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The committee scrutinised four reports before they go to Cabinet: the Allotment Strategy 2022-2027, a proposal for Cardiff to bid to host Euro 2028 matches, an update on Cardiff Bay regeneration, and plans for an Ely Youth Zone. The committee does not make these decisions. It agreed that the Chairperson will write to the Cabinet Member with the committee's observations, and it agreed to send Cabinet a letter with its comments on the allotment strategy before Cabinet meets.
Some sentences of this summary are missing in English, because an older automatic check removed them from the English only. The Welsh version has them.
Cllr Lay had advised that he would be late joining the meeting.
Cllr Henshaw declared a prejudicial interest in Item 4 and left the meeting for consideration of this item.
The minutes of the meetings held on 19 January 2022 and 21 February 2022 were agreed as correct records.
Decision as recorded
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Members were advised that this item was to undertake pre-decision scrutiny of a report to Cabinet that seeks approval of the proposed Allotment Strategy 2022-2027. The scope the scrutiny is to explore the consultation process, draft Strategy, proposed delivery plan, partnership working and implications & risks for the council. A letter with the committee’s comments, observations and recommendations will be sent to the Cabinet ahead of Thursday’s meeting. The Chairperson welcomed Cllr Bradbury – Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure; Jon Maidment – Operational Manager – Parks & Cardiff Harbour Authority; Rosie James –Strategy and Development Manager, Parks and Alan Mc Coy – South Rise Allotments Site Representative for this item. The Chairperson invited the Cabinet Member and external witnesses to make opening statements after which Members were invited to ask questions or make any comments/observations. Members were delighted to hear the cooperative spirit that informed the review and development of the Strategy and wished to place on record their thanks to site representatives for their input and support, which was needed and welcomed. Members explored how the acknowledged repairs backlog could be addressed given there is no specific capital allocation for allotments, meaning that monies need to be found from existing council budgets or alternative sources. Members noted that, in 2021/22, Welsh Government funding had been allocated to allotments but that there was no news regarding funding in 2022/23. Members also noted that officers were working to identify alternative funding sources, such as their recent success re Travis Perkins Legacy funding for three sites. Members noted that sites with local management agreements can bid for specific external grants, however, there remained a shortfall and Members were pleased to hear the acknowledgement that allotments could do with budget growth in future years. Members were pleased that officers recognised the need for better intelligence about the maintenance and repair needs of sites and that they would be working to improve data on this, which would help support funding bids. Members discussed the issue of water repairs and considered that these should be placed high on the list of challenges to be addressed. Members discussed the provision of toilets on sites, highlighting the benefits of compostable toilets, in terms of reduced maintenance costs, and were pleased to hear that some sites already have these, some funded by grants. Members wished to accept the offer to provide a list of sites with compostable toilets. Members noted the point made by Alan McCoy that it was essential for preliminary works to be undertaken to ascertain if the ground conditions are suitable for compostable toilets, given the experience of South Rise allotments, which is on clay soil. Members also noted the points raised by officers that there needs to be a review of prices to reflect the costs of amenities provided, such as flushable toilets. Members noted that the Allotment Strategy focuses on allotments and that community growing is covered elsewhere, with officers supportive of proposals and actively seeking land for growing food, in line with the commitments given as part of the Greener, Healthier, Wilder Cardiff motion to Council. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: to exclude the Press and Public from the meeting. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Members were advised that this item was to undertake pre-decision scrutiny of a report to Cabinet that seeks approval for Cardiff to become a bidding host city for the UEFA European Football Championship Final Tournament 2028 (“Euro 2028”). Members noted that the Chairperson had agreed that this item be deemed ‘urgent’, as set out in the Constitution, and therefore Call-In was disapplied. The Chairperson welcomed Cllr Thomas – Leader; Cllr Bradbury - Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure; Paul Orders – Chief Executive and Kathryn Richards – Head of Culture, Venues, Tourism and Events for this item. Members were reminded that Appendix 1 contained information deemed exempt, in accordance with paragraphs 14 and 16 of Part 4 and paragraph 21 of Part 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and should they wish to refer to any information contained in the appendix then the Committee would have to go into closed session. The Chairperson invited the Leader, Cabinet Members and Chief Executive to make opening statements after which members were invited to ask questions and make comments/observations on the open information. Members welcomed the proposal to send an in-principle letter to Welsh Government supporting an expression of interest to be a host city for Euros 2028, in particular with respect to Cardiff’s financial contribution. Members were aware from previous scrutiny that major events bring benefits to Cardiff and Wales. As such, Members were pleased to hear the commitment to negotiate strongly to achieve community benefits, including community sport provision. Members agreed with comments that Cardiff is well placed to play a role in delivering a world class Euro 2028 and experienced at managing the impact on local communities and residents. Members sought assurance that the projected requirements and associated cost implications captured in the confidential Appendix (Appendix 1) as an early indication were robust. Members noted these were based on previous events, including the Champions League Final and discussions with other potential host cities. Members also noted that, as the Euros are in 2028, these go beyond the Medium-Term Financial Plan and are indicative at this stage. Members noted the point made that it is important to be clear to Welsh Government what the limits are for Cardiff Council, to assist with ongoing dialogue re bid specification. Members queried what the impact would be for Cardiff were another potential host city to pull out of the process. Members agreed that it would be better for all potential host cities to be part of the arrangements, to strengthen the narrative of a five-nation bid but noted the view that, if this were to happen, it would not undermine the bid per se, and that Cardiff may be asked to host additional games The Chairperson invited questions, comments and observations from Members on the Confidential information and Members were reminded that Committee were required to consider this in a closed session to discuss information deemed exempt, in accordance with paragraphs 14 and 16 of Part 4 and paragraph 21 of Part 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. RESOLVED: to exclude the Press and Public from the meeting. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: to exclude the Press and Public from the meeting. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Members were advised that this item was to undertake pre-decision scrutiny of a report to Cabinet that covers a wide range of projects in Cardiff Bay. Many of these have been subject to scrutiny over the last year and Committee’s confidential letters following these meetings had been circulated to all Committee Members. The Chairperson welcomed Cllr Goodway– Cabinet Member for Investment & Development; Neil Hanratty – Director of Economic Development; Chris Barnett – Operational Manager – Major Projects and Jon Day – Operational Manager – Investment & Tourism for this item. Members were reminded that this item contains confidential information at Appendices 4-9, 11, 13, and Appendices 15-17 – and were asked not to refer to these in the open session. The Chairperson invited the Cabinet Member to make an opening statement after which Members were provided with a presentation by Officers. Members were then asked for any questions, comments or observations they had on the open information. Members noted that this item covered a lot of interconnected projects and Members noted the updates in relation to the Atlantic Wharf Regeneration, including the Indoor Arena, Red Dragon Centre and associated projects, as well as the International Sports Village, including the velodrome and other cycling facilities, and transport projects associated with both these sites. Regarding the Indoor Arena, Members noted the increased capacity to 17,000 spectators. Members explored how the Council was consulting and engaging with residents and addressing concerns raised and were pleased to hear that these were being taken seriously, with work to address noise pollution, car parking and loss of green space. Members were also pleased to hear that the Indoor Arena will be one of the greenest in the UK. Members noted that to achieve carbon neutrality may be beyond reach as a stand-alone building and that work is progressing on an energy strategy for the wider Atlantic Wharf site to assist the Council to meet its One Planet Cardiff pledge of net zero carbon. Members thanked officers for ensuring daytime CGIs were available, as previously requested; similarly, Members felt it would be beneficial for CGI images to highlight the greening that will take place in public spaces to offset the hard standing required to enable the area to cope with the volume of spectators. Members received updates on various family attractions, including This is Wales, and sought to understand the viability of these given the current cost of living crisis. Members noted the officer’s point that the Outline Business Case for Atlantic Wharf, due to Cabinet in Summer 2022, would contain data on this. Members were pleased to see progress being made to find a good use for the Graving Docks. Members discussed the proposed improvements for Lloyd George Avenue, which they welcomed in principle, given that these would enhance connectivity, public and active transport, boost biodiversity and promote health and wellbeing. Members were pleased that there would be consultation and engagement with local communities to ensure final proposals reflect their views. Members noted that early discussions were being held on the possibility of replacing Herbert Street bridge and improving that general area, to assist connectivity between the city centre and Cardiff Bay. Regarding the International Sports Village updated masterplan, Members were pleased to see that it had been possible to ensure public access around the water’s edge and noted the officer’s assurance that this would be 15-20 metres at its narrowest. Members wished to highlight the need to ensure that free facilities are promoted in Cardiff Bay, for walking, running, cycling, and swimming. The Chairperson then invited questions, comments and observations from Members on the Confidential information and Members were reminded that Committee were required to consider this in a closed session to discuss information deemed exempt, in accordance with paragraphs 14 and 16 of Part 4 and paragraph 21 of Part 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. RESOLVED: to exclude the Press and Public from the meeting. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: to exclude the Press and Public from the meeting. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Members were advised that this item was to undertake pre-decision scrutiny of a report to Cabinet that seeks authority to prepare a Full Business Case for the Ely Youth Zone project and to assemble land for the delivery of the Ely Youth Zone project. The Chairperson welcomed Cllr Thorne– Cabinet Member for Housing & Communities; Neil Hanratty – Director of Economic Development and Jon Day – Operational Manager – Investment & Tourism for this item. Members were reminded that Appendices 1-6 contained information deemed exempt, in accordance with paragraphs 14 and 16 of Part 4 and paragraph 21 of Part 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and should they wish to refer to any information contained in the appendix then the Committee would have to go into closed session. The Chairperson invited the Cabinet Member to make an opening statement after which members were provided with a presentation and invited to ask questions and make comments/observations on the open information. Members were interested to hear about the work with OnSide and pleased that their work in England had been successful, delivering many benefits for the young people they engage and for the surrounding communities. Members were pleased to hear a range of partners would be involved in the management of the charity established to operate and oversee the Youth Zone, including community, sports, health, disability, and employability partners. Members were also impressed by the range of facilities provided in Youth Zones in England and could see how these would assist in boosting skills, employability, and opportunities for young people. In terms of funding the Youth Zone, Members noted a Levelling Up Fund bid would be submitted to meet the 50% capital contribution required of the local authority and a Shared Prosperity Fund bid submitted to meet the 33% revenue costs for years 1-3. Members noted a further report would be taken to Cabinet for the Full Business Case, which would include whether these bids have been successful. Members were pleased to see proposals for a facility to help young people living in some of the most deprived communities in Wales and were also pleased to hear that work is underway to develop a masterplan for Ely to assist in wider regeneration. Members queried whether the name was appropriate, given concerns that it may put off young people who are not in Ely, and were pleased to hear that young people who are members of the Youth Zone would decide its final name. The Chairperson invited questions, comments and observations from Members on the Confidential information and Members were reminded that Committee were required to consider this in a closed session to discuss information deemed exempt, in accordance with paragraphs 14 and 16 of Part 4 and paragraph 21 of Part 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. RESOLVED: to exclude the Press and Public from the meeting. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
The Principal Scrutiny Officer outlined the report for Members, asking them for any amendments to the Scrutiny Annual Report and for suggested themes/highlights for the Scrutiny Annual Report. Members were also asked for scrutiny suggestions for the Committee going forward.
None.
To be arranged.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Henshaw: Prejudicial interest on Allotment Strategy
The minute does not say what the interest is. Cllr Henshaw left the meeting for consideration of this item.
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