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The Cabinet meeting on 18 December 2025 saw a range of decisions made, including the approval to extend the age range of Ysgol Gymraeg Coed-Y-Gof, the initiation of a consultation on proposed changes to the Cardiff Social Housing Allocation Scheme, and the approval of the Council Housing Rent & Service Charge Setting for 2026/2027.
Extending Ysgol Gymraeg Coed-Y-Gof
Cabinet approved recommendations to extend the age range of Ysgol Gymraeg Coed-Y-Gof from 4-11 to 3-11 by establishing a Welsh-medium nursery unit. This change is set to take effect from September 2026. Councillor Peter Bradbury declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this matter due to a family member attending the school and his wife being the Chair of Governors, and therefore left the meeting and did not participate in the decision-making process. Officers have been authorised to proceed with publishing these proposals, with a further report to follow detailing any objections received and the responses to them.
Social Housing Allocation Scheme Changes
A public consultation will be launched on proposed changes to the Cardiff Social Housing Allocation Scheme. This initiative aims to address the city's housing emergency by making better use of available social housing. Additionally, a new Specialist Accommodation Allocations Policy is proposed to ensure households with specific care and housing needs are allocated suitable homes. Following the consultation, a second report will be presented to Cabinet after all views and comments have been analysed.
Council Housing Rent and Service Charges for 2026/2027
Cabinet approved the proposed approach for setting council housing rents and service charges for the financial year 2026/2027. This decision aligns with the new Social Housing Rent Policy, which takes effect from 6th April 2026 and spans ten years. The Renting Homes Wales Act (2016) mandates a two-month notice period for any rent amendments. Councillor Ash Lister declared a personal and prejudicial interest as a family member is a council tenant and therefore left the meeting and did not participate in the decision-making. The approved approach considers affordability, value for money, and identified savings, while also noting the financial pressures on the Housing Revenue Account and the support available for tenants facing financial difficulties.
Neurodivergent Friendly Cardiff Strategy
The Neurodivergent Friendly Cardiff Strategy 2025-2030 was approved, following extensive engagement and a public consultation. The strategy aims to make Cardiff a more inclusive city for neurodivergent individuals. A Cabinet Review Group will be established to monitor the progress of the strategy. Councillor Julie Sangani declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest as she works for Learning Disability Wales, and Councillor Peter Littlechild declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest due to having neurodivergent family members.
Cardiff Riding School Future
The Cabinet has delegated authority to the Director of Economic Development to manage the procurement process for securing investment and long-term sustainability for Cardiff Riding School. This follows a Prior Information Notice which attracted limited interest. The Director, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport & Parks, the Section 151 Officer, and the Director of Governance and Legal Services, will oversee all aspects of the procurement, including determining the delivery model and evaluation methodology. A future Cabinet meeting will review the outcome of the procurement for contract award approval. The Council also agreed to advertise the proposed disposal of land associated with the riding school, subject to market interest. Councillor Sarah Merry declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest as a member of Cardiff & Vale Governors.
Provision for Additional Learning Needs
Cabinet approved the consultation on proposals to expand provision for children and young people aged 4-19 with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) across the city. This decision was taken as an urgent item of business. Authority has been delegated to the Director of Education & Lifelong Learning, in consultation with relevant Cabinet Members and officers, to proceed with the design, procurement, and implementation of refurbishment works to schools to provide additional places for the 2026/27 school year. Design development for schemes taking effect later than 2026/27 will also proceed to avoid delays. The report noted negotiations for a site in the northeast of Cardiff for the expansion of Greenhill Special School and the potential relocation of T? Storrie Children’s Home. Councillor Huw Thomas declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest as a governor of Ysgol Glan Morfa. Councillor Peter Bradbury declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest as a governor of Ty Gwyn and left the meeting. Councillors Chris Weaver and Norma Mackie declared personal and non-prejudicial interests as governors of Cathays High School, and Councillor Peter Littlechild declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest as a governor of Pontprennau Primary School.
Draft Regeneration Strategy Consultation
Approval was given to proceed with a public consultation that will inform the development of the draft Regeneration Strategy 2025-2030. This strategy aims to enhance the vitality and viability of Cardiff’s district and local centres, supporting the creation of sustainable communities in line with the placemaking objectives of the Local Development Plan (LDP).
Road User Payment Scheme Update
The Cabinet noted the conclusions of business case and option development work for the Road User Payment Scheme. A further report will be presented to Cabinet on the recommendations of the Outline Business Case. The assessment of lower impact options, such as a Workplace Parking Levy, was supported.
Council Tax Base Calculation for 2026/2027
The calculation of Cardiff Council's tax base for the year 2026/27 was approved. The Council Tax Base for the year has been set at 156,050. Specific tax base figures for community areas subject to a precept were also confirmed, including Lisvane (3,394), Pentyrch (3,945), Radyr (4,297), St. Fagans (2,065), Old St. Mellons (2,744), and Tongwynlais (819). Arrangements for the payment of precepts to the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales and to Community Councils for 2026/27 were also agreed.
Corporate Risk Register and Performance Review
The Cabinet noted the content of the Corporate Risk Register and the processes in place for risk management. They also noted the mid-year assessment of the Council's performance for the first half of the 2025/26 financial year, including the delivery of key commitments and priorities, and the actions being taken to ensure the effective delivery of the Corporate Plan 2025-28. The response to any recommendations made by the Policy Review and Performance (PRAP) Scrutiny Committee regarding the mid-year assessment was also considered and agreed. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive to make any consequential amendments to the draft mid-year assessment to reflect the response to the PRAP Scrutiny Committee's recommendations.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Draft Regeneration Strategy 2025-2030 Consultation
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Cardiff Council approved the public consultation for the draft Regeneration Strategy 2025-2030 on 18/12/2025. This consultation will inform the development of the strategy aimed at enhancing the vitality and viability of Cardiff's district and local centres. The decision includes approving the launch of a six-week public consultation period.
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Minutes of the Cabinet Meeting of 20 November 2025
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Cardiff Council on 20 November 2025 approved additions to the Local Heritage List. Authority was delegated to the Head of Planning to make minor changes to the list in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member and/or Director of Legal Services, Section 151 officer. The Cabinet also noted the intention to serve non-immediate Article 4 Directions where expedient and necessary to restrict permitted development rights relating to the demolition of locally listed buildings.
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Provision for children and young people with Additional Learning Needs
Recommendations ApprovedCardiff Council's Cabinet decided on 18/12/2025 to approve recommendations regarding provision for children and young people with Additional Learning Needs. Officers were authorised to consult on proposals, and delegated authority was given for the design, procurement, and implementation of refurbishment works to urgently provide additional places.
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Corporate Risk Register Mid-Year Review 2025/26
Recommendations ApprovedCardiff Council's Cabinet noted the content of the Corporate Risk Register and the process for managing the Council's Risk Management Strategy on 18 December 2025. The Cabinet approved the inclusion of a new corporate risk, "Condition of School Estate," and noted changes to the Information Governance residual risk target.
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Cardiff Riding School
Recommendations ApprovedCardiff Council's Cabinet decided to approve recommendations regarding the Cardiff Riding School. The decision was made on 18/12/2025. Authority was delegated to the Director of Economic Development to manage the procurement process for an alternative operator and to advertise the proposed disposal of land.
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Road User Payment Scheme Update
Recommendations ApprovedCardiff Council Cabinet approved recommendations on 18/12/2025 regarding the Road User Payment Scheme Update. The Cabinet noted the business case and option development conclusions to date and that a further report will be presented on the Outline Business Case recommendations. The Cabinet also supported the more detailed assessment of lower impact options such as a Workplace Parking Levy.
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Mid-Year Assessment of Performance 2025/26
Recommendations ApprovedCardiff Council's Cabinet approved the mid-year assessment of the Council's performance for 2025/26 on 18 December 2025. The Cabinet noted the assessment, including key commitments and priorities, and agreed to consider and approve responses to recommendations from the Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance, to make consequential amendments to the assessment.
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Neurodivergent Friendly Cardiff Strategy 2025 - 2030
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Cardiff Council approved the Neurodivergent Friendly Cardiff Strategy 2025-2030 and the establishment of a Cabinet Review Group to monitor its progress on 18 December 2025. The strategy aims to increase awareness and understanding of neurodivergence and make Cardiff a place where neurodivergent people are supported to live well and thrive. The approved strategy includes commitments such as establishing a Neurodivergent Friendly Forum, developing specialist supported housing, and creating a Neurodivergence in the workplace guide.
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Consultation on proposed changes to the Cardiff Social Housing Allocation Scheme
Recommendations ApprovedCardiff Council's Cabinet decided on 18 December 2025 to approve the consultation on proposed changes to the Cardiff Social Housing Allocation Scheme. The proposed changes include creating a new priority band for overcrowded households with complex needs, counting parlour rooms as bedrooms, extending the same-sex bedroom sharing age to 25, prioritising complex prevention cases, and restricting the waiting list to those with an assessed housing need and a local connection to Cardiff.
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Council Housing Rent & Service Charge Setting 2026/2027
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Cardiff Council decided to approve the proposed approach for rent and service charge setting for council-owned dwellings for the financial year 2026/27 on 18/12/2025. The decision noted financial pressures on the Housing Revenue Account and the support available for tenants struggling financially.
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Calculation of the Council Tax Base 2026/2027
Recommendations ApprovedCardiff Council's Cabinet decided on 18/12/2025 to approve the calculation of the Council Tax Base for 2026/27. The decision approved the Council Tax Base amount of 156,050 for the year and set out the tax base amounts for specific community areas. Arrangements for precept payments to the Police and Crime Commissioner and Community Councils were also approved.
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Proposal to extend the age range of Ysgol Gymraeg Coed -Y-Gof
Recommendations ApprovedCardiff Council's Cabinet decided to approve the proposal to extend the age range of Ysgol Gymraeg Coed-Y-Gof from 4-11 to 3-11 by establishing a nursery unit. This decision was made on 18 December 2025. Officers were authorised to implement the proposal and publish the decision.
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