Cyngor llawn

The minutes of the 26 October 2022, were agreed and signed by the Lord Mayor.

Public Question from Florian French to Council Leader Cllr Huw Thomas What is the Council going to do to protect our parks from development, our rivers from sewage and our streets from flooding? Reply: Cllr Huw Thomas Thank you Lord Mayor, and can I congratulate you, Florian, on your interest in politics. Perhaps one day you’ll be stood here answering questions. From a planning perspective the Council, as the local planning authority, considers all development proposals against local and national development plan policies, and all other relevant planning factors. If I deal with the point about drainage and sewage discharges first; foul drainage matters and their enforcements are not matters for which the Council is responsible. These fall to other statutory bodies; including, with regard to main rivers, Natural Resources Wales, and then Welsh Water, who I believe are investing in new infrastructure in various parts of the city to mitigate against sewage discharge. In terms of flooding on our streets, I think we can all see for ourselves the city’s susceptibility to more extreme weather events being caused by climate change. I think it’s important to stress that all highway drainage systems in the city are designed to an industry standard. When the capacity of the system is reached, ponding will occur on the highway; however, when there is capacity within the system, the surface water will drain via the highway gullies. Where higher rainfall is forecast, I think it’s useful for people to understand that the Council’s highway drainage team will attend known hotspot locations in the city, and clear obstructions including silt, mud and leaves from the area to help reduce the risk of flooding. I also want to highlight how Cardiff has been a national pioneer in our approach to sustainable urban drainage, starting with the Greener Grangetown scheme, then the SUDS scheme at Wood Street and Central Square, which I believe was the first city centre scheme of its type in the UK, bringing much-needed greenery to a previously heavy trafficked part of the city. Or then again, the new drainage scheme alongside the cycleway we’ve installed or are in the process of installing at Cathays Terrace; the cycleways programme being part of the Council’s response to the climate emergency. The Council is also looking to expand tree coverage in the city from 19% of land use to 25%, as part of our One Planet Cardiff strategy; and this will include significant street planting, which in turn will support the absorption of surface water. Finally, in terms of parks, Cardiff has a strong track record in protecting and enhancing our parks. Since 2012, 10 separate parks in Cardiff have been put in trusts through the organisation Fields in Trust, protecting them in perpetuity. We continue to work with Fields in Trust to identify further opportunities to do so. I’m also pleased to note, as a validation of our work in enhancing the quality and protections of our parks, that over the last 10 years, we have grown the number of parks in Cardiff achieving a Green Flag for Excellence to a total of 16. This is both the highest figure we’ve ever achieved, and also the most of any local authority in Wales, and we are targeting further growth in the future. So Florian, I hope that answer reassures. Diolch yn fawr. (Mrs French, mother of Florian explained it is actually Fletcher French; his brother is 8 years old and it was his brother that posed the question; but as I’m sure some of you aware, his brother was sick today and he wasn’t going to be allowed to ask a question, so he asked Fletcher to come along and pretend to be himself. We would implore the Council in future to allow people to join at short notice on Zoom; and also to allow, where a question is being asked by a group of children, as this one is by the YGC Rebel Cades, that it would be allowed that another member of the group could ask the question at short notice, because to wait to January wasn’t acceptable for Florian. The Lord Mayor advised that Zoom was not used because of security concerns) Supplementary Question (asked by Mrs French): The roads all around our school were flooded this morning in Llandaff North. You’ve mentioned the work that you’ve done around cleaning more parks and the 16 Green Flags. Hailey Park is a Green Flag Park; all the streets around it are flooded; the proposed site for the development in Hailey Park is in a flood zone. Why are you adding more water into the system before you’ve removed it, and what are you going to do to stop that? Reply: I am mindful of the ongoing judicial review so I shall choose my words very carefully. In terms of the surface area flooding that you were talking about in parts of Llandaff North, I received pictures from Cllr Dilwar Ali last night; he went around the entire ward identifying issues. I know Council teams responded over the course of the night. I won’t go into details of planning, but you will note in the planning report that there is commentary from Natural Resources Wales about addressing any flooding concerns in the location of the planning, and it’s dealt with in the planning application.

The following petitions were received. Presented by Number of Relevant Signatures Nature of Petition Elaine Moore 462 Calling on the Council to provide Free School Meals for Years 1 & 2 from September 2022 Pam French 1058 Calling on the Council to reverse its decision to lease Hailey Park land for a sewage pumping station. Councillor Ali 77 Calling on the Council not to building on The Fram, Llandaff North Councillor Carter 917 Calling on the Council to drop plans to reduce black bin collections to one every three weeks Councillor Robson 140 Calling on the Council to stop the articulated lorries going through Rhiwbina and down Beulah Road

The Lord Mayor highlighted the following: The United Nations “Elimination of violence against women and girls” day, also known as White Ribbon day, is tomorrow, Friday 25th November. He noted those in the Chamber wearing their white ribbons and encouraged Members to visit the stand outside the Chamber, take information and share this very important message on social media channels. Cardiff Council has been accredited for the 3rd time this year and accepted on the Council’s behalf the White Ribbon accreditation plaque from Anthea Sully, Chief Executive, White Ribbon UK. He praised all those involved. There were several local and citywide Remembrance services and events across Cardiff earlier this month to commemorate those who been injured or lost their lives in conflicts around the world and expressed his thanks to Royal British Legion who played a leading role in all of these events, which culminated in the National Service of Remembrance on Sunday 13th November. The ongoing war in Ukraine is very much a stark reminder of the fragile world we live in and so often take for granted. A Royal Gun Salute took place in Cardiff Castle on 14th Nov to celebrate King Charles III 74th birthday, hosted by 160th (Welsh Brigade), the 104th Regiment Royal Artillery and the Parachute Regiment. This month we have been visited by students from Israel, The Consul General of Portugal and Canadian Navy ship HMCS Montreal. We have also welcomed HRH the Prince of Wales and HRH the Duke of Gloucester (this morning). Around 30 people (from all parts of the globe) have attended our Citizenship Ceremonies at City Hall this month and granted British Nationality. A visit to Danescourt Primary will take place on 25 November with Councillor Merry; they will be presented with their UNICEF Rights Respecting GOLD AWARD. Congratulations to Councillor Sian Melbourne who has been selected to represent Wales’s deaf national rugby team in the sevens rugby World Cup in Argentina. And well done to her son, Mabon, who has played in the Lord Mayor's cricket match previously, for helping to raise awareness and necessary funds for this project. Cllr Joel Williams is hosting a Lord Mayors Guide Dogs charity coffee morning event on Sat. 3rd Dec. The very best of luck to our Wales National Football team in their forthcoming World Cup games over the next couple of weeks. The bucket hat is now part of our national heritage and something we can wear here with pride.

To inform members of the Council’s Treasury Management activities since 1 April 2022 and the position as at 30 September 2022. RESOLVED: Council is recommended to note the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2022-23 (Appendix 1).

The Statement of Accounts for 2021/22 were presented in order to meet the requirement of the Accounts and Audit (Wales) Regulations 2014 (as amended), which provides that the Statement of Accounts be approved by a relevant committee or by the Council meeting as a corporate body. Due to Covid-19, national timescales in respect to the signing of accounts continue to be extended from 31 May to 31 August and those for publication, extended from 31 July 2022 to 31 January 2023. The International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 260 requires the Appointed Auditor to report to those charged with governance, on the key matters arising from the audit examination of the Statement of Accounts for the year ending 31 March 2022. RESOLVED Council AGREED to: 1. Approve the audited Statement of Accounts 2021/22 – The Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Pension Fund (Appendix 1). 2. Note the Audit of Accounts Reports (ISA 260) from Audit Wales on the Statement of Accounts of Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Pension Fund for the year ending 31 March 2022 (Appendix 2). 3. Note the final Letter of Representation for the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Pension Fund included within Appendix 2. 4. Note that the following documents will be signed following the conclusion of the meeting: · Statement of Accounts for Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Pension Fund – Lord Mayor and Corporate Director Resources · Audit Certificate for the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Pension Fund – Appointed Auditor, Audit Wales. Letter of Representation for the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Pension Fund - Lord Mayor and Chief Executive.

The approval of Council was sought in respect of various constitution changes which have been recommended by the Constitution Committee, specifically in relation to: (a) Cabinet Job Sharing; (b) Governance and Audit Committee, Chair and Vice-Chair; (c) Electronic signing and sealing of documents; (d) Cardiff Bus Pension Scheme, delegated authority (e) Strategic Estates delegations; (f) Register of Members (Home addresses); (g)All Party Council Groups, Officer support; (h) Group Leaders rights to speak at Cabinet meetings; and (i) The Community Councils Charter. RESOLVED: Council AGREED to: Approve the recommended Constitution amendments set out in the report and its appendices, and asked the Monitoring Officer to update the Constitution accordingly.

Council is asked to consider the Standards and Ethics Committee’s recommended amendments to the Members’ Code of Conduct in relation to the use of Council IT equipment for remote / hybrid political group meetings. RESOLVED: Council AGREED to: • approve the amendment of the Members’ Code of Conduct, as set out in paragraph 14 of the report; • approve the draft Protocol for the Use of Council Hybrid Meetings IT Equipment for Political Group Meetings, appended to the report as Appendix A; • Instruct the Director of Governance and Legal Services and Monitoring Officer to update the Constitution accordingly, and issue the requisite notifications in relation to the amendment of the Members’ Code of Conduct, as set out in paragraph 18 of the report; and Delegate authority to the Director of Governance and Legal Services, in consultation with the Chair of the Standards and Ethics Committee and party Group Whips, to make any minor amendments to the Protocol (Appendix A), in order to ensure its effective operation.

Leader Statement The Leader responded to questions in relation to: · Pre-COP27 – Reception Investment & Development Statement Councillor Goodway responded to questions in relation to: · Economic Outlook · Supporting Local Business Social Services Statement Councillor Norma Mackie responded to questions relating to: · Improving Conditions for care Workers · Community Resource Team · Complex Needs Day Service Councillor Ash Lister responded to questions relating to: · DIY sessions for care Leavers Tackling Prover, Equality and Public Health Statement Councillor Julie Sangani responded to questions relating to: · Bowel Cancer Screening Councillor Peter Bradbury responded to questions relating to: · Ukrainian Employment Support Transport & Strategic Planning Statement Councillor Dan De’Ath responded to questions in relation to: · The Bike Lock · Operation Ellon · Active Travel Schools Programme Deputy Leader & Education Statement There were no questions for Councillor Merry Climate Change Statement Councillor Caro Wild responded to questions in relation to: · Recycling services over the Christmas Period · New Vehicle for Segregated Recycling Service · Big Sweep Leaf Fall Clearance Culture, Parks, Events & Venues Statement Councillor Jennifer Burke-Davies responded to questions in relation to: · APSE Best Performer Award · Roath Park Lake · Community Leases for Local Football Clubs. Finance, Modernisation & Performance Statement Councillor Chris Weaver responded to questions in relation to: · Wales Interpretation and translation Service (WITS) Housing & Communities Statement Councillor Lynda Thorne responded to questions in relation to: · Housing Solutions & Prevention Services · Community Safety Update · Safer Street Fund

The Lord Mayor noted that a Notice of Motion proposed by Councillor Littlechild and seconded by Councillor Calum Davies had been received for consideration. One Amendment had been received from the Labour Group. The Lord Mayor invited Councillor Littlechild to propose the motion as follows: • congratulates the Welsh men’s football team on qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1958, whilst celebrating the growth and progress in the women’s game; • thanks the team for their efforts promoting the Welsh language and culture; • notes the numerous health and well-being benefits of playing football and other team sports; • recognises the incredible community work sports clubs undertake in their communities during and following covid lockdown measures. • acknowledges the inability for community sports clubs to meet and fundraise during lockdowns which depleted their financial resources. • recognises that providing pitches and facilities for football and other sports is critical to the Stronger, Fairer, Greener agenda, and that junior and mini football clubs do not have to pay pitch or changing room fees; • believes an appropriate legacy to celebrate Wales’ World Cup qualification would be to extend this policy to all football teams using Council pitches and changing rooms for one year; • calls on the cabinet to bring forward a report to consider this ahead of the 2023/24 Budget; and • wishes the Wales football team every success. There was one amendment as follows: Councillor Michael proposed and Councillor Bridgman seconded: The first 5 bullet points to remain the same, thereafter any additions are in bold, deletions have a line through and the final bullet point is to remain the same. • recognises that providing pitches and facilities for football and other sports is critical to the Stronger, Fairer, Greener agenda, and that junior and mini football clubs do not have to pay pitch or changing room fees; • celebrates the 10 year anniversary of providing free access to junior and mini football clubs introduced by the Heather Joyce administration • welcomes the sustained investment into pitches, 3G pitches and changing rooms over recent years that have resulted, amongst other things, in a significant reduction of match cancellations, and further welcomes the new city-wide physical activity strategy that is broadening and deepening participation levels in sports • calls on the FAW, Sports Wales, and Welsh Government to work with the Council and other local authorities to deliver an appropriate long-term legacy following Wales’ participation; and • believes an appropriate legacy to celebrate Wales’ World Cup qualification would be to extend this policy to all football teams using Council pitches and changing rooms for one year; • calls on the cabinet to bring forward a report to consider this ahead of the 2023/24 Budget; and The Amended Motion to read: • congratulates the Welsh men’s football team on qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1958, whilst celebrating the growth and progress in the women’s game; • thanks the team for their efforts promoting the Welsh language and culture; • notes the numerous health and well-being benefits of playing football and other team sports; • recognises the incredible community work sports clubs undertake in their communities during and following covid lockdown measures. • acknowledges the inability for community sports clubs to meet and fundraise during lockdowns which depleted their financial resources. • recognises that providing pitches and facilities for football and other sports is critical to the Stronger, Fairer, Greener agenda; • celebrates the 10 year anniversary of providing free access to junior and mini football clubs introduced by the Heather Joyce administration • welcomes the sustained investment into pitches, 3G pitches and changing rooms over recent years that have resulted, amongst other things, in a significant reduction of match cancellations, and further welcomes the new city-wide physical activity strategy that is broadening and deepening participation levels in sports • calls on the FAW, Sports Wales, and Welsh Government to work with the Council and other local authorities to deliver an appropriate long-term legacy following Wales’ participation; and • wishes the Wales football team every success The Lord Mayor opened the item for debate. Councillor Littlechild responded to the debate and confirmed that the amendment was not accepted. The Lord Mayor called for a vote on the amendment. The vote was CARRIED. Councillor Michael responded before the vote was taken on the Substantive Motion as amended. The Lord Mayor called for a vote on the Substantive Motion as amended. The vote on the Substantive Motion as amended was CARRIED.

The Lord Mayor noted that a Notice of Motion proposed by Councillor Ali Ahmed and seconded by Councillor Maliika Kaaba had been received for consideration. One Amendment had been received from the Liberal Democrat Group. The Lord Mayor invited Councillor Ali Ahmed to propose the motion as follows: Cardiff is a cosmopolitan City. Driven by the growth of the coal industry, which made Cardiff one of the most important ports in the world, the city became home to some of the earliest immigrant communities in Britain. With a proud history of welcome and sanctuary which continues up the present day, Cardiff celebrates the diversity of its residents, which contributes to our social and economic enrichment. Sadly, as the work of the Race Equality Taskforce highlighted, racism continues to impact the day to day experiences of many people in the city. November is Islamophobia Awareness Month, so it is particularly appropriate to highlight the challenges faced by Muslims in Cardiff. The city is home to a large Muslim population of over 23,000. Muslims in Wales also come from a large variety of ethnic backgrounds. Members of the Muslim Community in Cardiff are an integral part of the city’s make-up, playing a huge role in all aspects of Cardiff’s life including NHS, businesses, education, legal department and in politics but despite this., worryingly our Muslim community is experiencing Islamophobia from some people. According to the Home Office’s latest report into Hate Crime in England and Wales, Muslims were targeted in 50% of all religious hate crime offences recorded in 2019/20 - a figure consistent with previous years’ reports - which means that they experience more religiously motivated hate crime than any other religious group. On the 27th November 2018, the APPG (All Party Parliamentary Group) on British Muslims produced the working definition of Islamophobia following a two-year consultation. The definition reads as the following: ''Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” This motion asks the Council to adopt this definition, and to support Islamophobia Awareness Month, which will focus on the positive contributions Muslims make in our city. Motion This Council believes that: • Adopting a definition of Islamophobia is essential to tackling Islamophobia in a targeted and effective manner. • Without a definition of Islamophobia, one cannot identify how Islamophobia manifests itself and functions and therefore, cannot devise meaningful strategies to address it. This Council resolves to: • Adopt the APPG definition of Islamophobia, accompanied by the Coalition Against Islamophobia’s explanatory guidelines to provide a more holistic understanding of Islamophobia. • Work with Cardiff schools, public transport companies, the South Wales police force, and other public and private bodies to tackle Islamophobia at a local level, in support of the wider work responding to the Race Equality Task Force recommendations. • Take further steps to tackle and raise awareness of Islamophobia, such as organising Islamophobia training, holding local events on the issue of Islamophobia, during Islamophobia Awareness Month (November) • Collaborate with the local Muslim community to challenge Islamophobia and to meet their needs such that they are encouraged to participate in public life. • Work with other local stakeholders such as the local MPs to raise awareness of Islamophobia in parliament and urge the UK Government to adopt the APPG definition of Islamophobia There was one amendment as follows: Councillor Molik proposed the amendment. The Motion to remain the same until the paragraph headed ‘This Council resolves to:’ This Council resolves to: The Amended Motion to read as follows: Cardiff is a cosmopolitan City. Driven by the growth of the coal industry, which made Cardiff one of the most important ports in the world, the city became home to some of the earliest immigrant communities in Britain. With a proud history of welcome and sanctuary which continues up the present day, Cardiff celebrates the diversity of its residents, which contributes to our social and economic enrichment. Sadly, as the work of the Race Equality Taskforce highlighted, racism continues to impact the day to day experiences of many people in the city. November is Islamophobia Awareness Month, so it is particularly appropriate to highlight the challenges faced by Muslims in Cardiff. The city is home to a large Muslim population of over 23,000. Muslims in Wales also come from a large variety of ethnic backgrounds. Members of the Muslim Community in Cardiff are an integral part of the city’s make-up, playing a huge role in all aspects of Cardiff’s life including NHS, businesses, education, legal department and in politics but despite this., worryingly our Muslim community is experiencing Islamophobia from some people. According to the Home Office’s latest report into Hate Crime in England and Wales, Muslims were targeted in 50% of all religious hate crime offences recorded in 2019/20 - a figure consistent with previous years’ reports - which means that they experience more religiously motivated hate crime than any other religious group. On the 27th November 2018, the APPG (All Party Parliamentary Group) on British Muslims produced the working definition of Islamophobia following a two-year consultation. The definition reads as the following: ''Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” This motion asks the Council to adopt this definition, and to support Islamophobia Awareness Month, which will focus on the positive contributions Muslims make in our city. Motion This Council believes that: • Adopting a definition of Islamophobia is essential to tackling Islamophobia in a targeted and effective manner. • Without a definition of Islamophobia, one cannot identify how Islamophobia manifests itself and functions and therefore, cannot devise meaningful strategies to address it. This Council resolves to: • Adopt the APPG definition of Islamophobia, accompanied by the Coalition Against Islamophobia’s explanatory guidelines to provide a more holistic understanding of Islamophobia. • Work with Cardiff schools, public transport companies, the South Wales police force, and other public and private bodies to tackle Islamophobia at a local level, in support of the wider work responding to the Race Equality Task Force recommendations. • Take further steps to tackle and raise awareness of Islamophobia, such as training and events on how to tackle Islamophobia , during Islamophobia Awareness Month (November) • Collaborate with the local Muslim community to challenge Islamophobia and to meet their needs such that they are encouraged to participate in public life and all aspects of life such as education, employment, training and public services. • Ensure Cardiff Council’s workforce is diverse and inclusive through engaging with training programmes to tackle Islamophobia and unconscious bias. • Work with other local stakeholders such as the local MPs to raise awareness of Islamophobia in parliament and urge the UK Government to adopt the APPG definition of Islamophobia Councillor Latif formally seconded the amendment. The Lord Mayor opened the item for debate. Councillor Ali Ahmed responded to the debate and confirmed that the amendment was accepted. The Lord Mayor called for a vote on the Substantive Motion as amended. The vote on the Substantive Motion as amended was CARRIED.

Councillor Davies to Councillor De’Ath The Labour Government’s own analysis confirmed that their nationwide default 20mph speed limit will cost the Welsh economy £4.5bn, and cost over £30m to implement. What impact will this have on Cardiff and Council assets? Reply – Cllr De’Ath The implementation costs will be borne by Welsh Government rather than the Council through their funding of the transport grant. Supplementary Question – Cllr Davies I’d like to declare an interest as a non-executive director of Cardiff Bus. Earlier this year I tabled a written question asking what impact will this speed limit have on the finances of Cardiff Bus, a Cardiff Council asset. You gave a long response but it was no answer. On ITV Sharp End last week the CEO of Cardiff Bus said, “We are really concerned that bus speeds and bus journey times are going to slow down, and have a knock-on impact on the affordability and reliability of buses.” They also expressed concern about the greater cost incurred to maintain current frequency and convenience, something which residents tell me isn’t exactly at an all-time high right now. So without regurgitating the Labour Government’s Line to Take document, I ask you again, what impact will the law change have on the finances of Cardiff Bus? Reply – Cllr De’Ath As I said on ITV, and as I’ve said in this Chamber, the average Cardiff bus journey is around 20mph, so I don’t think the impact will be significant. As I’ve also said, we’re bringing in a bus strategy in the New Year; there will be a package of measures like bus priority corridors that should make it much easier in the round for buses to get around the city and be the go-to mode of choice for people leaving their cars at home. Councillor Shimmin to Councillor Burke-Davies We are yet to see a proper business plan for the rationale for a change of ownership or management of St David’s Hall, so can we see this and how the potential monopoly of AMG over the major live indoor venues of Cardiff is beneficial to the people of Cardiff before any decision is taken? Reply – Cllr Burke-Davies The reason you haven’t seen a report yet is because it hasn’t come to Cabinet. It’s coming to Cabinet next month, and we’ll be able to fully consider all the options on the table from that, and I’ll be able to bring those to you and we’ll be able to consider the future operation of the national concert hall. Supplementary Question – Cllr Shimmin I asked for a business plan, not the report from external consultants; the business plan from the Council for that report. Given that the current suggestion of days for the Council to hire St David’s Hall for classical and community concerts are nowhere near enough to cover what is currently offered; if there is to be a change to the acoustics, staffing, or offer for a change in management or ownership of St David’s Hall, can the Cabinet commit now to a full and open tendering process which includes a full and comprehensive public consultation? Reply – Cllr Burke-Davies That’s going to be covered by the Cabinet report. At the moment, until we have that, I’m not in a position to commit to anything; but we will be consulting with our stakeholders. Councillor Gibson to Councillor Goodway Can you please tell me why Cardiff Council agrees that the lease of land in Hailey Park is the best option for Welsh Water and the pumping station that’s been sited there? Reply – Cllr Goodway The Councillor will be aware that a judicial review application has been submitted in relation to the planning application for the development of a sewage pumping station on land at Hailey Park by Welsh Water. The Councillor will also be aware that the application was approved by the Council’s Planning Committee at its meeting on the 8th of September 2022. As a result of the judicial review, I am advised that it would be inappropriate of me to comment any further on those matters, given that it may prejudice the legal proceedings. Supplementary Question – Cllr Gibson Bearing in mind what Cllr Goodway has said he will obviously not be able to answer my second question, apart from the fact that you saw today that there has been a petition put in by the people of Cardiff West, Cardiff North and probably further afield, so I hope that’s taken into consideration. Perhaps a consultation would have been appropriate. Cllr Goodway Can I just say that I refer the Cllr to the answer I gave a few moments ago. Councillor Ali to Councillor Sangani Can the Cabinet Member give an update on when the NHS online service will be starting at Llandaff North Hub? Reply – Cllr Sangani Other community services work very closely with public health colleagues to promote access to health services across Cardiff. Community Health Connect is an exciting new project which is still in development. Officers have been working with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board colleagues with the aim of ensuring that digitally enabled healthcare is available to everyone. Patients interact with the health services through the website, phone calls, face-to-face meeting or video consultation. While this blended approach benefits most people, it can however be an issue for those individuals who are digitally excluded. This pilot service will allow patients to access digital health care within their community hub, with the hub team providing onsite support to enable people to access digital health services. Significant preliminary work has been taking place including identifying a suitable site and location, as well as testing the appropriate technology including working systems. There is still work to be undertaken before the project can be launched, but hopefully this will before the end of the current financial year. Councillor Robson to Councillor Wild What impact has the mild autumn had on waste management services? Reply – Cllr Wild The mild autumn has meant that leaves from trees have fallen later than usual; this has had a minor impact on street scene services with garden waste collections having been extended a little bit further back into November, and the leaf clearance being extended into December and later if we need to. Supplementary Question – Cllr Robson You can probably guess where I’m going to go with this based on your answer. You mentioned about how the leaves have fallen later, and therefore can I request there is an extra garden waste collection service across the city to help those where they’ve already had their last collection, and the leaves are still on the trees in some cases because of the mild autumn this year. As a council we can really help with just that one extra collection; early December, just around then, to help with the garden waste as people want to do their bit to keep their own properties and their nearby streets clean. So will there be an extra garden waste collection forthcoming? Reply – Cllr Wild It’s an interesting one; I was listening carefully because there’s a difference between the leaves that are in people’s gardens and the leaves that are in the streets. In terms of leaves in people’s gardens, that’s the best place for them generally; people can compost down. I don’t think we want to go round collecting a whole service across a whole city when some people won’t need it. What we are doing though Cllr as I alluded to earlier, and we’ve put a lot of information out there; if people do want to volunteer, sweep up leaves around their pavements, their drives, things like that, we will arrange extra collections; and please ask if residents want to do that and many already have, to get in contact with the Love Where You Live team and we’ll try and help as much as we can. Councillor Wood to Councillor Wild Are the council considering introducing any charges for the garden waste collection service? Reply – Cllr Wild Any proposals around fees and charges would obviously need to be considered as part of the budget process for 2023/24; of course, that comes with a full public consultation and all of us having a chance to join in that debate as well. Supplementary Question – Cllr Wood If charging is proposed, how will the Council avoid those without access to vehicles being effectively discriminated against as they are not allowed or able to use the only disposal of garden waste which is Household Waste Recycling Centres in the city, noting those without cars are often likely to be the poorest in society, the elderly and often members of vulnerable groups? Reply – Cllr Wild Once again I’d say we’re going to be having a full budget debate; also public consultations, equality impact assessment, everyone in this Chamber having a really good chance to feed in to any proposals. When we’re talking about budget, that’s for another day and for all of us to take part in those conversations. Councillor Lloyd Jones to Councillor Burke-Davies Can the Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events give an update on Drovers Way Playground? Reply – Cllr Burke-Davies Certainly. I hope it’s all positive news. I can confirm that the Council has identified a funding source that will enable the drainage scheme to progress, which is essential to the reinstatement of the play area. Work on the drainage scheme is scheduled to commence next month, and it’s anticipated that this work will be completed by the end of 2023. I believe that officers will be in touch with yourself and with your ward colleagues to advise an indicative timeline, and works to improve the play area will immediately follow after the completion and sign off of the drainage scheme. Councillor Robson to Councillor Huw Thomas What plans are being made to improve Cardiff’s sewer network through the removal of surface water? Reply – Cllr Huw Thomas As I explained earlier, improvements to the sewer network in Cardiff is the responsibility of Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. However, due to the enactment of Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act, Cardiff Council as the local lead flood authority and sustainable drainage approval body, works with applicants to remove surface water discharge connections from Welsh Water’s sewers. So I mentioned Greener Grangetown in my answer to the Public Question; that’s an example of a retrofit scheme that alone has removed 42,000 sq m of surface water run off from Welsh Water’s sewer network in that part of Cardiff. Turning to new developments, extensive surface water connections to the sewers are going to be removed through new developments as a result of the requirement to comply with sustainable drainage legislation, and through the approval process via the Council as the sustainable drainage approval body. Supplementary Question – Cllr Robson It’s new developments I want to quickly focus on; Plasdwr’s foul water master plan and the Hailey Park pumping station were approved on the basis that surface water from undefined locations in that area would be removed from the system. What plans are in place to achieve the removal of surface water in those areas? Reply – Cllr Huw Thomas I’m not entirely sure I accept the premise of the question. In the planning application relating to the development you mentioned in Hailey Park, there is clear advice from NRW around flood risk; it identifies that the area lies partially within Zone C-1 of the development advice map, but considers the proposal acceptable subject to the developer being made aware of the potential flood risk. Councillor Carter to Councillor Thorne In light of private landlords reducing their housing stock, does the council have plans to accelerate its purchase of private properties to provide more council homes? Reply – Cllr Thorne The Council continues to buy back suitable properties from the market in order to increase its stock. This is particularly useful in securing larger family homes and homes for supported housing. We’ve recently secured additional funding from Welsh Government to increase the number of buy backs that we can achieve this year, and to help address some of the acute housing pressures that we are currently facing. As I’ve said previously, the buy back process has also helped us to prevent homelessness in a number of cases, where a family may be facing eviction by a private landlord who is selling the home, and we’ve been able to secure its purchase, thereby enabling the family to remain in that property. Supplementary Question – Cllr Carter I think we’ve always a system in place where we’ve had a balance between new build versus buy back; but I wonder whether you would agree with me that in light of rising building costs, in light of shortages of labour, and the time that it can take to get some of these major, exciting but slowly developing projects off the ground; that maybe we should be looking again, with this great opportunity of having so many landlords leaving the market in Cardiff, which is a worry to so many; maybe this is a time to look at the ratio between new build versus buy back again? Reply – Cllr Thorne We’re always looking at the best options and reviewing what we’re doing. But I have to say, people very rarely think about the knock-on effect; and frequently we’ve heard people, young couples, who’ve been unable to get their foot on the housing market, particularly their reason then was because landlords were buying up properties. So we have to be careful, actually, that what we do doesn’t impact on other people as well. But we’re always looking for the best options. Councillor Lloyd Jones to Councillor Burke-Davies We’re delighted in Radyr and Morganstown to see that Tom Lockyer has made it to the Welsh Squad. He started his football career off with Radyr Rangers who have had a difficult time over the last few years. The pitch they use is waterlogged much of the year. They have hardly any facilities. We are immensely proud that they have managed to grow the club, offering boys and girls the opportunity to play football despite everything. Er gwaetha pawb a phobeth. What progress has been made towards helping Radyr Rangers? Reply – Cllr Burke-Davies I’d like to join you in wishing Tom Lockyer every success in the World Cup for Wales, pob lwc to him and the rest of the team. I’m committed to supporting teams in Cardiff including teams like Radyr angers, and I know it’s been touched on previously both through written questions and with yourself and your ward colleague. They’re working with officers at the moment between Parks and Estates and attaining security of tenure required to attract the external funding, so hopefully that will be in place fairly quickly to get them the support that they need. We’ve also done some work with Transport for Wales for the provision of legacy building for the club and the local community at Moundfield in Morganstown. Councillor McEvoy to Councillor Merry Could the Cabinet Member outline what rights parents have in Cardiff regarding knowledge of contents of lesson on sex and gender? How can they find out what’s being taught? Reply – Cllr Merry This year marks the roll-out in schools of the Welsh Government’s new Curriculum for Wales. A mandatory part of that curriculum is relationship and sexuality education, or RSE. Further information, including a guide for parents on the new curriculum, is available on the Welsh Government’s hub website, and all details were circulated to members at the beginning of September. Schools will develop their own context-based curriculum that includes RSE, and this curriculum must be developmentally appropriate. As schools are developing their own curriculums for all subjects, individual schools are best placed to share examples of materials and resources that are proposed for use with any concerned parents, and I know that this is happening across Cardiff as schools engage with their parents. Teaching materials will also need to correspond with the requirements of the Welsh Government’s RSE code, which includes reference to proactive and regular communication with parents and carers. The Council encourages respectful communication between schools and parents in relation to this part of the new curriculum, reflecting the positive relationships that have been built up between schools and the communities they serve over many years. Supplementary Question – Cllr McEvoy Thank you for the clarification. Not a right but schools may share. At the outset I will share my concerns really, so that’s the question. My first profession was a teacher; I spent 20 years in the classroom; I’m well used to curriculums, schemes of work, and what you have to teach because it’s on the curriculum. This is from Scotland, by the way, it’s happening. And I wonder, do you feel concerned that three-year-olds, three years’ of age, it’s in the guidance, it’s in the curriculum, are being taught about penises, sperm, uterus. Three years’ of age, right, so we’re talking about what’s appropriate. Fifteen-year-old girls are being shown videos of a banana dipped in Nutella, and apparently 40% of women have anal sex. Cllr Merry I have to say, I would like to ask every Member in this Chamber to actually engage respectfully with their local schools and support their local schools as they face challenge from parents who have been totally misled by people about what is being taught in our schools, which is based upon concepts of respect, anti-violence, and understanding issues around consent, which everybody in this Chamber would agree are exactly the kind of issues that need to be taught. And it is done in an age-appropriate way. So, for example, Phase 1 is about learning to share toys. Councillor Carter to Councillor Goodway Is the Cabinet Member confident that Welsh Government still support the Cardiff Parkway Station proposals? Reply – Cllr Goodway I am advised that Welsh Government officials continue to be engaged with and appear to support the proposed development, and I am aware that Welsh Government has a financial stake in the project. I am also aware that Cardiff Parkway remains a critical feature in the list of proposed alternative solutions to building the M4 relief road, such that it is difficult to understand how the Welsh Government could be anything but supportive of the scheme. Supplementary Question – Cllr Carter Thank you for that assurance. I think like me you were probably shocked by the news in the press about the Planning Inspector calling it in, although with all due respect it has the right to do that. Is there any more that could be done from this Council to further support and defend this position to the Planning Inspector, because it’s a very unusual situation? Reply – Cllr Goodway I can confirm that there has been an engagement at political level with Welsh ministers regarding the new position. I can also confirm that our Planning officials clearly are putting together the case, if there is going to be a full inspection, so that we can justify the position that the Planning Committee took when it resolved to grant Planning Consent all those months ago. What I am seriously disappointed with, and this isn’t the first time that it has happened, is the delay in Welsh Government making a decision with whether they’re going to call in an application. I mean they took far too long over deciding not to call in the Arena project; they’ve taken far too long, months and months and months, to decide that they want to determine this application. I’m afraid that sort of delay does nothing to enhance Cardiff or Wales’s reputation in the business community outside of this country, and I know that it is having a detrimental effect on investors in London and elsewhere, because they think it’s just too hard to do business in Wales. Councillor Jackie Jones to Councillor Sangani It’s appropriate the night before, as Cllr Chowdhury said, International Day to End Violence against Women and Girls, that we focus on the Istanbul Convention. After 10 long years, 2 Tory governments ago, the Tory government ratified the Istanbul Convention, the previous Home Secretary in July of this year, and it’s come online on the 1st of November. Would you agree that it is scandalous that the UK Government did not fully ratify the Treaty, leaving out vast swathes of women, migrant women? Reply – Cllr Sangani By quietly reserving Article 59 of the Istanbul Convention, the UK Government is still failing some of the most vulnerable women living in this country, migrant women. Specialist domestic violence services have highlighted the discrimination faced by victims with irregular immigration status for decades, particularly those with no recourse to public funds. Failure to get this protection and support for migrant women effectively reinforces the two-tier system of support for victims, with some facing discrimination because of their migration status. The UK Government must immediately remove the reservation of this article and provide equal protection for every woman in need. All women, regardless of where they come from, deserve protection against violence. Councillor Williams to Councillor De’Ath Can the Cabinet Member provide an update on the Council’s plans to introduce road tolls and a congestion charge in Cardiff? Reply – Cllr De’Ath You last asked me this question in September, and nothing update worthy has happened in the intervening weeks. Supplementary Question – Cllr Williams Obviously rumours are awash, how many roads in Cardiff are going to be affected, is it 40% of Cardiff’s roads are going to face a congestion charge Cllr De’Ath? Can you advise the Chamber, you’ve been Cabinet Member now for 6 months, quite a long time in politics, how many chancellors have we had that in time? Cllr De’Ath, tell us, what is your personal view on road tolls and congestion charging in Cardiff; is it something you are in principle in favour of or will you oppose congestion charges in Cardiff? All we want to know is your view Cllr De’Ath. Reply – Cllr De’Ath As you know, my portfolio is a seething crucible; we’re considering many things, we’ve made no decisions on anything. As I’ve said before, when we do, you will be one of the first people to know. I’ll say, Joel, here’s the craic, and you’ll know; I can’t do any more than that. Councillor Berman to Councillor De’Ath When recently inquiring on behalf of a resident of my ward about the possibility of introducing a new residents-only parking scheme, I was advised: the strategy for managing residents’ parking is currently being considered; new options are being explored and evaluated; and until this work has been completed, the Council will not be installing new residents’ parking schemes or increasing provision. Can you therefore please advise the rationale for the review of the strategy; what options are being considered to change it; why members and residents have not previously been advised a new strategy is being considered; and when you currently anticipate a revised strategy might be in place? Reply – Cllr De’Ath I don’t think that’s an unreasonable question by any means; our parking policy is updated on a rolling basis, that’s nothing unusual. The main change will be how the zonal parking schemes we’re bringing in fit into that wider strategy. Any changes will be going to Cabinet early in the New Year and will be going through the normal processes of a Cabinet paper if any changes to the policy are made. Supplementary Question – Cllr Berman Thank you Cllr De’Ath for having explained that. I’m just slightly concerned that at the moment residents have been left a little bit in limbo because there isn’t the capacity to look at any new schemes; so can you assure us that this will be only for a short period of time, and that the Council will start being able to respond to residents’ requests for new schemes to be looked at before too long? Reply – Cllr De’Ath Yes, absolutely Cllr, it should only be for a matter of months. Councillor Leonora Thomson to Councillor Burke-Davies Given reports that there are proposals for a new delivery model for St David’s Hall, could you possibly Cllr Burke-Davies give details about how the Council would protect the classical and particularly also the community programming that goes on at that venue? Reply – Cllr Burke-Davies Again, the report’s going to be considered next month, at which point we’ll be able to consider a future operation and programme for St David’s Hall. We’re committed to protecting the world class classical music programme supported by the community programme, with a view to optimising an overall music offer at a very much-loved venue. Supplementary Question – Cllr Thomson My supplementary is particularly about the acoustic. The acoustic of St David’s Hall is absolutely fantastic. I’ve got a friend who actually toured recently with the Belgian National Orchestra. They had a big UK tour; they toured to the Usher Hall in Edinburgh; they went to the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester; the Town Hall, Cheltenham; Sage, Gateshead; Symphony Hall, Birmingham; all the top concert halls. They were all in agreement that the St David’s Hall acoustic was the best of the entire tour. And there are concerns that have been expressed to me by people in the arts sector, that actually with the changes that might be proposed, that the acoustic could be affected. How are you going to safeguard that really important acoustic for Wales? Reply – Cllr Burke-Davies We’re aware of the passions surrounding the Hall and particularly the acoustics for the building. Any proposal for the building would have to satisfy the Council that the Hall’s reputation for world class acoustics would be maintained. But again, until we have more information at December’s Cabinet, I wouldn’t be able to say too much now; but we are aware. Councillor Robson on behalf of Councillor Cowan to Councillor Goodway Will the Cabinet Member make a statement on the future of Cardiff’s Mansion House? Reply – Cllr Goodway The Councillor will be aware that the Council is actively reviewing its core office requirement, and she will understand that Mansion House will be included in that review. At the present time, Cabinet is yet to finalise its proposals relating to the Council’s core office requirement, but I can confirm that the use of Mansion House by other Council services, currently located elsewhere, is likely to feature in those proposals. However, I can assure Members that no decisions have been taken at the present time. Supplementary Question – Cllr Robson That’s interesting; I hope you’ll share details as soon as possible about which departments are looking to move into Mansion House. Therefore, can you confirm that the building will remain in Council ownership at all times? Reply – Cllr Goodway The Councillor will appreciate that I cannot pre-empt the proposals which will be included in the Cabinet report. But I can confirm that I am not aware that there have been discussions that suggest that the building will continue to be anything other than in Council ownership. Councillor Molik to Councillor De’Ath Highest prioritised and most vulnerable road users are those travelling on foot. What level of consultation took place with such road users before installing unsafe crossings on junctions? Reply – Cllr De’Ath Cllr Molik, we’ve installed no unsafe crossings in Cardiff; I’m not sure what you’re referring to. Supplementary Question – Cllr Molik I don’t know if you missed the press coverage on some crossings that you have placed on junctions which were seen and deemed as unsafe by residents that walk those roads. You’re denying that just says how lack of consultation took place with people that use those roads and crossings. So it is unsafe and people have classed it as unsafe for them to walk through. You not consulting, not taking into account views of… I had to correct the fact that he said there were no unsafe crossings, because people have viewed them as unsafe. How much did you spend on those crossings, and you have learnt lessons for failing to deliver safe crossings for residents that are most vulnerable road users? Have lessons been learnt? Reply – Cllr De’ath When we install new crossings, we do consult. The crossings you’re referring to have been installed as part of a Welsh Government trial using technology to measure the interaction of cars and pedestrians. We also consulted with disability groups. That’s what the Welsh Government are doing. You shake your head; they literally are doing that. If we were to make them permanent there would be some consultation. But don’t forget, because of the new Highway Code, pedestrians do have priority at those junctions. So having a crossing just makes that visible and apparent. This is all about making roads safe for vulnerable road users to encourage walking and Active Travel. Councillor Peter Huw Jenkins to Councillor Weaver With the uncertain future of Twitter, can the Cabinet Member tell me how much of the Council’s social media engagement is through that service? Reply – Cllr Weaver The key social media platforms the Council uses are Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. These provide important routes for us to deliver news and stories about the work of the Council and make contact with residents directly and for free. Twitter was our first social media platform that we used as a council. It remains the one with our largest number of followers, but we have grown all three over recent years. We’ve approximately got 105,000 followers on Twitter, 52,500 on Facebook and 30,500 on Instagram. So whilst Twitter is our longest standing channel and has the most followers, Facebook is actually the platform that receives the most engagement with the Council. Supplementary Question – Cllr Jenkins We’ve seen through the UK Government the extent of damage that an egomaniac, certain of their own expertise but utterly inept, can do in a very short amount of time. Given this can the Cabinet Member assure me that if Twitter is run into the ground, we have sufficient plans to migrate our presence to another platform? Reply – Cllr Weaver I can indeed. I’ve already mentioned we get slightly more engagement on Facebook. In addition, it’s worth knowing that Instagram has been our fastest growing social media platform; so in the event of Twitter ceasing to be viable we would already have a good start on other platforms. Of course, we communicate through traditional media as well and other forms of engagement; that would continue, and if one of those social media platforms were to fail we would revisit our strategy to ensure that we were migrating to any platform the public were using. You gave the example of the UK Government running itself into the ground, and thankfully in that case as well there is a ready-made mitigation; that is the Labour Party, and we will be able to have that party in government as soon as this prime minister sums up the courage to let the people decide. Councillor Bowen-Thomson to Councillor Lister What support does the Council give to children and families who have experienced violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence (VAWDASV)? Reply – Cllr Lister I’d like to start by saying I promise never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women. This Council proudly provides support to children and families through specialist services who provide support to those who experience violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence; one service for female victims and another for male. These offer advice and signposting, refuge and supported accommodation, and ongoing support in the community, including aftercare, recovery and peer-led support. Where there are concerns, social workers do undertake direct work with children and young people to ensure their safety and wellbeing is being fully considered; and there is a dedicated team, Safe As, providing age-appropriate support to children and young people, including those who are victims within their own relationships, in refuge and in the communities; and the team also offer briefings to schools. Supplementary Question – Cllr Bowen-Thomson That’s wonderful to hear of the work that’s being done for the VAWDASV survivors and their families. How are you working with partners to support those children? Reply – Cllr Lister I’d like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to you for all the fantastic work you’ve done over a long period of time in this sector. There are a number of interventions that can be accessed and it is really is key that we’re working with partners in partnership on this; it’s not just something that the Council can do, we need to work with partners, I’m going to namedrop here: such as NSPCC, Media Academy Cymru, Safer Wales; there are a variety of partners out there, but we do have our own services within Children’s Services, they do fantastic work to support victims of VAWDASV. Councillor Humphreys to Councillor Mackie Could the Cabinet Member update the Council on any progress in getting people back to their homes after being in hospital? I have heard that there are many older people who want to be home and babies and young children who are also waiting for care packages. Reply – Cllr Mackie I’m pleased to say there’s a strong partnership in place between the Council and the University Health Board, with regular high-level meetings and multi-agency working. Officers have worked together to put in place clear pathways for hospital discharge. Our Pink Army of contact officers work at the Heath Hospital to ensure that patients receive the right help at the right time, and a dedicated hospital social work offers support to those with more complex needs. However, pressures on the hospital remain severe, and as a result we have put additional resources in place to help address this, including employing additional hospital social workers. A new rapid response homecare service is due to start very shortly. This will support people to be discharged from hospital and recover in their own home, while they are waiting to be assessed for ongoing care. A therapy-based rehabilitation unit has also been set up within the hospital, and a further unit based within the community is planned, so that people can recover in a homelike setting to get them home as early as possible. Officers are not aware of any issues with the discharge of mothers and babies or any young children from hospital or awaiting care and a support package from us.

There was no urgent business

To receive nominations and make appointments to current committee vacancies as set out in the report and in accordance with the approved allocation of seats and political group wishes. RESOLVED: The Council AGREED to receive the nominations and appoint to the vacancies on Committees, in accordance with the Party Group wishes, as set out in Table A and on the Amendment Sheet.

To appoint Local Authority School Governors to fill vacancies, both current and future. RESOLVED: The Council AGREED to approve the new appointments and re-appointments of Local Authority governors to the school governing bodies as set out on the Amendment Sheet, each for a term of 4 years from the date of the appointment.

To consider the re-appointment of the Council’s Independent Non-Executive Director of Millennium Stadium plc. RESOLVED: Council AGREED to approve the re-appointment of Mr Sameer Rahman as an Independent Non-Executive Director to Millennium Stadium plc for a further 3-year term to 6 January 2026.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 17 (f) Written Questions received for consideration together with the responses as a record in the minutes of the meeting