The Economy and Culture Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss the financial position of the Cardiff International Whitewater Centre, review a short scrutiny report on allotment services, and consider the committee's work programme for the upcoming year. Key decisions included the approval of the Allotments Services Short Scrutiny report for submission to Cabinet and the agreement of a draft work programme for 2026-2027, which will include short scrutinies on innovation, playgrounds and play areas, and a task and finish group on commemorative plaques.

Cardiff International Whitewater Centre Financial Position

The committee reviewed the budgetary position of the Cardiff International Whitewater Centre (CIWW), which reported a deficit of £226,000 for the 2025/26 financial year. John Wheadon, the Centre Manager, presented a report highlighting that income targets were not met, largely due to a £150,000 shortfall against income targets and an unanticipated £60,000 cost for conveyor belt repairs. The report detailed CIWW's diverse activities, including recreational offerings and specialist emergency services training, which generates significant income and provides a public safety function.

Several challenges were identified, including increased sporting income targets, the prolonged unavailability of the conveyor belt due to specialist repairs, and significantly higher electricity expenditure. The committee heard that while the current year's forecast had improved, a remaining deficit needed to be addressed. Options discussed for improving long-term sustainability included rebasing income targets based on historic performance, exploring future operating models, seeking grant funding for new facilities and energy-saving technology, and reviewing business rates (NNDR). Councillor Rodney Berman, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, highlighted that the centre was initially intended to generate income for the council and questioned the capacity to get business rates reviewed. Donna Jones, Assistant Director for County Estates, confirmed that a challenge to the current valuation would be submitted to the Valuation Office Agency.

Members raised concerns about the accuracy of figures presented on the website versus budget lines, the impact of equipment downtime on income, and the lack of long-term contracts with emergency services for training. Councillor Peter Wong, Chairperson, requested clarification on discrepancies in pricing for certain activities and the use of US dollars for some charges. The committee requested detailed historical energy cost data and a breakdown of income and expenditure trends over time to better understand the financial pressures.

Allotments Services Short Scrutiny Report

The committee reviewed the draft report from the short scrutiny of Allotments Services, which had been conducted over several meetings and included site visits. The report identified systemic issues within the service, including understaffing, underutilisation of wider support, underdeveloped digital tools, limited budgets, inconsistent communication, and a backlog of work. Key findings highlighted the essential role of volunteers in managing allotment sites and the need for improved processes for tenancy management, billing, and digital tools like Orkastrate.

Councillor James Caruana declared a personal interest in item 5, as his father is a plot holder at Pengham Permanent Allotments.

The report made 15 recommendations to Cabinet, focusing on improving response times for allotmenteer requests, developing performance metrics, reviewing billing processes, enhancing the Orkastrate system, and ensuring adequate capital funding for repairs and maintenance. Councillor Rodney Berman reiterated his thanks for the committee's work, noting that despite the report, issues such as a badly fitted gate and water leaks at Colchester Avenue allotments had continued over the summer. The committee agreed to approve the report for submission to Cabinet.

Corporate Joint Committee & Joint Overview Scrutiny Committee Update

Angela Holt, Principal Scrutiny Officer, provided an update on the South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) and its Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JOSC). The CJC, comprising leaders from ten local authorities, is responsible for strategic development and regional transport plans. The JOSC, which scrutinises the CJC's work, had not yet met but was scheduled to set its work programme, including a working group on the regional transport delivery plan. Councillor Peter Wong, Chair of the Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee, is the primary representative for Cardiff Council on the JOSC. The committee noted the update.

Work Programming 2026-2027

The committee discussed its work programme for the upcoming year. Following two work programming forum meetings, a draft programme was presented, including policy development, short scrutinies, and committee business items. The committee agreed to prioritise a short scrutiny on Innovation, focusing on the interface between Cardiff Council and the South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee, and a short scrutiny on Playgrounds and Play Areas, responding to feedback from the Child Friendly Team's consultations. A task and finish group will be established to explore Introducing a Commemorative Plaque Scheme, with Councillor Wong and Councillor James Caruana putting their names forward to join. Joint short scrutinies with other committees on Shared Regulatory Services – Tackling Dodgy Shops and Cardiff Central Station were also agreed. The committee approved the draft work programme and agreed for the Forward Work Plan to be published.

Scrutiny Annual Report 2025-26

The committee reviewed the draft Scrutiny Annual Report 2025-26, which highlights the committee's achievements, including inquiries into the Visitor Levy and Place-Based Economic Interventions. Councillor Peter Wong, Chair of the Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee, noted that Cabinet had accepted all seven recommendations from the Visitor Levy Inquiry and all five recommendations from the Place Based Economic Interventions Inquiry. The committee agreed to approve the report for submission to Full Council.

Correspondence Update

The committee received an update on correspondence sent and received. Responses were still awaited from Councillor Goodway, Cabinet Member – Investment and Development, regarding several reports, including the Heritage Building Support Park House, International Sports Village, City Hall, and the Visitor Levy Consultation. A response had been received from Councillor Bridgeman, Cabinet Member – Housing and Communities, regarding the Regeneration Strategy 2025-2030. Responses were also awaited from Councillor Burke, Cabinet Member – Culture, Leisure and Tourism, regarding the GLL Better Leisure contract monitoring. The committee agreed to reflect on the update and discuss any necessary follow-up actions.