The Cardiff Council met on 27 November 2025, and approved sending the Replacement Local Development Plan to the Welsh Government for independent examination. Councillors also agreed to launch a public consultation on introducing a visitor levy in the city.

Other key topics included:

• Treasury management
• Governance and audit
• Local resolution protocol
• Cabinet member statements
• Fair funding for Wales
• Oral questions
• Crossrail

Here's a more detailed look at the discussions:

• Google Maps link to County Hall, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff

Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP)

The council voted to submit the Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP) to the Welsh Government for independent examination. The RLDP sets out a vision for the future of Cardiff, aiming to deliver nearly 27,000 new homes, all on brownfield land, and support the creation of over 32,000 jobs by 2030.

Councillor Diath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport, said the plan champions placemaking, promotes active travel, reduces car dependency and backs major public transport projects. Councillor Thomas seconded the proposal, calling the RLDP one of the most significant policy documents produced by the council and a blueprint for how Cardiff will grow and thrive.

Councillor Lancaster, Leader of the Conservative Group, said her group supported sending the report to the Welsh Government for assessment, but raised concerns about delivery rates lagging behind infrastructure trigger points and doubts about achieving the 75% modal shift target¹. Councillor Berman, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, also supported moving the plan forward, and noted that the current plan has seen more development on brownfield sites than initially envisaged. Councillor Stubbs disagreed with Councillor Lancaster about the consultation, saying that it had resulted in far more consultation responses from deprived communities than ever before. Councillor Yud supported the plan moving forward, but would have liked to have seen slightly higher targets for affordable housing.

The recommendation to submit the RLDP to the Welsh Government for independent examination was carried.

Visitor Levy Consultation

The council agreed to launch a public consultation on the possible introduction of a visitor levy in the city. Councillor Thomas introduced the report, saying that the levy would support the visitor economy, not restrict it, and that spending decisions would be made in partnership with the sector. Councillor Goodway seconded the proposal, saying that tourism forms a massive part of Cardiff's economy, but also puts extra pressure on the city's infrastructure. He also said that the additionality² of the levy would be crucial.

Councillor Cardiff said that the The Levy and that group was supportive of this consultation, and that they did not believe this is a stealth tax, a hit on businesses or attack on our residents. Councillor Davis said that the Conservatives would not be supporting the tourism tax, because it will hurt small businesses, punish people who want to contribute to one of our most valuable sectors, and affect people from Wales as well as those from elsewhere. Councillor Williams said that a tourist tax means that Cardiff will be less competitive, that it hits local businesses at a time local businesses need a hand up, and that it damages Wales as a brand. Councillor Michael said that most of the world pays tourist taxes, tourist levies, simply to help the trade deliver a better service. Councillor Littlechild said that their group is definitely in support of the levy, but that she found it a little bit of a stick in the throat that those people in Cardiff who are already paying their taxes, who are already supporting their local economy, will have to pay the visitor levy.

The recommendations were carried.

Treasury Management Mid-Year Report

Councillor Weaver presented the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2025-2026, which was seconded by Councillor Thomas. Councillor Carter raised concerns about the council's debt, noting that it had increased by £91 million in the last six months. Councillor Driscoll read a speech prepared by Councillor Cowan, who was unable to speak, which stated that every pound borrowed today is a pound residents must repay tomorrow, on top of rising council tax and reduced services. Councillor Williams criticised the Labour budget and argued that the UK has the highest taxes in history, while Councillor Bradbury criticised the Conservative government's record on debt.

Councillor Weaver responded that the council operates differently from the UK government and must set a balanced revenue budget. He explained that the council borrows to invest in capital infrastructure, which brings returns to the city. The report was noted.

Governance and Audit Annual Report

Gavin McArthur, Chairperson of the Governance and Audit Committee, presented the committee's annual report for 2024-25. He said that the committee's role is to provide an independent focus on audit, assurance, reporting, and good governance. Councillor Bradbury thanked the independent members, officers, and other officers who support the committee. Councillor Latif asked what immediate enforcement mechanism will guarantee compliance to 80% minimum within the next quarter, given that only 63% of audit recommendations are implemented on time. Councillor Berman questioned whether the committee has enough time to properly look in depth and actually discuss in depth between its members to ensure that it's coming to a clear conclusion that everybody supports.

Mr MacArthur responded that the 63% figure refers to implementation on time, and that there is often a lag in information flow. He also said that the committee meets approximately once a quarter, not once a month. The recommendation to note the report was carried.

Local Resolution Protocol

Councillor Grace Ferguson-Thorne proposed a report seeking the council's approval of a revised local resolution protocol, which was seconded by Councillor Wood. Councillor Brown-Reckless opposed the protocol, arguing that it could place a chill on what councillors feel they are allowed to say. Councillor Lancaster expressed concerns over how this can be used to stop members on scrutiny committees from speaking out. Councillor Williams supported the proposal, saying that it would help to avoid the horrific experience of being subject to an ombudsman's complaint. Councillor Driscoll echoed Councillor Williams' support. The recommendations were carried.

Cabinet Member Statements

• Councillor Thomas, Leader of the Council, confirmed he met with representatives of the Sikh, Hindu and Muslim councils to discuss a potential memorial to honour the contribution of the Indian army during the First and Second World Wars. He also addressed the Welsh Government Budget, saying that there are additional funds available to be committed to local governments.
• Councillor Burke, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport & Parks, responded to questions about Flatholm Island, saying that there is advertising of trips and stays, and that she would investigate how to make that information more accessible. She also denied that the events team is being disbanded, saying that they are consummate professionals.
• Councillor Weaver, Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance, said that he would be writing to the Chancellor about the budget, and that he would be recognising the incredible work she is doing on putting Britain back on track. He also said that protecting frontline services is absolutely key when the council goes into a budget process.
• Councillor Thorne, Cabinet Member for Housing & Communities, said that she would agree to meet with Councillors Thorne and Ferguson Thorne to look at how the council can support police work to ensure that they get the best results out of the Clear Hold Build programme on Clifton Street. She also apologised for not including the ombudsman's report about a family which suffered an absolute catalogue of negligence and failure from this council in her statement.
• Councillor Goodway, Cabinet Member for Investment & Development, was unavailable to answer questions. Councillor Thomson responded on his behalf, saying that the council is working proactively with the Atlantic Wharf project contractors to ensure that there is lasting positive impact on local people.
• Councillor Thomson, Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Public Health & Equality, said that if the council is not reaching those people who it should be reaching, that is indeed to be looked into. Councillor Sangani, Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Public Health & Equality, said that it is incredibly important to her that older people in Cardiff feel welcomed and feel a sense of belonging here.
• Councillor Diaf, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport, said that the council is still pursuing a road user payment, and that it is not necessarily a clean air zone. He also said that he would take it up to the officers to make sure that the air quality monitor in Randa is fixed if it is not working.
• Councillor Merry, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Education, said that while she would love to support every request to save Radar Comprehensive swimming pool, that is not automatically the case, but that the council will certainly look seriously at the condition of the pool.
• Councillor Lister, Cabinet Member for Childrens Services, Tackling Poverty & Supporting Young People, said that whenever there's a child who's not in employment and training there's need to be urgent action to ensure that we do get them down the right road and into employment and training. Councillor Bradbury, Cabinet Member for Childrens Services, Tackling Poverty & Supporting Young People, said that he will always never apologise ever for supporting policies that will ultimately aim to put money into parents pockets so that their children can be fed.
• Councillor Mackie, Cabinet Member for Waste, Street Scene & Environmental Services, said that if one person who's probably collecting it can't lift a Christmas tree safely under the health and safety rule, then it probably won't be lifted. She also said that the teams were out and worked really hard in Storm Claudia and they'd been preparing for it for a few days before because they were given reasonable warning.

Notice of Motion: Fair Funding for Wales

Councillor Berman proposed a motion regarding fair funding for Wales, which was seconded by Councillor Molik. The motion called for the UK Government to introduce mechanisms to ensure fairer, needs-based funding is provided to Wales in the future. Councillor Davis proposed an amendment that would recognise the role of Welsh ministers in the underfunding of Welsh councils, which was seconded by Councillor Driscoll. Councillor Weaver proposed an amendment that would acknowledge the action already taken by the UK government and reiterate the council's eagerness to work with both the UK and Welsh governments on projects that would deliver economic growth for the country, which was seconded by Councillor Lewis.

The amendment proposed by Councillor Davis was lost. The amendment proposed by Councillor Weaver was carried. The substantive motion, as amended, was then carried.

Oral Questions

The council then moved on to oral questions, where councillors asked questions of the leader and cabinet members. Some of the questions included:

• Councillor Berman asked Councillor Weaver about the amount paid for energy by local authorities across the UK, and whether Cardiff Council could have saved money by securing better value deals for electricity and gas.
• Councillor Driscoll asked Councillor Thorne what additional help the council can offer businesses in terms of CCTV that will help the police detect crime, act as a deterrent and make the community feel a little bit safer.
• Councillor Youde asked Councillor Goodway how local people, especially young people, are receiving and being informed of opportunities for employment as a result of developments such as the new arena.
• Councillor Littlechild asked Councillor Thorne how much funding Cardiff Council received directly or through partnership projects delivered in the city from the Police and Crime Commissioner, given that the Police and Crime Commissioner is being scrapped by 2028.
• Councillor Derbyshire asked Councillor Thorne about progress in Romney of the work to improve the many BISF³ steel-fronted homes that currently have problems with heat retention and damp.
• Councillor Monick asked Councillor Mackey what the council is doing to address the significant issue of overwhelmed and clogged-up drainage system in Cardiff, given that despite all efforts to clear the drains around Lakeside, flooding still occurred under the bridge.
• Councillor Davies asked Councillor Weaver how the council always ensures it is seeking most competitive rates for the services it requires.
• Councillor Livesey asked Councillor Diath what assurance can be given that the council will deliver meaningful traffic calming measures in the villages, and when residents can expect to see any progress.
• Councillor Ash Edwards asked Councillor Mackey whether the cabinet member would commit to commissioning a full emerging investigation with partner organisations into the state of Misocoid Road and any facilities that lie beneath its surface, given that it was recently closed for the second time in a matter of months after the appearance of a large hole in it.
• Councillor Lateef asked Councillor Thorne what specific mayorable steps Cardiff Council has taken since last year to counter the rise in Islamophobia and religious hate crimes and to ensure that Muslims' communities in Cardiff feel safe, supported and valued, given that November is Islamophobia awareness month.
• Councillor Williams asked Councillor Thomas how he defends a so-called socialist model here in Cardiff that has seen council tax rise year after year under his leadership, given that the Labour Chancellor once again raised the tax burden on working families in yesterday's UK budget.
• Councillor Earls-Mont Castor asked Councillor Diath when the granularity of plans for the 10-year parking plan might reach their destination in Canton Ward.
• Councillor Topham asked Councillor Thorne what Cardiff Council is doing to address the ongoing problem of antisocial behaviour in the area surrounding Tesco, St. Mellons.
• Councillor Wood asked Councillor Mackey what the council is doing to ensure waste collection teams consistently return bins and sacks to collection points and not cause obstruction to pavements.
• Councillor Driscoll asked Councillor Thomas, on Councillor Goodway's behalf, if the vast majority of businesses and people who respond to the consultation on the Taurus levy say no and reject the proposal, will the council ditch the plans?
• Councillor Pocknell asked Councillor Bridgman for an update on the regeneration plans for Countessbury Avenue and Land Remedy, including the current project timelines and the steps being taken to ensure the scheme progresses within the required planning timescales.
• Councillor McEvoy asked Councillor Bourke whether residents are expected to make claims against the home insurance claims against the council for unmanaged tree damage to properties.
• Councillor Norton asked Councillor Mackey what defines a Christmas tree as too heavy or too large to be collected.

Unopposed Business

The council approved the following unopposed business:

• Cardiff Crossrail Phase 1A Transport and Works Act Order submission notification
• Appointment of local authority governors to school governing bodies
• Appointment of a Standards and Ethics Committee independent member