The City and County of Cardiff Council met on Thursday, 26 March 2026, to discuss a range of important issues, including the recruitment of a new Chief Executive, the adoption of the Pay Policy Statement for 2026-2027, and the introduction of a Visitor Levy. Key decisions were made regarding the approval of the Corporate Plan for 2026-2029 and the Budget Proposals for 2026-2027, which included a 3.9% increase in Council Tax.

Recruitment of Chief Executive

The Council approved the commencement of the recruitment process for a new Chief Executive, following the announcement of the current postholder's intention to step down. The report highlighted that the salary and terms and conditions for the role would remain unchanged. Operational responsibility for the recruitment process will be delegated to the Chief HR Officer in consultation with the Leader of the Council. The final appointment will require the explicit approval of the full Council.

Pay Policy Statement 2026-2027

Council approved the Pay Policy Statement for 2026-2027, a statutory requirement that outlines the Council's approach to senior management pay. The statement reiterates the Council's commitment to accepting negotiated pay awards for all staff, provided they are within the budgetary framework. For transparency, the statement also details senior management pay levels and reports gender pay gap statistics. A minor amendment was noted regarding a review of the honoraria payment policy.

Visitor Levy Consultation

Following a comprehensive consultation exercise that received nearly 2,000 responses, the Council agreed to introduce a Visitor Levy in Cardiff, with the aim of generating approximately £3.5 million annually. The consultation revealed strong support for the levy, with 62% of respondents in favour. The funds raised will be reinvested to support and strengthen the tourism sector in the city, including destination marketing, event development, and improvements to visitor infrastructure. The revised proposals address concerns raised during the consultation regarding transparency, governance, administrative burden on accommodation providers, and the representation on the Visitor Levy Partnership Forum. The Levy is scheduled to be implemented from April 2027.

Corporate Plan 2026-2029 and Budget Proposals 2026-2027

Council approved the Corporate Plan for 2026-2029 and the Budget Proposals for 2026-2027. The budget includes a 3.9% increase in Council Tax. Alternative budget proposals from the Liberal Democrat and Conservative groups were not accepted. The approved budget will be funded through a combination of Council funding, external funding, and contributions from Section 106 funding.

Climate Change and the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

Council debated and ultimately approved a motion affirming its commitment to addressing the climate emergency and endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. The motion calls on the Welsh Government to endorse the treaty and accelerate investment in clean energy infrastructure. Amendments proposed by the Liberal Democrats, focusing on specific local projects like the Cardiff East Park and Ride, and by the Conservatives, advocating for a more pragmatic approach to fossil fuel phase-out and increased North Sea oil and gas production, were both lost. Councillor Bethan Proctor, who proposed the motion, emphasized the urgency of climate action and the need for a just transition to renewable energy.

University Hospital of Wales (UHW) Rebuild

A motion calling on the next Welsh Government to commit to a clear, funded plan to rebuild the University Hospital of Wales (UHW) was debated and ultimately carried. An amendment proposed by the Conservative group, acknowledging the efforts of hospital staff and calling for an action plan within six months of a new Welsh Government's appointment, was accepted. A further amendment from the Labour group, which acknowledged existing commitments and highlighted the Welsh Labour government's pledge of £4 billion for hospital rebuilds, was also carried. The final substantive motion, as amended, calls for a funded plan to rebuild UHW and acknowledges the commitment to work with the Health Board and Welsh Government to deliver the project.

Other Business

The Council also approved nominations for the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor Elect for the 2026-2027 Civic Year, with Councillor Michael Michael nominated as Lord Mayor-elect and Councillor Sue Lent as Deputy Lord Mayor-elect. Several Cabinet Member Statements were delivered, covering topics such as the LGC Awards, MIPIM conference, Children's Services, Waste and Recycling, and Housing. Oral questions were also addressed to Cabinet Members on a range of issues, including school meals sourcing, road maintenance, and community safety. Finally, the Council approved committee memberships and appointments to school governing bodies.