The Environmental Scrutiny Committee met to discuss water quality in Cardiff Bay, a new advertising and sponsorship policy, and a city parking plan. The committee also agreed to a draft work programme for 2025-26, and will write to Welsh Water to request more information on their investment plans.

Here's a more detailed look at the key discussion points:

• Water Quality in Cardiff Bay
• Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
• City Parking Plan
• Committee Work Programme 2025/26

Water Quality in Cardiff Bay

The committee examined the water quality in Cardiff Bay, a central consideration since the planning stages of the barrage¹. Councillor Burke, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sports and Parks, stated that since impoundment in 2000, the Cardiff Harbour Authority (CHA) has overseen an intensive water quality monitoring programme.

Key points from the discussion:

• Sewage Discharges: Councillor John Lancaster, Leader of the Conservative Group, raised concerns about sewage overflows and discharges into the River Ely and River Taff. He noted that monitoring sites were currently failing and asked about long-term mitigation plans. John Maidment, Operational Manager, Park, Sports and Harbour Authority, explained that the rivers receive sewage discharge due to the Victorian sewage system, but immediate discharges near Cardiff Bay were blocked during the barrage construction.
• Collaboration and Monitoring: The council representatives said that they work with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Welsh Water to address the issues, though ultimate control lies outside the council. They also work with Bangor University on viral monitoring and predictive modelling.
• Accountability and Standards: Councillor Andrea Gibson asked about accountability if water quality drops. David Hall, Environment Officer, Cardiff Harbour Authority, clarified that the only statutory standards are chemical standards relating to dissolved oxygen, regulated by NRW. Biological water quality standards are not statutory, but the council monitors them voluntarily.
• Viral Monitoring: Councillor Daniel Waldron raised concerns about waterborne diseases, particularly cryptosporidium, and asked if the viral monitoring would detect it. David Hall confirmed that they did sample for cryptosporidium in the past, and the current viral monitoring would pick it up.
• Algal Levels: Councillor Waldron also asked about algal levels. David Hall said that algal levels are monitored every week, and there have never been elevated blue-green algal levels in Cardiff Bay.
• Salmon and Trout: Councillor Lancaster asked about monitoring key indicator species like salmon and trout. David Hall confirmed that they monitor migratory fish via a fish pass, but numbers have dropped considerably.

The committee agreed to write to Welsh Water to request more information on their investment plans to improve water quality.

Advertising and Sponsorship Policy

The committee considered the updated Advertising and Sponsorship Policy before it goes to cabinet. Councillor Dan Dayaf, Cabinet Member Climate Change, Strategic Planning and Transport, introduced the policy, noting the balance between raising revenue and ethical concerns, particularly regarding advertising junk food to children.

Key aspects of the updated policy:

• Prohibited Items: The policy prohibits advertising of tobacco, pornography, drugs, payday loans, weapons and gambling.
• Restricted Items: It restricts political advertising, lap dancing/escort services and tax avoidance schemes. Foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS), alcohol and religious advertising are restricted and assessed case by case.
• HFSS Foods: While not banning brands like McDonald's or Burger King, the policy restricts advertising burgers and fries, but allows advertising healthier options.
• Religious Advertising: Religious organisations can advertise, but there are considerations for sensitivity and diverse beliefs.
• Council Logo: The council logo will be removed from advertising banners to avoid the perception of endorsement.

Catherine Palmer, Team Leader for Business Development and Projects, explained that the revised policy modernises the previous one, reflecting current issues like e-cigarettes and aligning with public health guidance on HFSS foods.

Key points from the discussion:

• Food Sustainability Motion: Councillor Kate Carr asked how the policy aligns with the food sustainability motion. Councillor Dayaf explained that the policy aims to support a shift away from ultra-processed foods, but it's challenging to execute due to a lack of clear rules.
• Ultra-Processed Foods: Councillor Lancaster questioned the rationale behind restricting HFSS foods on a case-by-case basis but not banning them outright, given the health risks.
• Ethical Considerations: Councillor Lancaster raised concerns about health washing, where advertising a salad improves a brand image, even if people then buy less healthy items.
• Religious Advertising: Councillor Lancaster raised concerns about the policy's approach to religious advertising, particularly the statement about greater sensitivity required for non-Christian faiths. He argued that standards should be applied equally to all religions.
• Commercial Medication: Councillor Ash Edwards asked about guidelines for advertising commercial medication. Catherine Palmer confirmed that the policy includes restrictions on advertising weight loss medications and products that make unrealistic claims.

Councillor Waldron said that there was a scientific consensus on ultra-processed food and that the council should show genuine leadership on the issue.

City Parking Plan

The committee received an update on the City Parking Plan following a public consultation. Councillor Dayaf stated that the aim is to better manage and ration parking spaces, acknowledging that this may not please everyone but is necessary for the city to function better.

Chris Hansen, Principal Engineer in Transport Vision Policy and Strategy, presented the proposed changes to the City Parking Plan, noting that there had been almost 6,500 responses to the consultation.

Key elements of the plan:

• Zonal Parking: The city will be divided into strategic parking areas, parking management areas and zones with varying levels of control.
• Permits: Introduction of professional carer permits, tradesperson permits and daily visitor permits. Surcharges for large vehicles.
• Outer Area: Roll out new parking zones with local support.
• Inner Area: Introduction of 24-hour resident parking bays.
• Business Parking Permits: Businesses in the outer area will be eligible for permits, with special dispensations for small local businesses or charities.
• Educational Permits: Staff at schools within new parking zones will have the opportunity to buy parking permits.
• Student Parking Permits: Student-only households will be eligible for one new student permit and half the number of visitor permits. Temporary permits will be introduced to help parents drop off students.

Key points from the discussion:

• Night-Time Economy: Councillor Lancaster raised concerns about provisions for night-time economy workers who may not be able to access public transport.
• Consultation: Councillor Ash Edwards noted that the consultation received a fine majority of support and asked about plans to bring more people on board. He also questioned the 10-year timeframe for completion.
• Communications: Councillor Ash Edwards asked how the council will manage communications about the complicated system.
• Congestion Charge: Councillor Waldron asked if the parking plan was a precursor to a congestion charge, which Councillor Dayaf denied.
• Blue Badge Holders: Councillor Gibson sought clarity on the response rate from blue badge holders to the consultation.

The committee were offered a further briefing on the plan before the next meeting.

Committee Work Programme 2025/26

The committee discussed and agreed to a draft work programme for 2025/26. Erica Painter presented the draft programme, which includes items such as the Local Development Plan Annual Monitoring Report, secure cycle stands, the local heritage list, air quality monitoring and a recycling strategy.

Key points:

• Task and Finish Inquiries: The committee ranked potential task and finish inquiries, with road user payments as the preferred option, followed by e-scooters and electric vehicle charging.
• Other Items: Other items for consideration include a five-year review of the Cardiff Transport White Paper, biodiversity, litter and fly-tipping, a green growth proposition and clean air.
• Red Bag Recycling: Councillor Waldron requested that the impact of the red bag recycling strategy on litter be examined.
• Clean Air: Councillor Waldron also suggested pairing items on clean air and air quality monitoring.

The committee agreed to publish the draft work programme and Erica Painter will take the comments into consideration.