Councillor Susan Elsmore

Council - Thursday, 23rd October, 2025 4.30 pm

The Cardiff Council meeting on 23 October 2025 addressed a range of issues, including the approval of the Local Authority Social Services Annual Report 2024/2025, and the 9th Cardiff Local Development Plan Annual Report. Councillors also discussed the Statement of Accounts 2024/2025, and the Standards and Ethics Annual Report. A key debate emerged around a proposed surcharge for oversized vehicles, framed as an environmental measure but criticised as a regressive tax.

Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 8th October, 2025 4.30 pm

The Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the Cardiff Public Services Board's annual report, an internal change programme, and the procurement of a new financial system. The committee agreed to write to the Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation and Performance, Councillor Chris Weaver, to convey their observations and recommendations.

Democratic Services Committee - Monday, 29th September, 2025 4.00 pm

The Democratic Services Committee met to discuss a range of issues, including councillor training, ICT protocols, and the broadcasting of council meetings. The committee agreed to note the contents of a report on the 21st Century Councillor, tasking the Chair and Head of Democratic Services with incorporating feedback from the meeting to align themes from the report, and to deliver an in-person workshop facilitated by representatives from Birmingham University. The committee also agreed to delegate authority to the Head of Democratic Services, in consultation with the Chair of the Democratic Services Committee, to finalise a consultation response to the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru (DBCC) regarding the Draft Annual Remuneration Report for 2026–27.

Council - Thursday, 25th September, 2025 4.30 pm

The Cardiff Council met to discuss a range of issues, including the annual well-being report, senior management arrangements and budget updates. Councillors also debated a controversial motion on asylum seekers, which was ultimately defeated, and showed strong support for keeping professional rugby in Cardiff.

Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 10th September, 2025 4.30 pm

The Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee of Cardiff Council met on Wednesday 10 September 2025 to discuss the Panel Performance Assessment and Annual Wellbeing Report 2024/25, the Budget Update for 2026/27 and Month 4 Monitoring Report 2025/26, and the Annual Property Plan 2025/26. Key discussions included the findings of an independent assessment that described Cardiff Council as a good and ambitious council with sound governance, and recommendations for refining scrutiny practices, strengthening the link between economic growth and social justice, and improving workforce diversity. The committee also reviewed the Council's financial position, noting a projected budget gap of £38.4 million for 2026/27, and discussed the Annual Property Plan, which outlines targets for running cost reduction, statutory compliance, carbon reduction, capital receipts, and rental income.