Cabinet

Cabinet received a report seeking approval to continue the longstanding and successful Section 33 partnership agreement for the Joint Equipment Service (JES), delivered collaboratively by Cardiff Council, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, and the Vale of Glamorgan Council. The service, managed by Cardiff Council, provides essential equipment to support people at home, reduce care needs, and facilitate hospital discharge. Each partner contributes to the cost of the service based on its actual usage and this is reviewed annually. The partnership been in place since 2009 and the original agreement was for 3 years with a clause that allowed automatic renewal of agreement without limit. However, an Internal Audit has recommended that the agreement should be reviewed and resigned by all partners. The updated agreement reflects changes to budget contributions and information sharing protocols, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with current legislation. Cardiff Council remains the lead body, with pooled resources and governance arrangements in place to maintain efficiency and service quality. All partners have confirmed their commitment to the revised agreement. RESOLVED: that 1. the continued partnership arrangements for the delivery of the Joint Equipment Service be agreed. 2. authority be delegated to the Director, Adults, Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Public Health & Equality, to approve the updated partnership agreement for the Joint Equipment Service and to carry out periodical reviews and approve any future operational changes to the agreement.

Cabinet received a report proposing a new policy to increase placement capacity for children and young people through home adaptations and extensions for foster carers, kinship carers, and special guardians. The policy supports Cardiff’s commitment to the Welsh Government’s Eliminate Agenda, which aims to remove private profit from care provision and reinvest in ethical, community-based services. The report outlines improved recruitment and retention measures for in-house foster carers, including a proposed £5,000 welcome payment and a £1,000 retention payment. It also highlights the ongoing pressures on placement availability, particularly for sibling groups and teenagers, and the need to support carers facing space limitations due to economic factors or extended care arrangements. The report is seeking approval of the policy and grant administration process, which will be funded through capital grants and governed by a robust framework to ensure transparency, quality, and value for money. The initiative aims to increase placement options, enhance placement stability, reduce reliance on external providers, and deliver better outcomes for children in Cardiff. RESOLVED: that 1. the policy and administration of the grant aimed at maximising placements for children and young people through adaptations and extensions to the homes of current carers be approved. 2. the improved recruitment and retention offer for our in-house foster carers be noted.

Cabinet received a report outlining proposals for a new Shared Micromobility Scheme in Cardiff, following the closure of the previous popular Nextbike scheme. The scheme aims to support active travel, reduce congestion, and offer sustainable transport options for Cardiff residents. The report recommends an operator-led approach to deliver a fleet of e-bikes, with minimal financial input from the Council aside from geofenced parking bay infrastructure. The micromobility market has evolved significantly, with improved safety, security, and operational models. E-bikes and e-scooters are preferred due to their durability and reduced risk of vandalism, while pedal bikes are no longer considered viable. The new scheme will be more dynamic and tailored than the Nextbike scheme, with live analysis around demand and parking locations. Pre-market engagement with leading operators confirmed strong interest in delivering a flexible, low-cost scheme aligned with Cardiff’s cycling and climate goals. RESOLVED: that 1. the proposed approach be agreed to allow the progression of a Shared Micromobility Scheme for Cardiff. 2. authority be delegated to the Director of Planning, Transport & Environment in consultation with the Cabinet Member Strategic Planning and Transport, Cabinet Member Finance, Modernisation & Performance, s.151 Officer and Director Governance and Legal Services to determine all aspects of the procurement process for a Shared Micromobility Scheme for Cardiff (including approving the evaluation criteria to be used, and authorising the award of the contracts) and all ancillary matters pertaining to the procurement including but not limited to any collaborative working arrangements with neighbouring authorities.

Cabinet received a report outlining the proposed adoption of the updated Socially Responsible Procurement Policy, developed through the Ardal collaborative procurement partnership. The Ardal procurement service run by Cardiff Council supports the procurement for Cardiff Council as well as Monmouthshire, Torfaen, and Vale of Glamorgan Councils. This Policy will be mirrored in each of these authorities to maximise the efficiency in procurement. The Policy sets out eight socially responsible objectives aligned with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act and reflects Cardiff’s local priorities, including the Stronger, Fairer, Greener vision. The Policy aims to embed fair work, support local economies, reduce carbon emissions, and promote community well-being through Council contracts. It builds on work already done by the Council to contribute to the local and Welsh economy; around 75% of procurement money staying within Wales, approximately 64% within Cardiff region and approximately 50% within Cardiff itself. The Policy has been shaped by engagement with stakeholders and contractors, all of whom supported its objectives. The Policy will be implemented via the Council’s Procurement Strategy and monitored through annual reporting from 2026. It includes mechanisms for measuring Community Well-being Benefits, with £12.7M committed and £5.1M delivered to date. The Policy is designed to be adaptable to future legislative changes, with delegated authority proposed for updates. If adopted, the four authorities will be working under the same eight socially responsible objectives and the Council will continue to deliver a value for money service, while ensuring that its procurement takes place in a socially responsible and sustainable way. RESOLVED: that 1. the Socially Responsible Procurement Policy be approved. 2. authority be delegated to the Corporate Director Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance, to approve any updates to reflect national Guidance and/or to meet new legislative requirements.

Cllr Huw Thomas declared a personal interest in this item as he is a Ward Member for Splott. Cabinet received a report seeking approval to commission a masterplan for the newly acquired Pengam Green site and to develop a temporary Gypsy Traveller site to relieve overcrowding at Rover Way. The site is strategically important for Cardiff’s eastern gateway and presents opportunities for economic, housing, and infrastructure development. Environmental constraints, flood risk, and biodiversity designations will require detailed assessments. The masterplan will align with existing developments and the Cardiff East Industrial Strategy, integrating transport improvements and economic growth. Part of the site (8 hectares) is identified in the RLDP as a temporary Gypsy Traveller site for a minimum of 10 years. The Gypsy Traveller community have consistently expressed a strong desire to remain within this local area. The most recent Gypsy Traveller Accommodation Assessment identifies a requirement of 117 additional spaces by 2036. The proposed temporary site identifies up to 70 Gypsy Traveller pitches which would be considered as a first step towards meeting the urgent and longstanding accommodation needs identified in the Gypsy Traveller Accommodation Assessment. In addition, the masterplan will consider the need to realign Rover Way, the provision of appropriate transport features and access to the local community, and the integration of recent developments such as Cardiff Parkway and renewable energy projects. RESOLVED: that 1. authority be delegated to the Director of Planning, Transport & Environment, in consultation with the Director of Economic Development, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport, and Cabinet Member for Housing & Communities, to approve the commission of the masterplan for the recently acquired Pengam Green site in Tremorfa. 2. the development of proposals for a temporary Gypsy Traveller site to alleviate overcrowding on the existing Rover Way site be approved and authority be delegated to the Corporate Director for People Communities (in consultation with the Corporate Director of Resources, the Cabinet Member for Housing & Communities and the Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance) to progress such proposals subject to all required planning approvals and verification of grant funding to support a viable business plan and subject to such verification, to return to Cabinet for approval to implement that proposal.

Cabinet received a report responding to the Economy and Culture Scrutiny Committee’s recommendations on ‘Filming in Cardiff’. The city hosts one of the UK’s largest TV and film sectors outside London, employing around 3,000 people, and the report explored how the Council can better support filming, enhance income, attract international productions, and maximise local benefits. The Film Office and Highways teams play key roles in facilitating filming while managing community impacts. It is acknowledged that this sector is highly competitive and mobile, and there is a need to ensure that Cardiff can retain a competitive edge against other UK cities who are seeing substantial growth in this area. Fourteen recommendations were made, focusing on improving the Film Office website, reviewing fees and charges, enhancing collaboration and communication, and assessing resource needs. Of the recommendations, nine were accepted, four partially accepted, and one rejected. Overall, Cabinet supports the spirit of the recommendations. Partial acceptances reflect the need for further work on financial and resource implications, with some proposals subject to future budget processes. RESOLVED: that the response to the ‘Filming in Cardiff’report of the Economy and Culture Scrutiny Committee as outlined in Appendix A be approved.

Appendices 1, 2 & 4 of this report are not for publication as they contain exempt information of the description contained in paragraphs 14, 16 and 21 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. Appendix 5 of this report is not for publication as it contains exempt information of the description contained in paragraphs 16 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. Cllrs Chris Weaver and Norma Mackie declared a personal interest in this item as they are Ward Members for Cathays. Cabinet received a report providing an update on the essential maintenance programme for City Hall and seeking approval to allocate funding for the final planned phases of work. The Council has committed to restoring the building’s infrastructure to support future sustainable use. Phases 1–3, aimed at reopening the event venue, are progressing with a confirmed budget of £21.6m, secured through a combination of Council funding and Welsh Government grants. A revised total projected cost of £28m has been identified for all seven phases of essential works following detailed surveys. However, there are still risks in terms of inflation, staff shortages and supply chain volatility. Cabinet was asked to approve £6.7m to complete phases 4–7, which are necessary to attract future occupiers and reduce the building’s £1m annual running cost. The Council continues to explore long-term uses for City Hall, both for public and private sectors, with reopening of the event venue targeted for Q2 of 2026/27. RESOLVED: that 1. the updated programme of essential works at City Hall be noted. 2. £6.7m of allocated Council capital as set-out at Confidential Appendix 1 to complete the phases 4-7 works be approved. 3. Authority be delegated to the Director of Economic Development in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, the Section 151 Officer, and the Monitoring Officer, to progress all matters relating to the procurement and delivery of phases 4-7 of the essential works at City Hall, in line with approved budgets set out at Confidential Appendix 1.

Appendices 2, 5 and 9 of this report are not for publication as they contain exempt information of the description contained in paragraphs 14 and 21 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. Appendices 7 and 10 of this report are not for publication as they contain exempt information of the description contained in paragraph 16 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. Cllrs Ash Lister and Lynda Thorne declared a personal interest in this item as they are Ward Members for Grangetown. Cabinet received a report providing an update on the Cardiff International Sports Village (ISV) development. It outlined progress on residential and mixed-use development, a proposed car parking charging regime, and a private sector-led energy strategy to decarbonise key leisure facilities. The report also sought approval to enter into an Option Agreement to secure land for a new sub-station to support future energy needs. The proposals aim to support sustainable regeneration of the ISV, reduce carbon emissions, and improve financial viability of leisure operations. Final terms for the energy strategy will return to Cabinet for approval following procurement. Concerns raised by the Economy and Culture Scrutiny Committee regarding the car parking charging regime were addressed. The Council will explore options for cash payments for non-app users, as well as concessionary rates or season tickets for frequent users. Blue Badge parking will follow the agreed percentage set out in the city parking plan, and, in line with other Council-managed car parks, will remain free of charge for Blue Badge holders. RESOLVED: that 1. the introduction of a car parking charging regime at the ISV site based on Option 4 of the report attached at Appendix 3 be approved subject to securing the required budgets as outlined at Confidential Appendix 9. 2. the Evaluation Criteria set out in Confidential Appendix 2 be agreed and the implementation of a procurement process to deliver the Energy Strategy set out in the report and at Confidential Appendix 2 and Confidential Appendix 7 be approvedand authority be delegated to the Director of Economic Development in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, Section 151 Officer and Monitoring Officer to deal with all elements of the procurement process with the final negotiated terms, reported back to a future meeting of Cabinet for approval. 3. the HOTs to enable the delivery of a primary sub-station at the ISV site as set out at Confidential Appendix 10 be approved and authority be delegated to the Director of Economic Development in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, Section 151 Officer and Monitoring Officer to deal with all associated legal and financial matters.