Cardiff Council convened on Thursday, 24 September 2026, addressing a wide array of critical issues including tackling illegal activity on high streets, declaring Cardiff a Human Rights City, and reviewing the Council's financial performance. Key decisions included the adoption of a composite motion to combat illegal tobacco and vaping sales, the declaration of Cardiff as a Human Rights City, and the approval of the audited financial statements for 2025/26.

The Council debated and approved a motion aimed at tackling illegal activity on Cardiff's high streets and strengthening enforcement against rogue retailers. This comprehensive motion, which evolved from cross-party discussions, called for a multi-agency approach involving Trading Standards, licensing, planning enforcement, and police collaboration. It also urged the Welsh Government to provide additional resources and review planning regulations, particularly concerning vape shops. Additionally, the Council formally declared Cardiff a Human Rights City, pledging to embed human rights principles into all decision-making processes and establishing a Cardiff Human Rights Task Force. The Council also approved the audited Statement of Accounts for 2025/26, noting an underspend in some directorates offset by overspends in others, and reviewed the Treasury Management Annual Report, which detailed the Council's investment and borrowing activities.

Tackling Illegal Activity on High Streets

The Council discussed and ultimately approved a motion focused on combating illegal tobacco and vaping sales and strengthening enforcement against rogue retailers. Councillor Owen Jones, proposing the motion, highlighted the blight caused by these businesses, which are often linked to organised crime and undermine legitimate businesses and public health. He stressed the need for a coordinated effort between local authorities, South Wales Police, HMRC, and Welsh Government to tackle this issue effectively. Councillor Davies, in his contribution, also spoke about the economic factors contributing to the problem, such as high business rates and taxes, which make it difficult for legitimate businesses to thrive.

Councillor Ed Stubbs, Cabinet Member for Waste, Street Scene & Environmental Services, acknowledged the vital work of Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) officers, who conduct raids and enforcement actions. He noted that while SRS officers do an amazing job, they face risks and require adequate resourcing to continue their work. Stubbs also highlighted the need for Welsh Government to provide more powers and resources to local authorities to tackle this issue effectively. Councillor Keith Jones raised concerns about the motion's length and its lack of reference to previous actions by Swansea Council and the Welsh Government's response, including the establishment of a town centre taskforce. Councillor Caruana emphasised that residents in her community do not want more vape shops and that local authorities need more powers to regulate them. Councillor John Lancaster, a member of the licensing committee, welcomed the motion as an opportunity to strengthen actions and make more appropriate decisions for communities, while acknowledging that licensing decisions are bound by law. Councillor Julie Sangani highlighted the concerns of ethnic minority businesses regarding illegal tobacco and vape sales, stressing that the motion supports legitimate businesses and ensures organised criminality is tackled. Councillor Marie Jones noted the overlap between illegal trade and anti-social behaviour, and the strain this puts on frontline teams, welcoming the suggested changes to the motion.

An amendment proposed by Councillor Rodney Berman, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, sought to include measures against the inappropriate and illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters, and called for a clear strategy for revitalising Cardiff's high streets. While Councillor Owen Jones acknowledged the issues with e-bikes, he felt they were a separate problem and that including them in this motion would do them a disservice. Councillor Peter Bradbury, Leader of the Conservative Group, argued that the motion was a Trojan horse and that the Council should focus on its existing powers and national reforms. Councillor Peter Littlechild also spoke, expressing concerns about the potential for increased red tape and costs.

Ultimately, the motion was agreed upon, with Councillor Owen Jones summarising that the core of the motion was about coordinated action to improve high streets and that the Council already possessed many powers to address these issues.

Declaring Cardiff a Human Rights City

Cardiff Council formally declared the city a Human Rights City, committing to place human rights at the core of all Council decision-making, policy development, and service delivery. This declaration signifies a promise to residents that human rights will be the foundation of the Council's actions. Councillor Jackie Jones, proposing the motion, emphasised that this is not merely symbolic but a commitment to embedding the values of the Human Rights Act into local governance. She highlighted that issues such as clean air, freedom from discrimination, and access to safe housing are fundamental human rights. Councillor Irene Humphreys seconded the motion, stressing that it represents a formal promise to residents and a commitment to creating a city where everyone feels protected and heard.

Councillor Rodney Berman, on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, moved an amendment to expand the motion to include considerations of human rights in land transactions and planning policy, citing concerns about potential developments like data centres impacting residents' rights. Councillor Norton supported the amendment, highlighting residents' concerns about human rights not being listened to, particularly in relation to planning applications and land sales.

However, Councillor Catriona Brown-Reckless, speaking for the Conservative group, expressed reservations, viewing the Human Rights Act as potentially being used to advance left-wing agendas and abstained from voting. Councillor Calum Davies argued that the motion was flawed, citing existing declarations and the national basis of rights, and feared it would entrench chaos and be abused. Councillor Margaret Lewis welcomed the motion, emphasizing the principle of dignity, equality, and opportunity for all residents and highlighting Cardiff's existing leadership in areas like CEDAW and Age-Friendly City initiatives. Councillor Matt Youde supported the motion, noting the importance of taking a stand for human rights in the current societal climate and hoping the council would use its influence to speak up for marginalised groups. Councillor Robert McElroy voiced strong opposition, arguing that the Council should focus on respecting existing rights and spending money on tangible improvements rather than virtue signalling. Councillor Joel Williams questioned the necessity of the motion, stating that Cardiff already respects human rights and that the motion would add red tape. Councillor Peter Bradbury, however, supported the motion, commending the historical architects of human rights and urging a vote in favour.

The amendment was accepted, and the amended motion to declare Cardiff a Human Rights City was agreed upon.

Financial Performance and Treasury Management

The Council reviewed its financial performance for 2025/26, noting a net expenditure outturn of £942.366 million against a budget of £914.943 million, resulting in an overspend of £27.423 million. Significant overspends were noted in Economic Development (£1.482 million), Children's Services (£1.052 million), and Planning, Transport & Environment (£0.987 million). These were offset by underspends in Capital Financing (£4.346 million) and Council Tax collection. The Council also noted a projected budget gap of £45 million for the next year and over £160 million across the medium-term financial plan.

Councillor Leonora Thomson, Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance, presented the audited Statement of Accounts for 2025/26, which received an unqualified audit opinion. She highlighted the Council's commitment to financial resilience despite significant pressures. Councillor Joe Carter, however, expressed concerns about being bounced into a £4 million decision regarding adult services funding and the council tax modelling of a 4.95% increase. Councillor Sean Driscoll declared a personal interest in the adult services item due to his mother-in-law's care. Councillor Matthew Youde echoed concerns about the council tax modelling. Councillor Chris Weaver, Leader of the Council, reassured members that the council tax modelling was indicative and that the final decision would be made in March. Councillor Peter Boomer expressed concern about voting on a £4 million increase without seeing the overall budget. Ultimately, the report was agreed.

The Council also noted the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2025/26. Councillor Thomson presented the report, highlighting that the Council operated within its treasury limits and prudential indicators. Councillor Joe Carter raised concerns about the rising debt levels, which stood at £1.148 billion, an increase of 17% in the last year. He worried about the Council's borrowing strategy being based on falling interest rates and the potential consequences if rates rise. Councillor Jayne Cowan also supported the report but raised concerns about refinancing risks if interest rates remain higher for longer, the increasing cost of financing investments, particularly in housing, and the resources available to the Treasury team. Councillor Thomson responded by stating that risks are managed within the Council's prudential indicators and that the borrowing strategy aims to balance short-term and longer-term interests. The report was noted.

Other Matters

The Council also addressed several other items:

• Interim Designation of Section 151 Officer: Council approved the interim designation of the Chief Finance and Deputy Section 151 Officer as the Council's statutory Section 151 Officer for a period of up to 12 months.
• Annual Wellbeing Report 2025/26: The Council considered its Annual Wellbeing Report, which assesses progress against its Wellbeing Objectives. An amendment proposed by Councillor Rodney Berman, seeking to defer the report, was lost. The report was subsequently agreed.
• Scrutiny Annual Report 2025-2026: The report was noted, highlighting the work of the Council's scrutiny committees in driving improvement and ensuring accountability.
• Cabinet Statements: Statements were received from the Leader, Councillor Chris Weaver, addressing issues such as the flooding incident at Gwaelod-y-Garth, the new Welsh Government Minister for Local Government, Housing & Planning, the WLGA Annual Conference, the Cardiff Visitor Levy Partnership Forum, and the Public Services Board arrangements. Cabinet Members also responded to oral questions on various topics including EV charging, school estates, housing repairs, and the return of the bike hire scheme.
• Apologies and Declarations of Interest: Apologies were received from several councillors, and various declarations of interest were made, primarily relating to family members employed by Cardiff Council.
• Public Questions and Petitions: No public questions were received. Three petitions were presented, concerning a new crossing on Fairwater Road and replacement on Western Avenue, the need for remediation payments in North Rhiwbina, and train horn noise at the Penarth to Caerphilly Pedestrian Rail Crossing.
• Lord Mayor's Announcements: The Lord Mayor shared a list of engagements and congratulated Councillor Helen Lloyd-Jones on her achievement in the Cardiff 10K.
• Unopposed Council Business: The appointment of Local Authority Governors to School Governing Bodies was agreed.
• Written Questions: Written questions and answers were published on the Council's website.

The meeting concluded with the Lord Mayor thanking attendees for their participation.