The Cabinet of Swansea Council met on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, to discuss a range of important issues, including the extension of the Public Spaces Protection Order, the council's financial position, and performance monitoring. Key decisions made included the approval of a revised Public Spaces Protection Order for the city centre and beachfront, the noting and approval of recommendations regarding the revenue and capital budget monitoring, and the approval of new socially responsible procurement objectives.

Public Space Protection Order Scheme

Cabinet approved the findings of the review into the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) scheme and agreed to introduce a new three-year Order. This revised Order will extend the geographical boundaries to include Swansea City Centre, Swansea Beachfront, and Dyfatty. It will also incorporate strengthened conditions and a new clause addressing the dangerous use of e-bikes, scooters, and other mechanically propelled vehicles. The safeguarding-led enforcement framework, including the potential use of Community Protection Warnings and Notices, was also noted and endorsed. The extension of the existing PSPO restricting access to the service lane at the bottom of St Helen's Road was also approved. Authority was delegated to the Director of Place, in consultation with relevant Cabinet members and the Chief Legal Officer, to designate officers with enforcement powers.

Local Authority Governor Appointments

The Cabinet approved nominations for Local Authority Governor vacancies on School Governing Bodies. The following individuals were appointed: Caitlin Littlejohns for St Josephs Cathedral, Laura Tams for Ynystawe Primary, Mark Biscoe for YGG Bryniago, and Meleri Cole for YGG Tan Y Lan.

Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring 1st Quarter 2026/27

The Cabinet received a report detailing the financial monitoring of the 2026/27 revenue and capital budgets. The report highlighted significant material uncertainties and the need for severe spending restrictions. Cabinet noted the comments and variations presented, and approved virements, the use of the contingency fund, and the inflation provision. They reinforced the necessity for Directors to minimise service spending, acknowledging that the budget is currently balanced by relying on anticipated, but not assured, reimbursement from the Welsh Government, centrally held contingency budgets, and reserves. The indicative position regarding the pay award was noted, with further actions to be confirmed in subsequent quarters. Cabinet also noted the position of the current capital programme and approved the reprofiling of capital project budgets. Furthermore, they approved the budgets for fully funded and completed grant schemes set out in Appendix E. Power was delegated to the Section 151 Officer to determine deviations from spending restrictions in consultation with the Chief Executive, Leader of the Council, and relevant Cabinet Members.

Quarter 1 2026/27 Performance Monitoring Report

A report was presented detailing the Council's Corporate Performance for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. Cabinet noted the Council's performance in delivering its well-being objectives and endorsed the use of this performance information to inform executive decisions on resource allocation and corrective actions. The report indicated that while delivery steps and success measures were largely positive, performance indicators presented a more challenging picture, with pressures in areas affected by demand, capacity, statutory processes, and partner delivery. Key areas for focus in the next quarter include safeguarding timeliness, attendance, homelessness, benefits processing, financial resilience, and workforce sustainability.

The Governance and Assurance Arrangements of Swansea Council's Strategic Partnerships

Cabinet received a report providing an overview of the governance and assurance arrangements for Swansea Council's strategic partnerships during 2025/26. The report covered the Swansea Public Services Board, Partneriaeth, South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee, Swansea Bay City Region Joint Committee, and the West Glamorgan Regional Partnership Board. It highlighted developments in oversight, performance management, financial management, stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation across these partnerships. The report was noted as being for information only.

The Creation of New Socially Responsible Procurement Objectives as Required Under the Social Partnership and Public Procurement Act (Wales)

Cabinet was asked to approve the implementation of Socially Responsible Procurement Objectives (SRPOs) and their associated implementation strategy, in response to new legislative requirements impacting public procurement. Cabinet approved the proposed SRPOs and the associated implementation strategy and process for reporting on their achievement. These objectives aim to maximise the contribution to the Well-being of Future Generations Act's seven well-being goals through procurement activity.

Exclusion of the Public

Cabinet resolved to exclude the public from the meeting during the consideration of specific items of business. This decision was made on the grounds that the discussions were likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information, as defined in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. The specific paragraphs of Schedule 12A and the public interest tests to be applied were detailed in Appendix A of the report.

St Thomas Waterfront Site Redevelopment (Shaping Swansea)

A report was presented providing an update on the St Thomas Waterfront Site. Cabinet noted and approved the recommendations detailed in the report, which included approval of the Stage 2 SPA Project Plan, enabling Urban Splash to progress planning and project development activity. It was noted that future Cabinet approval would be required before any contractual or funding commitments were made.

Housing Support Grant Contracts

Cabinet received a report seeking retrospective approval for certain contracts funded via the Housing Support Grant and to be informed of current and future commissioning and award arrangements. Cabinet noted and approved the recommendations detailed in the report, as amended.

Pay Governance

A report was presented providing an update on Pay Governance. Cabinet noted and approved the recommendations detailed in the report, as amended. This decision was exempt from the Authority's Call In Procedure due to urgency, as certified by the Head of Paid Service, Section 151 Officer, or Monitoring Officer.