The Cardiff Council meeting on 29 January 2026 addressed a range of issues, including concerns about city centre safety and the misuse of fireworks, alongside updates on council services and future development plans. Key decisions included the adoption of an amended motion to address city centre safety through partnership working and evidence-based measures, and the passing of a motion calling for legislative reform regarding fireworks.

City Centre Safety and Public Space Protection Orders

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a debate on improving safety and cleanliness in the city centre. Councillor John Lancaster (Conservative Group Leader) proposed a motion to initiate the process of introducing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle crime, anti-social behaviour, littering, and drug abuse, citing research from FOR Cardiff and the South Wales Police's own town centre policing strategy. Councillor Lancaster argued that PSPOs are a proven tool used by other local authorities to create a more welcoming environment for businesses and residents.

However, this motion faced amendments from both the Liberal Democrats and Labour. Councillor Rodney Berman (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group) proposed an amendment that, while acknowledging the problems, suggested a broader, multi-faceted approach involving visibility of support and enforcement teams, improved lighting, addressing substance misuse with compassion, tackling empty properties, and listening to community feedback, rather than solely relying on a PSPO. Councillor Berman expressed concerns that a PSPO could lead to a police state and disproportionately affect young people and minoritised individuals.

Councillor Huw Thomas (Leader of the Council), speaking on behalf of the Labour group, moved an amendment that also acknowledged the issues but focused on partnership working between the council, South Wales Police, FOR Cardiff, wardens, outreach teams, and the voluntary sector. This amendment stressed the importance of harm reduction and trauma-informed approaches, and insisted that any consideration of a PSPO must be evidence-led, proportionate, and operationally deliverable, recommending the matter be referred to the Community Safety Partnership. Councillor Thomas highlighted that footfall in the city centre is rising and that regeneration projects are delivering results.

Following debate, the Labour amendment was carried, and the amended motion was subsequently passed. This means the council will focus on a partnership-based approach to city centre safety, with any consideration of a PSPO to be evidence-led and referred to the Community Safety Partnership.

Fireworks Misuse and Legislative Reform

Councillor Dilwar Ali (Labour) proposed a motion expressing deep concern over the misuse of fireworks, highlighting their negative impact on animals, wildlife, and individuals with sensory sensitivities, PTSD, and neurodiverse conditions. The motion called upon the Welsh Government to work with the UK Government to reform legislation by reducing the maximum noise level of fireworks sold for private displays, restricting the sale of display fireworks to licensed events, and enabling councils to designate fireworks control zones. It also proposed promoting public awareness campaigns, encouraging advance advertising of public displays, working with retailers to promote quieter alternatives, restricting council-run events to silent or low-noise alternatives, and supporting enforcement against illegal sales.

Two amendments were put forward. Councillor Jane Cowan (Conservative) proposed an amendment that focused on better enforcement of existing powers and greater public awareness, without calling for legislative reform. Councillor Rodney Berman (Liberal Democrat) proposed an amendment that sought to remove the proposed decibel reduction from 120dB to 90dB, arguing it was technically unworkable and would effectively ban private fireworks. He also suggested removing the restriction on council land events to silent/low-noise alternatives, fearing it would push displays into less regulated private gardens.

After debate, both amendments were lost, and the original motion proposed by Councillor Ali was carried. This means the council will advocate for legislative reform on fireworks, focusing on noise reduction, restricted sales, and control zones, alongside public awareness and enforcement efforts.

Public Questions and Petitions

Several public questions were addressed. Mr. Ennion raised concerns about inconsiderate and illegal parking on Dunballs Road, highlighting issues with visibility, pedestrian access, and obstruction of garages. Councillor Norma Mackie (Cabinet Member for Waste, Street Scene & Environmental Services) confirmed that parking enforcement officers patrol the road and that the transport team is considering new restrictions, while noting that obstruction is a police matter.

Councillor Pete Wong presented a petition from Cardiff Cycle City calling for greater visibility of the cycle network, citing Cycleway 1 as an example of an underused route lacking signage. Councillor Cowan presented a petition regarding the safety of children crossing Hale Street to Hale-Ffion and Bart Primary School in Rhiwbina, urging the retention of a patrolled crossing. Councillor Carter presented a petition from residents in Pentwyn and Tlaneddin calling for the renewal of play equipment in several playgrounds, including Glenwood Park, Petledge Centre Park, Coordinates Park, and Park Wine Park.

Cabinet Statements and Council Business

Cabinet Members presented statements on various portfolios. Councillor Huw Thomas (Leader of the Council) spoke about the Migrant Care Worker Charter, the Tour de France 2027 coming to Cardiff, the redevelopment of Cardiff Central Station, the Srebrenica Memorial Stone dedication, Holocaust Memorial Day 2026, and the Himilo – Somali Cymru Alliance Stakeholder Conference.

Councillor Mackie provided an update on waste, street scene, and environmental services, including seagull-proof sacks, segregated recycling for flats, winter maintenance, gully lid thefts, civil parking enforcement, the Greener Globe Funeral Standard, urgent works at Thornhill Crematorium, registration services, the Cardiff Dogs Home refurbishment, and the leaf sweeping programme.

Councillor Jennifer Burke (Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport & Parks) discussed the success of Christmas events at Bute Park and the Cardiff Christmas Festival, the Christmas Craft Fair, the restoration of the Glamorganshire Canal at Forest Farm, the Coed Caerdydd tree planting project, and the evaluation of the Cardiff Music City Festival.

Councillor Chris Weaver (Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance) provided updates on the budget consultation for 2026/27, staff success at Cardiff and Vale College, employee networks, the Cardiff app, the BOBi chatbot, Connect to Cardiff (C2C), the Digital Strategy website, and Robotic Process Automation (RPA).

Councillors Lynda Thorne and Lee Bridgeman (Cabinet Members for Housing & Communities) reported on the Wales Safer Communities Awards, Operation Totara, the WISES Guidance, homelessness and cold weather provision, Christmas engagement events, housing development updates, community living schemes, the Clean Up for Christmas Day – Trowbridge Green initiative, fire safety works, the draft Regeneration Strategy 2025-30, neighbourhood renewal schemes, estate regeneration at Trowbridge Green, the Pride in Place Programme, and community events in Riverside.

Councillor Russell Goodway (Cabinet Member for Investment & Development) spoke about the economic outlook, major projects including the new Indoor Arena and Cardiff CrossRail, heritage buildings, business events, and the Cardiff Growth Fund.

Councillors Julie Sangani and Leonora Thomson (Cabinet Members for Adult Services and Public Health & Equality) provided updates on the visit to the University Hospital of Wales, the Hospital Winter Sprint, Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) ratings, the Older People's Commissioner for Wales's Social Care Survey, the Neurodivergent Friendly Cardiff Strategy, the Hubs for All Christmas Party, the Cardiff & Vale University Health Board Clinical Plan, staying healthy throughout winter, Dry January, Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the MMRV vaccine, and interfaith events.

Councillor Dan De'Ath (Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport) discussed real-time bus information displays, the Taff Trail upgrade at Hailey Park, the Central Quay Active Travel Bridge, the cycle hire scheme, the Cardiff Heat Network, and the Lamby Way Solar Farm.

Councillor Sarah Merry (Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Education) reported on the Inclusion Strategy, the Cardiff Curriculum, expressive arts projects, health and wellbeing initiatives, STEM progress, One Planet Cardiff Schools, maths and numeracy support, literacy programmes, school catering, the Passport to the City programme, the Shape My Street, Shape My School Project, Open Your Eyes Week, and the What's Next Award.

Councillors Ash Lister and Peter Bradbury (Cabinet Members for Children's Services and Tackling Poverty & Supporting Young People) provided updates on the Youth Justice Service fundraising, the Christmas Present Campaign, the Christmas Party for Children in Residential Care, the Children's Services Participation Strategy, the First 1,000 Days Programme, the NOTA Cymru Conference, staff engagement, the Ministerial visit to Ely & Caerau Children's Centre, the Into Work Advice Service, the Emergency Food Aid Grant, the Central Library Hub Christmas Distribution Centre, the Family Focus Grant, the Splott Play Centre Inspection Report, the All Wales Play Opportunity Grant for Heol Trelai, the Play Shack update, and various Cardiff Youth Services projects.

Oral Questions

A series of oral questions were posed to Cabinet Members. Councillor Berman questioned the council's energy procurement strategy in light of a report suggesting potential savings. Councillor Thorne addressed concerns about anti-social behaviour affecting businesses in Llandaff, outlining measures through the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. Councillor Youde inquired about employment opportunities arising from major developments like the new arena. Councillor Littlechild asked about funding received from the Police and Crime Commissioner. Councillor Thorne also provided an update on the regeneration of BISF homes in Rumney. Councillor Molik raised concerns about drainage systems and flooding, to which Councillor Mackie responded. Councillor Davies questioned the council's approach to securing competitive rates for services. Councillor Livesy sought assurances on traffic calming measures in villages. Councillor Ash-Edwards asked about the council's system for monitoring trees at risk of falling onto highways. Councillor Littlechild inquired about the council's steps to ensure licensed vehicles meet safety standards. Councillor Ali asked about the council's view on mobile phone use in schools. Councillor Carter questioned the compatibility of demolishing a park and ride for a data centre with the One Planet Cardiff strategy. Councillor Williams raised concerns about potholes and road conditions in Pontprennau and Old St Mellons. Councillor Stubbs asked about timelines for the rebuilding of Bro Eirddon school. Councillor McEvoy requested an update on council road improvements and a road safety audit for Penhill Road. Councillor Chowdhury asked about progress on residents' parking zones in Canton. Councillor Topham inquired about efforts to secure post office services in St Mellons and investment in the Trowbridge ward. Councillor Latif asked about the council's actions to address littering and improve recycling performance. Councillor Davies questioned the council's preparedness for potential liability costs related to the Equality Act ruling. Councillor Humphries asked for an update on the Ely Youth Zone. Councillor Berman questioned the council's budgetary allocation for the allotment service. Councillor Driscoll asked for figures on fines issued for traffic violations in Llandaff. Councillor Ali requested an update on improvements to the Taff Trail in Hailey Park. Councillor Jenkins asked if the council would reconsider its use of X (formerly Twitter) if Ofcom finds against the platform.

Other Business

The council approved the appointment of Local Authority Governors to school governing bodies and noted written questions. A motion regarding the funding formula for Wales and a call for fairer funding from the UK Government, amended by the Labour group, was carried. A motion proposed by Councillor Ali regarding fireworks misuse and legislative reform was also carried.

The meeting concluded with the appointment of Local Authority Governors to school governing bodies and the noting of written questions. The council also approved a Transport and Works Act Order for the Cardiff CrossRail Phase 1A tram-train elements and appointed members to the Standards and Ethics Committee.