Cardiff Council met on Thursday, 22 October 2026, to discuss a range of important issues, including the potential introduction of a Land Value Tax, the ongoing challenges with litter and fly-tipping, and the council's commitment to becoming a Human Rights City. The meeting saw a motion to oppose a Land Value Tax narrowly defeated, while a motion to tackle litter and fly-tipping was carried, and Cardiff was formally declared a Human Rights City.

Land Value Tax Opposed by Council

A motion to formally oppose the replacement of council tax and business rates with a Land Value Tax (LVT) was debated and ultimately lost. Councillor Jayne Cowan, who proposed the motion, argued that Cardiff, with its high land values, would be disproportionately penalised by an LVT, potentially leading to increased bills for residents and businesses without any guarantee of improved services. She highlighted that Welsh Government research indicated limited evidence of transformative effects and significant data gaps for implementing such a tax.

Councillor Russell Goodway, opposing the motion, stated that he could not support opposing a scheme that had not yet been clearly defined, arguing that research does not equate to a policy proposal. Councillor Leonora Thomson also spoke against the motion, stating that it was contradictory and incoherent to oppose something that had not been proposed. Councillor Chris Weaver, Leader of the Council, echoed these sentiments, stating that it was irresponsible to rule out alternatives without concrete proposals and that he did not wish to write to the First Minister on an undefined matter.

However, Councillor Jamie Green spoke in favour of exploring an LVT, suggesting it could be fairer and have a redistributive effect, potentially benefiting lower-income households. He argued that the current council tax system is regressive and that the status quo is indefensible. Councillor Adrian Robson expressed concern that an LVT would affect Cardiff broadly and disproportionately due to its strong economy and higher land values, potentially impacting the council's funding.

Ultimately, the motion was lost, with 21 councillors voting for it, 41 against, and one abstaining.

Council Pledges to Tackle Litter and Fly-Tipping

A motion to Clean Up Cardiff: Tackling the Growing Problem of Litter, Rubbish and Fly-Tipping was carried by the council. The motion, proposed by Councillor Joe Carter and seconded by Councillor Daniel Waldron, highlighted the significant increase in fly-tipping incidents and the growing problem of litter on the city's streets. It noted that residents consistently identify these issues as major concerns, impacting their quality of life and the city's reputation.

The motion resolved to:

• Bring back dedicated community sweepers, install additional litter bins, increase the frequency of bin emptying, cover insurance costs for local litter picking groups, remove fly-tipping more quickly, and strengthen enforcement against environmental crime.
• Pilot alternatives to the current red and blue sack recycling system to reduce litter and improve public satisfaction.
• Improve access to household recycling facilities by reviewing the booking system at recycling centres and exploring the reintroduction of community skips.

Councillor Ed Stubbs, Cabinet Member for Waste, Street Scene & Environmental Services, presented amendments that were incorporated into the motion. He highlighted investments in reporting mechanisms, training for staff, and the introduction of pop-up recycling centres in each ward. He also acknowledged the need for more bins and better enforcement, particularly against businesses that fail to manage their waste correctly.

The debate saw broad agreement across the chamber on the need for action, with councillors from various groups sharing their experiences and offering suggestions. Councillor Sean Driscoll, while acknowledging the work of the waste management team, highlighted ongoing issues with bin collections and fly-tipping in his ward. Councillor Helen Gunter emphasised the importance of community involvement and intelligence gathering for targeted enforcement. Councillor Daniel Waldron praised the administration's amendments and stressed the need for a joined-up strategy that balances recycling initiatives with robust enforcement.

The composite motion was carried with 62 votes in favour, none against, and one abstention.

Cardiff Declared a Human Rights City

Cardiff has officially been declared a Human Rights City, following the adoption of a motion proposed by Councillor Jackie Jones and seconded by Councillor Irene Humphreys. The motion pledges to place human rights at the core of all council decision-making, policy development, and service delivery.

The declaration signifies Cardiff's commitment to protecting, promoting, and fulfilling human rights, building on its existing credentials as a UNICEF Child-Friendly city, Age-Friendly City, and Anti-Racist city. The motion also calls for the establishment of a cross-sector Cardiff Human Rights Taskforce within six months to co-produce a Human Rights Strategy and Action Plan.

Key resolutions include integrating Human Rights Impact Assessments (HRIAs) into formal decision-making processes, engaging with the Welsh Government's review of national planning policy to incorporate a human rights-based approach, and reviewing supplementary planning guidance to ensure human rights are protected in planning decisions. The council will also develop public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives, and the Chief Executive will report annually to Full Council on progress against the Human Rights Action Plan.

An amendment proposed by Councillor Joe Carter, which included minor wording changes and the addition of a point about engaging with the Welsh Government's review of Future Wales, was accepted by the proposer and seconder. The amended motion was carried with 51 votes in favour, one against, and nine abstentions.

Other Key Discussions

The council also addressed a range of other important issues through oral questions and cabinet statements:

• Education: Concerns were raised about structural issues at Albany Primary School, leading to temporary teaching arrangements. The Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Sarah Merry, confirmed that a review of similar heritage schools is underway. Updates were also provided on the reopening of Radyr Comprehensive School's swimming pool and the positive impact of the Flying Start programme.
• Housing & Communities: Councillor Lynda Thorne and Councillor Lee Bridgeman provided updates on the Single Person Gateway initiative for emergency housing, efforts to address overcrowding, and the achievement of Platinum status by two older persons' housing schemes through the RNIB's Visibly Better Spaces accreditation.
• Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport: Councillor Dan De'Ath addressed concerns about pavement parking, the progress of the Cycleway 4.2 project, and the rollout of EV charging points. He also confirmed that the new bridge connecting Llanrumney with the A48 Pentwyn area will be accessible to cars, with some restrictions for non-residents at peak times.
• Social Services: Councillor Ash Lister and Councillor Norma Mackie provided updates on the Youth Justice Service inspection, support for young carers, and the introduction of a winter pilot for hospital discharges. They also highlighted the development of the Disability Friendly Cardiff Strategy and the Niwro App for neurodivergent individuals.
• Waste, Street Scene & Environmental Services: Councillor Ed Stubbs discussed the draft Recycling & Circular Economy Strategy, the soft plastics collection trial, and preparations for winter maintenance. He also acknowledged the success of the Bereavement Services Team in national awards.
• Investment, Employment & Inclusive Growth: Councillors Russell Goodway and Peter Bradbury shared updates on business development, recent investment news, and support for employees affected by job losses at Admiral and Legal & General. They also highlighted the achievement of the Money Advice Team in securing the Advice Quality Standard.
• Culture, Leisure & Tourism: Councillor Jennifer Burke provided an update on the Cardiff Music City Festival, investment in cricket pitches, and the work of the Community Park Ranger Team.
• Finance, Modernisation & Performance: Councillor Leonora Thomson discussed the Welsh Government's supplementary budget, Anti-Slavery Day, and the Oracle Fusion programme. She also provided an update on the Glamorgan Archives and the Council's recruitment and retention strategies.

The meeting also included the approval of a constitution update to incorporate provisions for a 'Councillor Call for Action' and the noting of the Scrutiny Annual Report.