The Cardiff Council meeting on 5 March 2026 saw the approval of the Corporate Plan 2026-2029 and the Revenue and Capital Budget for 2026-2027, including a 3.9% Council Tax increase. Discussions also covered various service reviews and proposals, including those related to home to school transport, adult social care, and the council's capital investment programme.

Corporate Plan 2026-2029

The Council approved the Corporate Plan for 2026-2029, which outlines the administration's ambitions for a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Cardiff. The plan details the steps the Council will take to achieve its seven well-being objectives, which remain unchanged from the previous plan: Cardiff is a great place to grow up; Cardiff is a great place to grow older; Supporting people out of poverty; Safe, confident and empowered communities; A capital city that works for Wales; One Planet Cardiff; and Modernising and integrating our public services. The plan was developed in tandem with the budget proposals for 2026/27 and informed by the 'Ask Cardiff' survey and budget consultation process.

The Council also agreed to delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to make any minor amendments as necessary to the Corporate Plan 2026-29 following its consideration by Council and prior to its publication.

Budget Proposals 2026-2027

The Council approved the Cabinet's budget proposals for 2026-2027, which included a 3.9% Council Tax increase. This decision was made despite a projected budget gap of £22.7 million for the year. The budget aims to protect frontline services, with no proposed cuts to libraries, youth services, parks, highways, or street cleansing. Significant savings of over £14.7 million are to be achieved through back-office efficiencies.

Key areas of investment include:

• Education: An additional £14.1 million for delegated school budgets, plus over £4 million for central education services, including Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and home-to-school transport. A one-off allocation of £400,000 is also designated for child-friendly and youth initiatives.
• Children's Services: An additional £8.9 million to support vulnerable children.
• Adult Services: An additional £8.6 million to support the growing older population and those in need.
• Highways Maintenance: An additional £2 million to address potholes and pavement repairs, exacerbated by harsh winter conditions.
• Street Cleansing and Neighbourhood Improvements: An additional £1.4 million to tackle littering and improve environmental quality.
• Housing: £740 million allocated to new and existing council housing, representing half of the capital programme.

The Council also approved the Annual Treasury Management Strategy, the Capital Strategy, and the Prudential Code indicators for 2026/27 to 2030/31. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget for 2026/27 was also approved, including a 4.3% rent uplift.

Other Key Discussions and Decisions:

• Public Questions: One public question regarding parking issues on Dumballs Road was deferred.
• Petitions: Three petitions were received concerning cycleways, the safety of Heol Uchaf crossing, and the need for new play equipment in Pentwyn and Llanedeyrn.
• Lord Mayor's Announcements: The Lord Mayor highlighted recent engagements and announced upcoming events, including a speaking competition and a fundraising concert.
• Notice of Motion – Public Space Protection Order (PSPO): An amendment proposed by the Labour group, which was carried, referred the matter of re-introducing a PSPO in the city centre to the Community Safety Partnership for consideration of the most effective means of addressing issues relating to drug use and anti-social behaviour.
• Notice of Motion – Fireworks Misuse: A motion calling on the Welsh Government to work with the UK Government to reform firework legislation was carried. This includes limiting noise levels, restricting the sale of display fireworks, enabling councils to designate firework control zones, promoting public awareness campaigns, encouraging advance advertising of displays, working with local suppliers, restricting displays on council land, and supporting enforcement.
• Urgent Business: None.
• Unopposed Business: The report from the Head of Democratic Services on revised political balance and appointments to committees was agreed.

The meeting also included a break and concluded with the Lord Mayor thanking members and officers.