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Cabinet - Thursday, 12th December, 2024 2.00 pm

December 12, 2024 View on council website
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Summary

This meeting was scheduled to include a range of updates on policies, strategies and plans, as well as the consideration of a number of reports. The Cabinet was also scheduled to consider the setting of rents for 2025/26.

Second Housing Partnership

The Cabinet was scheduled to receive a report on the progress of procurement for a new Housing Partnership Programme.

The report sets out the background to the programme which would see the Council work with a single Partner to deliver a minimum of 1,575 new homes on 14 sites across Cardiff. A high-level cost estimate for the delivery of these homes is also included, however the actual cost for each site is dependent on the final scheme mix and construction costs at the time the scheme is due to start on site.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council would also be part of the partnership, providing six of its own development sites.

Wates Residential are the Partner for the Council’s current Housing Partnership, The Cardiff Living Programme.

The report recommends that the preferred bidder identified in a confidential Appendix be approved as the development partner for the Programme. In addition, it recommends delegating authority to Sarah McGill, Corporate Director, People and Communities, to manage all matters arising from the report required to conclude the appointment.

Council Housing Rent & Service Charge Setting 2025/26

The Cabinet was scheduled to receive a report on the Council Housing Rent & Service Charge Setting 2025/26.

The report highlights a range of challenges facing the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) including an increase in borrowing costs; the impact of Universal Credit on rent collection; the need to maintain and improve existing homes; the need to build new homes; and the demand on council services.

In particular, the report sets out the impact of the new Welsh Housing Quality Standard 2023, which was launched in October 2023. The new standard gives additional responsibilities to social landlords, including targets for improved energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions and a requirement that all social housing meet an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of 'C' by 2030.

The report notes that preliminary modelling predicts a revenue budget shortfall in the HRA of £6.3 million for 2025/26, based on current estimates, even if the proposed maximum rent increase is applied. £1 million in efficiency savings have been identified so far, and work is ongoing to identify service changes. In addition, it is proposed to increase service charges for General Needs properties, and to move towards a full cost recovery model for both Community Living Schemes and Homeless Accommodation.

The report recommends approving a rent increase of 2.7% for all council homes, the maximum allowable under Welsh Government legislation.

Local Air Quality Management – Cardiff Council Air Quality Annual Progress Report 2024

The Cabinet was scheduled to receive the Local Air Quality Management – Cardiff Council Air Quality Annual Progress Report 2024.

The report provides an update on air quality in Cardiff. It notes that there are four Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in the city:

  • Cardiff City Centre AQMA
  • Ely Bridge AQMA
  • Stephenson Court AQMA
  • Llandaff AQMA

Monitoring data for 2023 shows that all automatic and non-automatic monitoring sites in the city are compliant with air quality objectives.

The report includes an update on the Clean Air Plan. It explains that the initial scheme for Castle Street was approved by the Welsh Government in June 2021 and implemented in October 2021, on an interim basis, to allow for a post-Covid assessment of its impact. The interim scheme successfully reduced levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) on Castle Street.

The Welsh Government subsequently issued a further legal direction in order to establish a formal timescale for a permanent scheme to be implemented on Castle Street. In response, the Council submitted a final scheme plan to Welsh Government. The scheme was approved by the Deputy First Minister in November 2024.

The report recommends noting and accepting the monitored air quality results from 2023 and approving the 2024 Annual Progress Report for submission to Welsh Government.

Co-ordination of School Admission Arrangements 2027/28

The Cabinet was scheduled to be updated on the responses received during the consultation period for the Co-ordination of School Admission Arrangements 2027/28.

The Education (Co-ordination of School Admission Arrangements and Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2024 came into force on 28 June 2024, requiring that all local authorities in Wales implement a coordinated admissions scheme. Cardiff Council already has a coordinated scheme for most schools in the city, which allows parents and carers to apply for community, voluntary aided and foundation schools using a single application.

Three formal responses to the consultation were received:

  • Dr Rhodri Thomas, Headteacher of Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr
  • John Grimes, Chair of Governors of St Illtyd's Catholic High School
  • Joanne Lee, School Admissions Manager at Newport City Council

The Headteacher of Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr expressed concern about the earlier closing date for applications for secondary school places, which is now mandated to be 31 October, compared to the previous arrangements. The report acknowledges that the earlier date may cause some challenges for schools, however it points out that the regulated closing date of 31 October is consistent with arrangements in England. The report recommends that the Council and the Cardiff Admissions Forum consider opening the secondary school admissions process earlier to allow for families to be supported through the process.

The Governing Body of St Illtyd's Catholic High School has yet to opt into the coordinated arrangements, and John Grimes expressed concern that the scheme constitutes a further reduction in the authority of the Governing Body and allows for greater influence and control from the Local Authority and Welsh Government. The report responds that of the 28 voluntary aided and foundation schools in Cardiff, 25 have decided to join and remain as part of the coordinated arrangements.

Newport City Council has also yet to opt into the coordinated arrangements, and Joanne Lee suggested delaying the implementation of a cross-boundary scheme until each Local Authority has an established coordinated scheme within their own area. The report acknowledges the concerns raised by Newport City Council, and recommends that a cross-county coordinated scheme should be progressed in future years.

Calculation of the Council Tax Base

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider a report on the Calculation of the Council Tax Base.

Section 33 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 requires that every billing authority calculate its Council Tax Base each year.

The report recommends approving a Council Tax Base of 153,582 for the City and County of Cardiff, which represents an increase of 2,210 at band D equivalent, compared to the previous year.

Corporate Risk Management - Quarter Two 2024/25

The Cabinet was scheduled to receive an update on the Corporate Risk Management at quarter two 2024/25.

The report notes that 19 directorate risks will be carried forward as escalated risks. It also includes an update on the risks contained in the Corporate Risk Register. The Budget Monitoring (Control) risk has been increased from B2 to C2 reflecting a projected overspend at the end of the financial year.

Shared Regulatory Services – Delegation of ‘Special Procedures’ (& Other Regulatory) Functions Introduced by the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017

The Cabinet was scheduled to be updated on the proposal to delegate to the Shared Regulatory Service the new ‘Special Procedures’ functions introduced by the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017.

Bridgend County Borough Council, Cardiff Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Council signed a Joint Working Agreement in 2015 to create the Shared Regulatory Service.

The Special Procedures legislation creates a new mandatory licensing scheme for tattooing, piercing, acupuncture and electrolysis.

The report recommends that with the exception of functions relating to hearings, which are assigned to the Licensing Committee, all Special Procedures functions are delegated to the Shared Regulatory Services Joint Committee.

Mid-Year Assessment of Performance 2024/25

The Cabinet was scheduled to receive a Mid-Year Assessment of Performance 2024/25.

The assessment provides an update on the performance of the Council’s seven Well-Being Objectives as set out in the Corporate Plan 2024-27. The assessment draws on information from performance indicators, inspections, citizen surveys, financial monitoring, risk registers, and feedback from Scrutiny Committees.

The assessment highlights a number of areas of good progress:

  • Continued improvement in the quality and effectiveness of education, with attainment above or well above the Welsh average for GCSE and A-level results in 2024.
  • A shift in the balance of care for children and young people.
  • Improved hospital discharge pathways.
  • The success of the Council’s response to the cost-of-living crisis, with over £9 million of additional benefit identified for citizens since April 2024.
  • The delivery of 158 new council homes in the first six months of 2024/25.
  • Continued regeneration of Cardiff Bay, with pre-enabling works commenced for the new Indoor Arena.

The assessment also identifies a number of challenges for the Council:

  • Managing increased demand and complexity across council services
  • Ensuring continued service and financial resilience in the face of rising demand and a significant budget gap.
  • Workforce pressures, including recruitment challenges and high levels of sickness in some service areas.
  • Responding to new risks and issues.

The report recommends that the Cabinet note the mid-year assessment of performance, and agree a response to any recommendations made by the Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee.

Attendees

Profile image for CouncillorJoe Carter
CouncillorJoe Carter  Welsh Liberal Democrats / Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru •  Pentwyn
Richard Crane
Profile image for CouncillorLeonora Thomson
CouncillorLeonora Thomson  Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Public Health & Equality (Cabinet Member Job Share) •  Welsh Labour / Llafur Cymru •  Riverside
Profile image for CouncillorLee Bridgeman
CouncillorLee Bridgeman  Cabinet Member for Housing & Communities (Cabinet Member Job Share) •  Welsh Labour / Llafur Cymru •  Llanrumney
Profile image for CouncillorPeter Bradbury
CouncillorPeter Bradbury  Cabinet Member for Childrens Services, Tackling Poverty & Supporting Young People (Cabinet Member Job Share) •  Welsh Labour / Llafur Cymru •  Caerau
Profile image for CouncillorJennifer Burke
CouncillorJennifer Burke  Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport & Parks •  Welsh Labour / Llafur Cymru •  Llandaff North
Profile image for CouncillorDan De'Ath
CouncillorDan De'Ath  Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport •  Welsh Labour / Llafur Cymru •  Plasnewydd
Profile image for CouncillorRussell Goodway
CouncillorRussell Goodway  Cabinet Member for Investment & Development •  Welsh Labour / Llafur Cymru •  Ely
Profile image for CouncillorAsh Lister
CouncillorAsh Lister  Cabinet Member for Childrens Services, Tackling Poverty & Supporting Young People (Cabinet Member Job Share) •  Welsh Labour / Llafur Cymru •  Grangetown
Profile image for CouncillorNorma Mackie
CouncillorNorma Mackie  Cabinet Member for Waste, Street Scene & Environmental Services •  Welsh Labour / Llafur Cymru •  Cathays
Profile image for CouncillorSarah Merry
CouncillorSarah Merry  Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Education •  Welsh Labour / Llafur Cymru •  Cathays
Profile image for CouncillorJulie Sangani
CouncillorJulie Sangani  Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Public Health & Equality (Cabinet Member Job Share) •  Welsh Labour / Llafur Cymru •  Heath
Profile image for CouncillorHuw Thomas
CouncillorHuw Thomas  Leader of the Council •  Welsh Labour / Llafur Cymru •  Splott
Profile image for CouncillorLynda Thorne
CouncillorLynda Thorne  Cabinet Member for Housing & Communities (Cabinet Member Job Share) •  Welsh Labour / Llafur Cymru •  Grangetown
Profile image for CouncillorChris Weaver
CouncillorChris Weaver  Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance •  Welsh Labour / Llafur Cymru •  Cathays

Topics

No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.

Meeting Documents

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