing and Communities to finalise the framework and complete the procurement, subject to Council approval of the required funding.

Any Items that the Chair has decided are Urgent

None.

Items Exempt from Publication

None.