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The Committee scrutinised the Cardiff Cycle Circuit proposal before it goes to Cabinet, and considered employment services funding, the Investment Zone and innovation governance. It also approved terms of reference for three reviews and appointed two members to a task and finish group.
Apologies had been received from Cllr Brown Reckless and Neil Hanratty.
Cllr Berman declared a personal interest in Item 4 as a member of Albany Road Run Club. Cllr Caruana declared a personal interest in Item 4 as his father is a member of a cycle club.
The minutes of the meeting held on 15 September 2026 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairperson.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting at this point during consideration of this item as the Committee discussed exempt information of the description contained in paragraph 14 and 16 of Part 4 and paragraph 21 of Part 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Action 1972. The public may be excluded from the meeting by resolution of the Committee pursuant to Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 during discussion of this item. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Committee were advised that this item enabled them to undertake pre-decision scrutiny, particularly considering the Council’s role in this project, including land disposal, as well as funding proposals and testing the risks and implications for the Council and how these are being mitigated. For this item, the Chairperson welcomed Cllr Burke – Cabinet Member – Culture, Leisure & Tourism; Chris Barnett – Operational Manager, Major Projectsand Jo-Anne Phillips – Project Manager. The Cabinet Member was invited to make an opening statement after which Members were provided with a presentation from Officers. The Chairperson invited questions and comments from Members. The Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism welcomed the recent announcement regarding the project and described the proposal as an exciting opportunity for Cardiff. It was noted that further information was awaited regarding some practical aspects of delivery, but officers and the Cabinet Member were available to respond to questions from Members. In response to questions regarding why Cardiff Council was taking a lead role in the project, officers advised that the sporting bodies involved had successfully identified opportunities and pursued funding sources but did not possess the specialist expertise or resources required to manage delivery of a project of this scale. Officers explained that local authorities had delivered many comparable cycling facilities elsewhere in the UK and that Cardiff Council's role would primarily centre on governance, project management and administrative support. Members queried the proposed use of the Council-owned site at Leckwith and whether alternative uses for the land had been explored. Officers advised that the site had historically sat within the education portfolio due to its association with nearby educational facilities but had never been assigned a capital value for disposal purposes because of a range of constraints, including its location, condition and existing infrastructure considerations. Officers stated that the site had long been viewed as a potential leisure opportunity and that the proposed cycling circuit represented an appropriate use of the land. The Committee sought clarification regarding the financial implications of the land contribution, particularly in light of comments within the report highlighting the potential loss of a future capital receipt. Officers reiterated that no capital value had previously been attributed to the land and explained that the proposal was based on the site's suitability for leisure use rather than development potential. Members highlighted the importance of understanding the implications for the Council's wider capital receipts strategy and sought assurance that these considerations would continue to be assessed as the project progressed. Members explored the anticipated usage of the circuit and questioned whether demand would be sustained throughout the year. Officers referred to work undertaken through the business case process, including discussions with sporting bodies and community groups, which indicated strong year-round demand. It was noted that engagement had identified opportunities for use by clubs, schools, community organisations and educational programmes, with activity expected before and after school hours, during weekends and throughout school holidays. Officers further advised that future procurement arrangements would require operators to deliver programming that ensured broad and sustained community participation. A declaration of interest was made by Councillor Berman as a member of Albany Road Run Club, which was referenced within the supporting documentation. Members sought clarification on the relationship between the proposed cycle circuit and the existing Maindy Velodrome. Officers confirmed that the current proposal had no implications for the velodrome and that the velodrome would continue to operate in its current location. Officers explained that the proposal had emerged from discussions with the cycling community regarding facilities required to support cycling participation and development. Questions were raised regarding potential Tour de France legacy funding and the Council's financial contribution to the project. Officers advised that decisions relating to legacy funding had yet to be made and noted that the cycling community and governing bodies had played a key role in identifying funding opportunities. Officers emphasised that the Council was not proposing to provide capital funding for the project. It was explained that the estimated construction cost was approximately £4 million to £4.5 million and that the intention was to maximise grant funding. Should a funding shortfall remain, officers anticipated that a third-party developer or operator could potentially bridge the remaining gap through a commercial arrangement. Officers further confirmed that, at this stage, the Council was not proposing any direct capital investment or revenue subsidy. This reflected the position set out within the report, which identified the Council's contribution as land, governance and project support rather than capital funding. The Committee discussed public perceptions of the scheme and noted that some commentary had suggested the project would be funded directly by the Council. Members considered that further communication may be beneficial to clarify that the Council's primary contribution would be land and project management support rather than capital investment. Members also questioned how officer time and procurement costs would be funded. Officers advised that project management support would be provided through existing Council resources, while efforts were ongoing to secure external funding to meet procurement-related costs. The environmental impacts of the proposal were considered. Members sought reassurance regarding biodiversity impacts, particularly given the site's location and proximity to wildlife habitats. Officers advised that preliminary ecological assessments and a range of other surveys had been undertaken. The findings had not identified any significant environmental constraints that could not be mitigated. Officers outlined work undertaken in relation to ecology, trees and biodiversity and confirmed that replacement planting requirements appeared achievable within the locality. Further ecological impact assessment work was planned as the project progressed. Questions were also raised regarding the impact of lighting on local wildlife, including bats. Officers explained that dedicated bat surveys had been undertaken and had indicated that bats used nearby river corridors rather than crossing the proposed site. It was anticipated that the facility's lighting requirements could be accommodated without causing adverse impacts, with lighting levels designed to be proportionate and directed specifically towards the circuit. Officers also confirmed that access routes to and from the facility would be suitably lit to ensure user safety. Members sought clarification regarding technical assessment terminology used within the project documentation. Officers explained the purpose of the preliminary ecological assessment and the ecological impact assessment process and outlined how these would assist in identifying and mitigating environmental impacts. The Committee further examined the proposed arrangements for use of the Council-owned land and queried whether the transfer would permanently remove any future opportunity for the Council to realise a capital receipt. Officers advised that the eventual legal arrangement had not yet been determined and would depend on the final delivery model and funding package. They explained that an operational lease could potentially be granted for a period of approximately 20 to 30 years, whereas a longer property lease could be required if commercial finance arrangements necessitated security over the land. Officers confirmed that these matters would need to be resolved before procurement arrangements were finalised. Members also explored the extent to which the project could be delivered in line with cooperative principles. It was suggested that community benefit and participation should extend beyond consultation and include consideration of community involvement in governance and any future surplus generated by the facility. Officers confirmed that a stakeholder group comprising sporting bodies, community organisations and other interested parties had been involved in developing the business case and would continue to be engaged as the project evolved. A further discussion on cooperative models was welcomed by officers and Members. RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting at this point during consideration of this item as the Committee discussed exempt information of the description contained in paragraph 14 and 16 of Part 4 and paragraph 21 of Part 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Action 1972. The public may be excluded from the meeting by resolution of the Committee pursuant to Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 during discussion of this item. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Decision as recorded
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
The Chairperson advised that this item enabled Committee to explore the funding position for Employment Services. Welsh Government are undertaking a skills audit and developing a Skills Strategy and there are changes to funding streams, such as the Local Growth Fund. It is known that other programmes, such as the Investment Zone, have funding for skills. This item and Committee’s next 2 items – progress regarding the Investment Zone and Innovation – should help Committee to understand the likely impact of changes to funding, what that means to citizens of Cardiff, and the next steps and timelines. For this item, the Chairperson welcomed Cllr Peter Bradbury, Cabinet Member for Employment and Inclusive Growth; Hayley Beynon, Operational Manager for Hubs, Advice and Community Services; Helen Evans, Assistant Director for Housing and Communities; Khalid Osman, Manager for Into Work Services; and Jon Day, Assistant Director for City Development. The Cabinet Member was invited to make an opening statement after which Members were provided with a presentation from Officers and the Chairperson invited questions and comments from Members. In introducing the item, Cllr Peter Bradbury highlighted the significant success of Cardiff's employment services, noting that the service had supported approximately 1,500 unemployed people into work and enabled more than 500 people to move into higher-paid and more sustainable employment. He emphasised that these outcomes had been achieved largely through externally funded programmes and stressed the importance of securing clarity regarding future funding arrangements in order to maintain the service and continue delivering positive outcomes for residents. Members heard that the service currently receives over £7 million in external funding from a range of funding streams. Officers explained that the service is designed to provide a seamless gateway approach, ensuring residents receive support based on their needs regardless of the funding source supporting the intervention. The Committee was advised that employment support is delivered from locations across Cardiff, including council buildings, schools, community venues, temporary accommodation and supported housing settings. Officers noted that the service employs 133 full-time equivalent staff, with only one post funded directly through the Council's core budget, demonstrating the significant value external funding brings to the authority. The Committee was informed that the service has evolved from a general employment support model into a highly targeted service, supporting groups including young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), care-experienced individuals, people aged over 50 returning to work, and residents requiring additional learning, digital skills and confidence-building support. Officers also outlined work being undertaken to support employers, address skills shortages and recruit into priority sectors, as well as the success of Cardiff Works in diversifying the Council's workforce. Members heard that the principal concern facing the service was uncertainty surrounding future funding arrangements. Officers advised that Communities for Work Plus and the Local Growth Fund were the two most significant funding streams subject to uncertainty. Welsh Government funding decisions were often not confirmed until late in the financial planning cycle, creating challenges for workforce planning and service delivery. Concerns were expressed that ongoing uncertainty could result in the loss of experienced staff and impact the Council's ability to deliver targeted specialist interventions. The Committee was advised that reduced funding could have wider consequences for the Council, including increased demand on statutory services such as housing, homelessness, social care and wellbeing services. Officers emphasised the preventative nature of employment support and noted that helping residents access and sustain employment reduced the likelihood of individuals falling into poverty or requiring more intensive support services. In response to Members' questions regarding the Local Growth Fund, Jon Day explained that responsibility for funding decisions would transfer to the South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) from April 2027. Members were advised that local authorities would no longer receive direct allocations and would instead submit project proposals for consideration. While there were currently no indications that employability projects would be disadvantaged, officers could not provide absolute assurance regarding future funding levels until decisions were formally made. It was noted that employability and skills remained strongly aligned with Local Growth Fund priorities. The Committee explored the role of the CJC in determining future funding allocations. Officers clarified that although directors and officers would develop project proposals and recommendations, final funding decisions would rest with the CJC, comprising the leaders of the ten constituent local authorities. Members also discussed the degree of democratic accountability within the process and were advised that Cardiff's proposed projects would continue to be considered through the Council's established governance arrangements and Cabinet decision-making processes before submission to the CJC. Members sought clarification regarding engagement with Welsh Government and whether ministers had recognised the effectiveness of Cardiff's employment services. In response, Cllr Peter Bradbury advised that detailed discussions regarding future funding were unlikely until Welsh Government budget decisions had been announced. He noted that decisions arising from the Welsh Government budget, the UK Government budget and proposals linked to national employment reforms would all influence the future funding landscape. He confirmed that representations would continue to be made once greater clarity became available. The Committee discussed concerns regarding the move away from specialist provision towards more generalised services if funding were reduced. Officers explained that while this was not currently planned, there was concern that reduced or simplified funding streams could limit the service's ability to provide intensive targeted support to specific groups. Particular concern was expressed regarding the future of Communities for Work Plus, which funds mentoring and intensive support for residents furthest from the labour market. Members also examined the impact of short-term funding arrangements on staffing. Officers acknowledged that annual funding cycles created uncertainty for employees and could affect retention. However, they highlighted the service's strong track record of securing replacement funding streams and retaining staff by transferring them into new programmes. Nonetheless, officers indicated that current uncertainties, particularly around Communities for Work Plus, presented a greater level of risk than had been experienced previously. The Committee heard evidence regarding the use of social value commitments associated with major developments and infrastructure projects. Officers outlined ongoing work to connect residents with employment opportunities arising from construction and development activity across the city. The Committee was advised that dedicated social value officers were working closely with developers and contractors to maximise opportunities for Cardiff residents, including access to apprenticeships, training, construction careers and wider professional roles associated with major projects. Members also heard about initiatives linking the Council's housing development programme, construction skills academy and responsive repairs service to create pathways into long-term employment. In response to a question regarding alternative funding opportunities should existing funding streams not continue, Members heard that the service had previously secured replacement funding from a range of sources including the Department for Work and Pensions and other grant providers. While no assurances could be provided regarding future funding, officers highlighted the continuing policy focus at Welsh and UK Government level on employability, skills development and supporting young people into work. The Committee also discussed the ongoing Welsh Government skills audit and emerging Skills Strategy for Wales. Officers advised that, whilst the audit had been announced, no associated funding proposals had yet been published and therefore the likely implications for Cardiff's employment services remained unclear. In concluding the discussion, the Chair thanked officers and the Cabinet Member for their attendance and recognised the high quality of the employment support services delivered across Cardiff. The Committee acknowledged the significant achievements of the Into Work Service and noted the concerns raised regarding future funding certainty. Members highlighted the importance of securing greater clarity from Welsh Government and regional partners at the earliest opportunity to ensure continuity of service provision and retain specialist expertise within the workforce. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Decision as recorded
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Members were advised that this item enabled them to consider the progress made in implementing the Cabinet’s response to Committee’s recommendations from its Place Based Economic Interventions Inquiry. The Chair welcomed the Leader, Councillor Chris Weaver, Leader of Cardiff Council, Jon Day, Assistant Director City Development, and Councillor Russell Goodway, Cabinet Member for Business and Investment, for this item. The Leader informed the Committee that all five recommendations from the inquiry had been accepted by Cabinet and acknowledged that, although the Investment Zone is delivered through the Corporate Joint Committee, the recommendations remained highly relevant to Cardiff's position and ambitions within the programme. He noted that the recommendations had informed Cardiff's engagement with the development and implementation of the Investment Zone. He then invited Jon Day to provide a presentation on progress. Jon Day reminded Members that the Investment Zone represents a £160 million programme intended to leverage substantial private sector investment and support innovation, research and development rather than act as a traditional regeneration fund. He explained that the original focus on compound semiconductors had been broadened to encompass a wider technology and digital ecosystem, reflecting the view that innovation often occurs across sectors and disciplines. This broader approach was intended to maximise economic benefits across the region. Members were advised that the Investment Zone had recently received formal approval and that Cardiff's proposed sites, including Parkway and Cardiff South, had been included within the programme. The Cardiff South area, encompassing Central Quay, Callaghan Square and parts of Atlantic Wharf, was also being developed as an Innovation District. Officers had been working with Connected Places Catapult through a series of workshops to help shape the future vision for the district and to ensure that innovation and economic growth ambitions aligned with Cardiff's wider strategic objectives. In relation to governance and accountability, Members heard that new working arrangements had been established involving Cardiff Council, Newport Council, Cardiff University and the Corporate Joint Committee. Regular meetings were taking place to support delivery and coordination. It was also noted that where delegated decisions were made through Investment Zone governance arrangements, there was a requirement to consult the Leaders of Cardiff and Newport Councils. The Committee was informed that equality and inclusion considerations had been incorporated into the programme, including a commitment that 45% of skills support funding would be directed towards underrepresented groups. Members also heard that an initial £3 million had been allocated to skills development, supporting pathways ranging from compound semiconductor technologies through to wider digital skills. Officers highlighted the importance of ensuring that these opportunities were promoted locally and connected with existing employability and skills initiatives operating in Cardiff. Members were further advised that work continued to be undertaken to maximise the long-term benefits of the Investment Zone. The programme's funding model was designed to support sustainable economic growth over a 25-year period. Officers outlined how Investment Zone funding would be aligned with complementary funding streams, including the Local Innovation Partnership Fund, the National Wealth Fund and the Local Growth Fund, to maximise investment and deliver wider economic benefits. Councillor Anny Anderson sought clarification on how communities outside the designated Investment Zone sites, including areas such as Splott, would benefit from the investment. In response, officers stated that the primary objective was to create high-value employment opportunities which would be accessible to residents across Cardiff and the wider region. It was emphasised that success would depend on ensuring local residents were linked to the skills and employment opportunities arising from the programme through existing employability and skills networks. Councillor Anderson also queried how the dedicated skills funding would be allocated and targeted. Officers advised that detailed delivery arrangements were still being developed through the Corporate Joint Committee and that no delivery organisation had yet been appointed. However, Cardiff Council would continue to influence the programme to ensure local residents were aware of and able to access emerging opportunities. Councillor Margaret Lewis welcomed the acceptance of the Committee's recommendations and asked what work was being undertaken to ensure local residents could access the anticipated high-skilled employment opportunities. She further queried how underrepresented groups would be identified and supported. Officers acknowledged that the detailed delivery mechanisms for the skills programme were still being developed but stressed that Cardiff Council would need to align its own employability, schools and Cardiff Commitment programmes with the Investment Zone to maximise local participation. Councillor Lewis expressed concern that without sufficient support, residents could be disadvantaged if incoming workers filled many of the new specialist roles. Councillor Weaver agreed with the importance of this issue and emphasised that the skills funding was intended not only to attract businesses but also to develop the skills of the existing regional workforce to enable local people to benefit from the employment opportunities created. The Chair referred to evidence gathered during the Committee's inquiry which had highlighted the importance of early engagement and consultation with local communities. He asked how communities would be involved in the development of the Investment Zone. Officers advised that no dedicated communications and engagement plan had yet been established but acknowledged the importance of community engagement and undertook to raise the matter with colleagues involved in the Investment Zone programme. In concluding the discussion, Councillor Jamie Green highlighted the importance of ensuring that community engagement was built into the programme at an early stage, noting that there could come a point where consultation occurred too late to meaningfully influence decisions. The Leader agreed with the observation and confirmed that he would raise the issue immediately with relevant partners. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Decision as recorded
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
The Committee considered the report and supporting appendices relating to the first stage of its short scrutiny review into innovation in Cardiff. Members were reminded that the scrutiny had been included within the Committee's Work Programme to examine governance arrangements for innovation projects operating across Cardiff and the wider South East Wales region, particularly the interface between Cardiff Council and the South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee (CJC). The review aimed to explore how governance structures operate across multiple organisations and levels of government, and how these arrangements support inclusive innovation, accountability and democratic oversight. The Chair advised that this meeting formed the first stage of the scrutiny, with a further session scheduled for December 2026 to hear evidence from Cardiff Capital Region and other partners. The Committee received a presentation from the Leader of the Council and Jon Day - Assistant Director, City Development. The Leader highlighted Cardiff's strong innovation credentials, including its concentration of innovative businesses, start-up activity, universities and research institutions. He noted that whilst Cardiff had many strengths and comparative advantages, the city and wider region continued to underperform against UK productivity and Gross Value Added (GVA) indicators. He emphasised that innovation governance involved a range of organisations and partnerships, including Cardiff Capital Region, Welsh Government, UK Government, universities and local authorities, making effective partnership working and accountability arrangements particularly important. The scrutiny review was therefore timely in the context of wider discussions regarding devolution, economic development and regional governance. Jon Day – Assistant Director, City Development, presented an overview of the strategic context for innovation. He explained that Cardiff's performance reflected a wider UK trend whereby major cities outside London often lagged behind national productivity levels. He noted that innovation was increasingly driven by knowledge-intensive and service-based sectors rather than traditional manufacturing. Infrastructure investment and place-based development were identified as critical factors in supporting innovation, alongside access to skills, finance and high-quality business accommodation. Members were advised that Cardiff compared favourably with many other UK cities in terms of the density of knowledge-based and innovation-led businesses. However, challenges remained in translating this activity into higher productivity and economic output. Particular barriers included access to finance and the concentration of investment decision-makers outside Wales. The Committee heard that Cardiff Council supported innovation through several mechanisms, including direct investment in employment and business premises, support for growing businesses, inward investment activity, network development and policy leadership. Examples highlighted included Cardiff Business Technology Centre, Cardiff Business Technology Centre 2, Willowbrook, Tramshed Tech and the Knowledge Quarter. The Council also worked closely with organisations such as Cardiff Start, FinTech Wales and Media Cymru to support innovation networks and sector development. Jon Day – Assistant Director, City Development, outlined the role of Cardiff Capital Region and the South East Wales CJC in supporting innovation at a regional level. He explained that regional programmes included the Investment Zone, Local Innovation Partnership funding, innovation skills initiatives, business support programmes and the Deep Tech Pilot. Through access to larger funding streams, Cardiff Capital Region was able to support projects operating at a scale beyond that typically available to individual local authorities. The Committee also received an update regarding the recently approved AI Growth Zone, which aimed to promote artificial intelligence investment and development across the corridor stretching from Newport to Bridgend. Members were informed of the Council's work to explore the concept of an Innovation District within Cardiff, particularly in the south of the city. The Assistant Director explained that international evidence suggested that successful innovation ecosystems depended not only on business support but also on place-making factors, including transport infrastructure, employment space, housing, cultural offer and opportunities for collaboration. It was argued that improving these conditions could significantly increase economic output and productivity levels within Cardiff. During questioning, Members explored the importance of infrastructure investment in supporting economic growth and innovation. Reference was made to Cardiff's historic growth being linked to major infrastructure developments such as the docks, railways and canals. Officers agreed that modern transport and infrastructure investment remained fundamental to attracting talent, businesses and investment, and highlighted the challenges associated with delivering suitable commercial accommodation for innovative businesses. Discussion then focused on governance, accountability and transparency within Cardiff Capital Region and the South East Wales CJC. Members expressed concern that governance arrangements could be difficult for elected Members and the public to understand, particularly in relation to decision-making responsibilities, delegated powers and accountability arrangements. It was suggested that greater clarity and communication would assist Members in understanding how regional decisions were made and how these related to local democratic structures. In response, the Leader acknowledged the complexity of current arrangements and welcomed the scrutiny exercise as an opportunity to reflect on transparency and communication. He noted that regional governance structures had evolved considerably over the past decade and that there was merit in considering how information about decision-making and project delivery could be communicated more clearly to both elected Members and residents, including showing how CCR and the CJC was adding value. Members also discussed whether there should be more formal reporting mechanisms between the CJC and local authority scrutiny functions. It was suggested that increased reporting could improve awareness of regional projects and support democratic oversight. Officers indicated that greater communication and visibility of decision-making processes would be beneficial, although the precise arrangements would be a matter for regional discussion with CJC officers, who want to communicate successes and ensure that people understand these and the decision-making processes and what informs these e.g., universities and other key actors as well as ten constituent local authorities. Members asked how backbench members could debate issues and feed into discussions on proposals; the Leader responded that there is a need to clearly communicate what is being proposed and when and for CJC scrutiny to work effectively, thereby providing a route for backbench members, noting that this is an extremely complex area, that it is valuable to reflect and that there is an opportunity to develop concise and clear communications. Further questions were raised regarding Cardiff's financial contribution to regional arrangements and whether current voting and governance structures remained appropriate as Cardiff Capital Region matured. The Leader advised that discussions regarding governance arrangements remained ongoing and that it was important to continue reviewing structures to ensure they remained effective and reflected the needs of constituent local authorities. The Chair thanked the witnesses for their attendance and contributions. The Committee noted that further evidence would be received at the second stage of the scrutiny review in December 2026, when representatives from Cardiff Capital Region and other partners would be invited to contribute to discussions on innovation governance and accountability arrangements. The Committee noted the information provided and agreed that matters raised during the discussion would inform the next stage of the Innovation Short Scrutiny review. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – • That the terms of reference and scoping arrangements for the Cardiff Central Station Joint Short Scrutiny be approved. • That the terms of reference and scoping arrangements for the Tackling Illicit Retail Joint Short Scrutiny be approved. • That the terms of reference and scoping arrangements for the Commemorative Plaques Inquiry be approved. That Councillor Sean Driscoll and Councillor Jon Shimmin be appointed to the Commemorative Plaques Task and Finish Group.
The Committee received a report setting out the proposed terms of reference and scoping documents for the two joint short scrutinies previously agreed as part of the Committee's work programme, together with the proposed membership of the Commemorative Plaques Task and Finish Group. The Scrutiny Officer advised that the first joint scrutiny would focus on the Cardiff Central Station enhancement project and would consider the impact of the project on the economy and sustainability of Cardiff, including the interface between Cardiff Council and partner organisations involved in delivering the scheme. Members were invited to consider the proposed terms of reference and identify any amendments prior to approval. The Committee was also advised of the proposed joint short scrutiny on Tackling Illicit Retail, which would examine the effectiveness of current arrangements for addressing concerns associated with certain retail premises, including environmental impacts, and identify potential areas for improvement. Members were similarly invited to consider and approve the proposed terms of reference and scoping arrangements. In relation to the Commemorative Plaques Inquiry, the Scrutiny Officer reminded Members that the Committee had previously agreed the terms of reference, scope and Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee membership of the Task and Finish Group. Following an invitation to all backbench councillors to express an interest in participating, Councillors Sean Driscoll and Jon Shimmin had volunteered to serve on the group. The Committee was therefore asked to approve their appointments. No amendments to the proposed terms of reference or scoping arrangements were suggested by Members. RESOLVED – • That the terms of reference and scoping arrangements for the Cardiff Central Station Joint Short Scrutiny be approved. • That the terms of reference and scoping arrangements for the Tackling Illicit Retail Joint Short Scrutiny be approved. • That the terms of reference and scoping arrangements for the Commemorative Plaques Inquiry be approved. That Councillor Sean Driscoll and Councillor Jon Shimmin be appointed to the Commemorative Plaques Task and Finish Group.
None received.
Tuesday 17 November 2026 at 4.30pm
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.
Berman: Personal interest on Cardiff Cycle Circuit
Member of Albany Road Run Club.
Caruana: Personal interest on Cardiff Cycle Circuit
His father is a member of a cycle club.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.