The Economy and Culture Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the Connect to Work programme, playground and play area management, the tennis in parks and skateboard strategy, and a bid to host the 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup. The committee agreed to recommend that a child-friendly impact assessment be carried out for the Connect to Work programme, and requested more information on the baseline standards of the local authorities involved in the scheme. The committee also requested a programme of works for the playground and play areas, and demographic data on the tennis in parks scheme.

Connect to Work Programme

The committee scrutinised a report regarding the Connect to Work programme, a five-year initiative funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) aimed at supporting disabled people and those with long-term health conditions into employment. Councillor Pete Bradbury, Cabinet Member for Tackling Poverty and Supporting Young People, explained that Cardiff Council had been granted the role of host authority for the South East Wales region, receiving £35 million to support 9,500 people, with 2,000 of those from Cardiff. Hayley Benyon, the OM for Advice Services, gave a presentation on the Connect to Work - Presentation.

A key concern raised was the potential overlap and interaction with the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF). Councillor Rodney Berman, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, asked if the Connect to Work programme would be additive to the council's existing efforts, or if it would replace some functionality. Helen Evans, the Assistant Director for Communities and Housing, clarified that the impact on existing services was unclear until the outcome of SPF funding was known. She noted that the council currently receives approximately £4 million from SPF, which is significantly more than the £1 million per year expected from Connect to Work.

Councillor Eleanor Burnham queried the definition of working age in the context of the programme and its impact assessments. It was clarified that the programme targets individuals aged 16 and over. Councillor Peter Huw Jenkins followed up, noting that the children's rights impact assessment had not been completed because the programme was specifically targeted at individuals of working age and does not directly engage or provide services to children . He argued that this was an oversight, as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child applies to everyone under 18. Councillor Bradbury acknowledged the point and committed to including a recommendation in the way forward to address this.

Councillor Jamie Green asked how the council would ensure the quality of delivery across the region. Ms Benyon outlined the governance arrangements, including monthly operational and strategic meetings, an escalation process, dedicated financial support for auditing, and a risk register. She also mentioned the involvement of a DWP relationship manager and the support offered by the chief executive.

The committee agreed to send a letter to Councillor Bradbury, Letter to Cllr Bradbury Connect to Work, conveying the observations and recommendations of the committee, including:

• A recommendation that a child-friendly impact assessment be carried out.
• A request for more information on the baseline standards of the local authorities involved in the scheme.

Playgrounds and Play Areas

The committee received an update on the management and provision of playgrounds and play areas in Cardiff. Councillor Jen Burke, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sports and Parks, introduced the item, highlighting the importance of these spaces for social connection, physical activity, and community engagement. Jenny Judd, the OM for Park Services, provided an overview of the service, assets, budget, team, and inspection regimes. Steve Morris, the OM for Sports Development, presented the play programme and investment, showcasing recent and planned improvements. Mark Simon, the landscape architect, discussed the design aspects of the playgrounds.

A key theme was the challenge of balancing resources and meeting public expectations. Ms Judd noted that the operational budget was £524,000, equating to approximately £586 per play site. She also highlighted rising costs, delays in deliveries, and the need to manage public expectations given the success of new facilities.

Councillor Annie Smith asked about steps to address increasing costs and supply disruptions. Mr Morris explained that the council now has regular meetings with the procurement team and is building relationships with contractors. Ms Judd added that the council is stocking frequently needed repair items and providing in-house training for repairs.

Accessibility and inclusivity were also major topics of discussion. Councillor Eleanor Burnham asked about specific measures to ensure playgrounds meet the needs of children with disabilities, including neurodivergence. Mr Simon explained that consultations are conducted with stakeholders and schools, and designs incorporate features like wheelchair-accessible surfaces and equipment. He acknowledged that more could be done to consult with disability groups.

Councillor Katrina Brown-Reckless raised concerns about vandalism at Sanatorium Road Park, asking who bore the cost of repeat work to make it work a second time. Mr Simon explained that the park had been a victim of its own success, with heavy use leading to wear and tear. He added that vandalism had also been an issue, with benches and ropes stolen. The repair work was funded via section 106¹.

Councillor Rodney Berman asked about the council's strategy for areas with limited section 106 funding. Mr Morris explained that the council uses a programme to identify parks in most need and balances budgets accordingly. He also mentioned the use of the Neighbourhood Renewal Scheme to unlock funding in areas without section 106.

The committee agreed to send a letter to Councillor Burke, Letter to Cllr Burke - Playgrounds Play Areas, conveying the observations and recommendations of the committee, including:

• A request for them to consider how procurement issues can be factored into the design of parks.
• A request for them to engage with the neurodiversity friendly team about the strategy and consider how it can be adopted into park provisions and new developments.
• A recommendation to identify key stakeholders to consult.
• A request for the parks programme to be shared.
• A request for them to look at how they could engage more with ward councillors about identifying what the needs are in each area.

Tennis in Parks and Skatepark Strategy

The committee received an update on the tennis in parks scheme and the skateboard strategy. Mr Morris reported that the tennis scheme had been successful in increasing participation, with good quality courts and coaching available. He noted the emergence of social groups using the courts and the need for more work on coaching programmes. He also presented a video on the skateboard strategy, showcasing new skateparks in the city.

Councillor Berman asked how far the council was through the skateboard programme and what could be expected in the next couple of years. Mr Morris said that the council was ahead of schedule, having delivered three skateparks in a year. He mentioned plans for a skatepark in Trelai Park and potentially one on the barrage.

Councillor Green asked about the geographical spread of the skateparks and how the council ensures fair access across the city. Mr Morris explained that the strategy targets a neighbourhood park in the east, north, west, and south of the city, as well as smaller spots and dots and a central network hub.

Councillor Green also asked how the council manages complaints from neighbours about skateparks. Mr Morris said that the new concrete designs have significantly reduced noise complaints compared to the old timber structures.

Councillor Brown-Reckless asked about injuries to people using skateparks. Mr Morris said that the council has no data on injuries but provides signage about safety equipment. He acknowledged that skateboarding is an extreme sport and that injuries are possible.

The committee agreed to send a letter to Councillor Burke, Letter to Cllr Burke Tennis Skateparks, conveying the observations and recommendations of the committee, including:

• A request for data and information on the free sessions offered as part of the tennis in parks scheme.
• A request for data on the demographics of those engaging with the tennis in parks scheme.
• A request for the programme of works for the skateboard strategy for next year.
• A suggestion to explore loan schemes for skateboarding equipment.

FIFA Women's World Cup

The committee discussed a report on a potential bid to host the 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup. John Day, the OM for Tourism and Investment, presented the report, highlighting the growth of the event and its potential economic impact. He explained that the UK is the sole bidder for the event and that the bid requires a minimum of 14 stadia.

Mr Day outlined the benefits of hosting, including economic impacts, increased participation in women's sports, and raising the city's profile. He noted the operational issues to consider, such as transport, volunteer programmes, and fan zones.

Councillor Smith asked about the minimum stadium size required for the bid. Mr Day said that there were specific criteria but that he could not disclose the details in the public session.

Councillor Lewis asked about the location of fan zones, referencing the experience of the Champions League final where the city centre felt empty due to the fan zone being located in the bay. Mr Day acknowledged the need to learn from that experience and consider city centre sites for fan zones.

The committee agreed to send a letter to Councillor Burke, Letter to Cllr Burke FIFA public, conveying the observations and recommendations of the committee, including:

• A request for the minimum stadium capacity required for the bid.

Work Programme

The committee discussed the work programme for 2025/26. Angela Holt, the Scrutiny Officer, presented the report, outlining the terms of reference, scoping, and membership for the place-based economic interventions inquiry. She noted that Councillor Emma Reid-Jones had expressed an interest in joining the task group, and the committee agreed to her addition.

Correspondence

The committee reviewed the correspondence update, noting the responses awaited.