The Cabinet of Cardiff Council met on Thursday 28 May 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, approving a new five-year Youth Services Strategy and significant plans to expand provision for children and young people with additional learning needs. The Cabinet also agreed to adopt a new Regeneration Strategy for 2025-2030 and received an update on the establishment of an Investment Zone within the Cardiff Capital Region.

Youth Services Strategy Approved

Cabinet approved the proposed five-year Youth Services Strategy for Cardiff, endorsing its vision, principles, and integrated locality operating model. This strategy aims to provide a comprehensive framework for responding to the evolving needs and challenges faced by young people across the city. Councillor Peter Bradbury, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Tackling Poverty & Supporting Young People, highlighted that the strategy was sector-leading and would serve as a template for local government in this area. Councillor Sarah Merry, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Education, underlined her personal commitment to youth services and their connection to schools and the wider education service, emphasising the essential role of youth work in building community cohesion, resilience, and developing future citizens. Opposition Leader Councillor Rodney Berman welcomed the strategy but noted its high-level nature, stating that much would depend on the detail of the forthcoming delivery plan. He specifically raised concerns about the lack of mention of the Umbrella Allies provision for LGBTQ+ youth and allies. Councillor Bradbury assured that there was no intention to exclude any group, and that the strategy was building upon existing partnership arrangements. Councillor Merry added that any strategy, by its nature, would be high-level and could be altered by a future administration. She acknowledged the importance of specialised local groups and visited the Umbrella Allies group meeting at Katays Community Centre, recognising its value. Councillor John Lancaster noted the timely nature of the report in light of national statistics on young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET), but expressed disappointment with the current youth services website's provision in Cardiff North. Councillor Jennifer Burke also spoke, highlighting the targeted nature of youth services support in areas of deprivation, such as Tylandaf North. Councillor Peter Littlechild suggested encouraging youth volunteering in major Cardiff events. Councillor Jennifer Burke also responded to Councillor Lancaster's comments, stating that support is targeted in the right areas, particularly in the north of the city where deprivation is high and children are at risk of criminal exploitation. Councillor Bradbury concluded by thanking the officers for their dedication and provided statistics on youth service attendance and engagement, emphasising the vital work undertaken to guide young people away from negative paths. Councillor Merry reiterated that youth work extends beyond traditional youth clubs, encompassing street-based work and school engagement.

Expansion of Additional Learning Needs Provision Approved

Cabinet approved proposals to expand specialist provision for children and young people with additional learning needs (ALN), authorising the Director of Education & Lifelong Learning, in consultation with relevant Cabinet Members and officers, to publish statutory notices. A further report will be provided to Cabinet detailing any objections received and recommendations for implementation. Authority was also delegated to the Director of Education & Lifelong Learning, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance, Director Governance & Legal Services and S.151 Officer, to appoint multi-disciplinary services for the design development of potential later phase ALN expansion schemes.

Councillor Sarah Merry, Cabinet Member for Education, introduced the report, highlighting that this phase represents a significant step forward with the creation of 462 additional specialist places. She noted the overwhelming support for the proposals from consultations, with over 80% approval across all categories of need. Councillor Merry thanked officers for their tremendous work on this tremendous ask. Councillor Leonora Thomson, Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Public Health & Equality (Cabinet Member Job Share), declared a personal interest in the ALN cabinet report as a governor at ALN provision schools. Councillor Peter Littlechild, also declaring a personal interest, is a shareholder in a company using third sector money to deliver an urban youth club. Councillor Dan De'Ath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport, declared no interest. Councillor Russell Goodway, Cabinet Member for Investment & Development, declared no interest. Councillor Ash Lister, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Tackling Poverty & Supporting Young People (Cabinet Member Job Share), declared no interest. Councillor Norma Mackie, Cabinet Member for Waste, Street Scene & Environmental Services, declared no interest. Councillor Sarah Merry, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Education, declared no interest. Councillor Julie Sangani, Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Public Health & Equality (Cabinet Member Job Share), declared no interest. Councillor Lynda Thorne, Cabinet Member for Housing & Communities (Cabinet Member Job Share), declared no interest. Councillor Chris Weaver, Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance, declared no interest.

Councillor John Lancaster raised concerns about recruitment for new teaching staff and the financial sustainability of these plans for schools facing deficit budgets. Mel Godfrey, Director of Education & Lifelong Learning, addressed recruitment, stating that primary schools have declining numbers, allowing scope for staff movement. She noted that recruitment is around 85-90% complete, with some gaps remaining. Councillor Littlechild acknowledged the work of officers and stressed the importance of consulting with children and parents. Councillor Jennifer Burke thanked Councillor Merry for her contribution and noted the passion of members for youth services. Cabinet members unanimously agreed to approve the recommendations.

Regeneration Strategy 2025-2030 Approved

Cabinet approved the Regeneration Strategy 2025-2030, following a consultation and engagement exercise. Councillor Lynda Thorne, Cabinet Member for Housing & Communities (Cabinet Member Job Share), presented the report, highlighting that the strategy builds on the administration's track record of delivering regeneration and provides a clear framework for consistent delivery across the city. She emphasised that the strategy aligns with the Council's commitment to strengthening districts and local centres, ensuring regeneration is inclusive, sustainable, and shaped by residents' lived experiences. Councillor Thorne stressed the strategy's focus on fairness and delivery, identifying areas of greatest need while ensuring no community is left behind. She also highlighted its role in securing external funding. Councillor Thorne noted that hundreds of residents, partners, and stakeholders had helped shape the strategy, reflecting the belief that regeneration should be done with communities, not to them. Councillor Chris Weaver, Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance, welcomed the report and thanked Councillor Thorne for her presentation. Councillor Rodney Berman questioned the timeframe for seeing clear proposals for the three identified priority areas under the placemaking plan. Councillor Thorne explained that engagement work in Adamsdown and Splott would begin in June, with information gathering over the summer and potential for small-scale quick wins by the autumn. Engagement for Butetown and Cardiff Bay would follow towards the end of the summer. Councillor John Lancaster welcomed the strategy's aim to uplift areas in need but questioned the nebulous and subjective nature of the eight principles, asking for more objective measurements of success. Councillor Thorne responded that the community itself would be the main measure, and that placemaking plans would define objectives and targets at a neighbourhood level, shaped by local engagement. Cabinet members unanimously agreed to approve the recommendations.

Investment Zone Update and Scrutiny Response Approved

Cabinet noted progress on the Investment Zone, delegated authority for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding relating to retained Non-Domestic Rates, and approved the Council's response to the Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee's Place Based Economic Interventions Inquiry. Councillor Russell Goodway, Cabinet Member for Investment & Development, provided an update on the establishment of an Investment Zone in the Cardiff Capital Region, focusing on digital technologies and associated sectors. He noted the complexity of the governance arrangements and the fact that the Council is not the final decision-maker. He also highlighted that business rates retention for Welsh Investment Zones is set at 50%, a comparative disadvantage to England's 100% retention, and suggested meeting with the new Welsh Government to seek improved arrangements. Councillor Goodway confirmed that all recommendations from the Scrutiny Committee had been accepted. Councillor Rodney Berman welcomed the update and echoed concerns about the 50% rates retention, urging Councillor Goodway to take this point forward with the new Welsh Government. Councillor John Lancaster also welcomed the engagement with the new Welsh Government, hoping for a bolder approach. Cabinet members unanimously agreed to approve the recommendations.

Other Business

Apologies for absence were noted from Councillor Lee Bridgeman. Councillor Peter Bradbury declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in item 6 (Provision for Children and Young People with Additional Learning Needs) as an LEA Governor for ALN provision schools. Councillor Peter Littlechild declared a personal interest in item 5 (Youth Services Strategy) as a shareholder in a company delivering an urban youth club. The minutes of the Cabinet meeting of 19 March 2026 were approved. There were no urgent items or items exempt from publication.