The Glamorgan Archives Joint Committee were scheduled to meet on 12 December 2025 to discuss the Glamorgan Archivist's report, the proposed strategic plan, budget proposals, and proposed fees and charges. The committee was also scheduled to review the month 7 monitoring report and the medium term financial plan.

2026/27 Budget Proposals and Medium Term Financial Plan

The committee was scheduled to discuss the proposed budget for the 2026/27 financial year, which was set at £900,000, representing a freeze compared to 2025/26. To maintain this budget, a drawdown of £36,205 from reserves was proposed. The proposed budget included a 3% increase for staff pay, in line with Cardiff Council's assumptions, and adjustments to premises costs, including a reduction in general maintenance and repairs due to grant-funded works. Utility costs were projected to increase by 3%, while National Non-Domestic Rates ¹ were expected to rise by 3% year-on-year. The transport budget was to remain frozen at £240. The income target was set at £119,927, with increases in digitisation, conservation, and box-making income.

The committee was also scheduled to discuss the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) ² for the next four years. The MTFP aimed to forecast the future financial position of the Glamorgan Archives and identify potential challenges. It assumed a 3% inflationary increase for staff pay and most premises costs. Local authority contributions were proposed to be frozen for 2026/27 and then gradually increased in subsequent years. The MTFP also outlined the planned use of reserves to minimise increases in local authority contributions.

Proposed Fees and Charges 2026-27

The committee was scheduled to consider proposed changes to the scale of fees and charges to be implemented from 1 April 2026. Most charges were expected to remain the same, with a few exceptions. Postage charges for UK addresses were set to increase to £2.00, and overseas postage to £7.00, to reflect increased charges by Royal Mail. The costs of small, medium and large boxes were scheduled to be reviewed to account for the increased costs of card and machine maintenance. A new minimum fee of £120 was scheduled to be introduced for publication and research for media, with a minimum fee of £500 for publication and research for commercial purposes. Repository storage charges were also scheduled to increase to £20.00 per standard shelf per year.

Report of the Glamorgan Archivist

The report of the Glamorgan Archivist for the period 1 September to 30 November 2025 was scheduled to be presented to the Joint Committee. The report covered achievements against the annual plan, including digitisation projects, social media engagement, online events, and the implementation of the digital preservation system, Preservica. It also highlighted relationships with local media outlets and community groups, engagement with schools, and partnerships with higher education establishments. The report detailed work on collections relating to the Aberfan Disaster³ and records received from HM Courts and Tribunals Service. It also mentioned a successful Collections Week in November and various external funding applications.

The report also included a summary of notable accessions, such as the papers of Flying Officer William Austin Harvey, records of the United Services Mess, photographs of Pontypridd Dragons Football Club, papers of Non Pugh, and additions to the Mary Traynor of Cardiff Collection.

Proposed Strategic Plan 2026-2031

The committee was scheduled to consider the new Strategic Plan for 2026-2031. The plan sets out the vision, mission statement, and outcomes for the Glamorgan Archives service for the next five years. The vision is for the archive service to be at the heart of the cultural life of the historic county of Glamorgan. The mission statement focuses on safeguarding and developing the documentary heritage of mid and south Glamorgan, while making the collections widely accessible. The plan outlines six key outcomes: enhanced digital services, increased awareness of Glamorgan Archives, skills development through engagement, prioritising the legal and evidential value of archives, gathering and sharing collections using best professional standards, and managing resources effectively with consideration for sustainability and value-for-money.

2025/26 Month 7 Monitoring Report

The 2025/26 Month 7 Monitoring Report was scheduled to be presented to the Glamorgan Archives Joint Committee. The report provided details of actual expenditure and income as of 31 October 2025, against the approved 2025/26 budget. The report projected gross expenditure of £1,603,484 for the year, offset by higher than anticipated income of £700,009. The employee budget was projected to have an overspend of £33,092, while the premises-related budget was projected to have an overspend of £66,921. The supplies and services budget was projected to have a significant overspend of £418,083, mainly due to spending on conservation work and consultancy fees covered by grants. Grant funding from Welsh Government and New Burdens funding from the National Archives were expected to contribute significantly to income.