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Cardiff Council: Repairs Failures, Budget Gap, and Visitor Levy

This week in Cardiff:

Council Faces Scrutiny Over Repairs Backlog and Complaint Handling

Cardiff Council's Governance and Audit Committee convened this week, tackling critical issues surrounding the Adults, Housing and Communities directorate, including a damning Ombudsman report on the Responsive Repairs Unit (RRU) and a significant budget gap. You can view the meeting details here.

Ombudsman Report Exposes Catalogue of Failure in Repairs Service

A Public Services Ombudsman Wales investigation revealed a series of failures in the RRU, spanning from 2021 to 2024, a period marked by extreme pressure on the service. The investigation highlighted a case involving repeated failures to address a leak, leading to extensive damp and mould, and a failure to appropriately consider the tenant's health needs.

Cynghorydd Rodney Berman, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, described the report as horrendous, citing a catalogue of failure, a catalogue of negligence that put a family's health at risk.

The Ombudsman's report detailed:

  • Repeated failures over four years to identify the source of a leak.
  • Incorrect categorization of damp, failing to recognize the health needs of the family.
  • Delays in carrying out repairs after the property was deemed unfit for human habitation.
  • Failure to address repeated requests for a temporary move.

Jane Thomas, Director of Adults, Housing and Communities, acknowledged the severity of the case, stating, We are extremely sorry about the complaints, and emphasizing the council's commitment to preventing similar incidents in the future. Thomas also noted that the council had already offered a full apology and made redress to the family before the Ombudsman's involvement.

The council is implementing a Repairs Improvement Plan, including:

  • Re-skilling complaints officers.
  • Weekly reviews of outstanding complaints.
  • A follow-up process to ensure commitments are fulfilled.
  • Improved quality monitoring of complaints.
  • Recruitment of additional complaints officers.

Financial Challenges Loom with £37 Million Budget Gap

The committee also discussed a financial update, revealing a projected £37.015 million budget gap for 2026/27. This gap is driven by increased costs in children's services and pressures in other areas.

Key factors contributing to the budget gap:

  • Increased external placements and care costs for children's services.
  • Estimated additional costs of £57.847 million for 2026/27.
  • Savings targets issued, with £22 million targeted and £18 million options identified to date.

Chris Lee, Director of Corporate Resources, noted that the council received a lower-than-average settlement from the Welsh government, further exacerbating the financial challenges.

National Fraud Initiative Uncovers Potential Discrepancies

The committee received an update from Audit Wales on the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) 2024-25, a data-matching exercise designed to detect and prevent fraud. The NFI identified 33,223 data matches for Cardiff Council, with significant numbers in council tax single person discount, creditors, and blue badges.

Nicholas Rayner from Audit Wales explained that the NFI helps prevent and detect fraud by electronically sharing and matching data sets across public sector organizations.

Other Key Discussions

  • Adults, Housing and Communities Control Environment: The committee received an update on the directorate's control environment, including risk management, internal audits, and external assurance.
  • Audit and Investigation Team Progress: The committee reviewed the progress of the Internal Audit and Investigation Teams, including findings from audits of schools and other council services.
  • Treasury Management Mid-Year Report: The committee noted the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2025/26, which provides an overview of the council's treasury management activities and investments.

Council Discusses Funding and Visitor Levy

Cardiff Council met to discuss a range of issues, including funding from the UK and Welsh governments, a proposed visitor levy, and the Replacement Local Development Plan. You can view the meeting details here. No video was provided.

Concerns Raised Over UK Government Funding for Wales

Cynghorydd Rodney Berman, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, proposed a motion expressing concerns about the level of funding Cardiff Council receives from the Welsh government, which is dependent on the block grant from the UK government. The motion highlighted that the funding formula used by the UK government is outdated and fails to ensure that Wales receives a fair level of funding for public services.

Consultation Approved for Visitor Levy

The council approved a consultation on the introduction of a visitor levy, which would allow the council to raise funds for local tourism. The levy would be paid to the Welsh Revenue Authority and used to support the visitor economy in Wales.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming Cardiff Council meetings:

Cardiff Council Housing Policy Faces Criticism Over Vulnerable Residents

This week in Cardiff:

Council Faces Criticism for Housing Policy Impacting Vulnerable Residents

Cardiff Council's Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee recently convened to discuss winter planning for homelessness provision and support for those with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) You can view the meeting details here. The discussions have brought to light concerns about the council's policies and their potential impact on vulnerable individuals, particularly rough sleepers.

Salvation Army Voices Concerns

Catherine Docherty, Area Operations Manager for The Salvation Army, expressed significant worry about the council's decision to only accommodate individuals with an active housing duty owed to them. In a written statement, she highlighted the potential risks to the mental and physical safety of rough sleepers without recourse or local connection, stating that the decision has:

caused significant worry for those sleeping out without recourse or local connection, and that the impact of this news has so far sparked disengagement from their staff and services.

Limited Support for NRPF Individuals

The committee heard that individuals with NRPF, a condition placed on certain individuals under UK immigration law, are not eligible for homelessness assistance or a housing allocation. While outreach services and other support are available, the lack of accommodation options raises concerns about the council's ability to protect this vulnerable population.

Council Defends its Approach

The council defended its approach, emphasizing its commitment to preventing homelessness and supporting private landlords. Officers highlighted the availability of new accommodation and partnerships with various organizations to provide support. However, the limited resources and the challenges in engaging with individuals who may not want assistance remain significant obstacles.

A Balancing Act: Duty of Care vs. Limited Resources

The discussions highlight the difficult balancing act the council faces in providing support to vulnerable individuals while managing limited resources and adhering to legal obligations. The concerns raised by The Salvation Army underscore the need for continued dialogue and collaboration to ensure that no one is left behind, especially during the harsh winter months.

Other Key Discussions

  • Direct Payments: The committee received an update on the progress of direct payment proposals, which aim to empower individuals by giving them more control over their care.
  • Performance Reports: The committee reviewed performance reports for Adult Social Services and Housing & Communities, highlighting both achievements and areas for improvement.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming Cardiff Council meetings:

Cardiff debates anti-racism, air quality, and heritage protection

This week in Cardiff:

Council Grapples with Equality Strategy Amidst Concerns Over Disability Representation and Anti-Racism Efforts

Cardiff Council's Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee convened this week to dissect the council's Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, sparking critical discussions on disability representation, sickness absence, and budget constraints. You can delve into the meeting details here.

EDI Strategy Under the Microscope

The committee scrutinized the council's annual progress report on its EDI Strategy, a document designed to ensure fairness and inclusion across all council services. While progress was noted in some areas, significant concerns were raised about the representation of disabled people in the workforce and the overall effectiveness of the strategy.

We know that for some group of the people experience greater inequality and face more significant barriers. This strategy is about supporting them by closing the inequality gap, removing the barrier, and promoting the good relations.

  • The council's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy sets out five strategic equality objectives:
    • Workforce representation
    • Pay equality
    • Inclusive services
    • Community cohesion
    • Leadership and accountability
  • The overall sickness absence rate for the council is 9.8 days per employee per year, higher than the average for other local authorities in Wales.
  • The council is facing significant financial challenges, due to increased demand for services, reduced funding from central government, and the rising cost of inflation.

Is Cardiff an Anti-Racist City?

A particularly contentious point arose from the strategy's stated ambition to become an anti-racist city. This prompted a debate about whether Cardiff was currently anti-racist and what the council's role should be in addressing racism.

The anti-racist city language, that is a direct response to the anti-racist strategy published by Welsh Government. So it's a, I would say that the use of that language within the city is a direct response to a named strategy of Welsh Government.

Sickness Absence and Budget Pressures

The committee also examined sickness absence trends within the council, revealing an overall rate of 9.8 days per employee per year, exceeding the Welsh local authority average. Discussions also touched on the council's budget for the 2025/26 financial year, highlighting the significant financial challenges stemming from increased service demand, reduced government funding, and rising inflation.

Environmental Committee Eyes Air Quality and Heritage

The Environmental Scrutiny Committee addressed the Local Air Quality Annual Monitoring Report and the Local Heritage List, emphasizing the importance of environmental protection and preservation of local heritage. You can explore the meeting details here.

Breathing Easier? Air Quality Improvements and Future Strategies

The committee reviewed the 2025 Local Air Quality Management Annual Progress Report, showcasing improvements in air quality across Cardiff. However, concerns remain about the ongoing impact of air pollution on public health.

  • Poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK, contributing to heart disease, strokes, respiratory illnesses and cancer.
  • In Cardiff and Vale, air pollution contributes to an estimated 178–227 deaths annually.
  • In 2024, all automatic and non-automatic monitoring sites in Cardiff met air quality objectives for nitrogen dioxide.

Protecting Cardiff's Heritage: Local Heritage List

The committee discussed the Cardiff Local Heritage List, focusing on protecting and celebrating local buildings, especially pubs, community spaces, and music venues with working-class heritage.

  • The consultation took place between 24 July and 18 September 2024, and that 103 responses were received, 87 of which were supportive, 9 were neutral, and 7 were objections.
  • Five buildings received objections during the consultation, and that two buildings, the Tavistock Arms and the Railway Inn, were omitted after further assessment.
  • Three buildings, the Pantmawr Inn, The Roath Park, and Roath Conservative Club, were retained despite objections.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming Cardiff Council meetings:

Howells Redevelopment Approved; Social Housing Gains

This week in Cardiff:

Howells Redevelopment Approved Amid Heritage Concerns

Cardiff Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to the redevelopment of the historic Howells department store, a decision that has sparked debate over balancing economic development with preserving the city's heritage. You can view the meeting details here.

Balancing Act: Benefits vs. Harm

The committee grappled with the complexities of the project, acknowledging the harm to the Grade II* listed building while weighing the substantial other benefits of the development.

Throughout the report, and I'll talk about it shortly, is it does identify harm. It does identify varying degrees of harm, from minor harm to moderate adverse harm and one degree of major adverse harm. And what we have to do through the planification is primarily consider the extent to which that degree of harm is or would or would not be outweighed by the substantial other benefits to be attributed to this development.

  • The redevelopment aims to deliver apartments, studio apartments, a hotel, and flexible commercial floorspace.
  • Concerns were raised about the scale and visual impact of the proposed tower, particularly its effect on the setting of St John's Church.
  • The committee ultimately voted to grant the application, subject to conditions and referral to CADW.

Material Concerns

Councillor Sean Driscoll questioned the red brickwork of the tower and its impact on the views of St John's Church, proposing a condition to seek alternative materials. Councillor Adrian Robson agreed that the red brick finish was unacceptable and requested the committee see the final finish before approval.

The committee voted to delegate the decision on the condition to officers in consultation with the chair.

Gaiety Theatre Demolition Approved for Social Housing

The committee also approved the demolition of the existing 'Gaiety' building and redevelopment for Housing Association apartments and ground floor commercial units.

  • Councillor Jon Shimmin noted it was a shame to lose such a building of character but that the social housing was desperately needed .
  • Councillor Garry Hunt lamented the loss of the art deco architecture .

Other Matters

  • The committee approved a new hotel on Queen Street, with Councillor John Lancaster praising the design as beautiful and in keeping with the buildings there .
  • The committee approved several stopping up orders, including one for John Street, which will transfer highway rights to a private owner.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming Cardiff Council meetings:

Cardiff Council: SUV Tax Sparks Debate, Social Services Strained

This week in Cardiff:

SUV Surcharge Sparks Heated Debate Over Fairness and Environmental Impact

Cardiff Council is facing criticism over its proposal to introduce a surcharge for oversized vehicles as part of its City Parking Plan. The plan, intended as an environmental measure, has been branded a regressive tax that will disproportionately affect working families and tradespeople. You can view the meeting details here.

Mad to Oppose Environmental Tax?

The debate unfolded during the Cabinet Member Statements and Oral Questions session at the Council meeting on 23 October 2025. Councillor Dan De'Ath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport, defended the surcharge, arguing that larger vehicles cause significantly more road damage.

I am introducing a surcharge on SUVs, of course, Joel, because a two-ton SUV does 16 times, 16 times the road damage of a one-ton car.

Councillor De'Ath went on to say that those who opposed the tax sound mad .

Concerns Over Impact on Tradespeople

Councillor Bourke questioned the impact of the surcharge on tradespeople who rely on vans for their work. Councillor Williams criticized the surcharge as a regressive tax on working families.

A Regressive Tax on the Poor?

Critics argue that the surcharge will disproportionately impact low-income individuals and families who rely on larger vehicles for practical reasons, such as childcare or shift work. They contend that the council has not adequately assessed the potential for the policy to simply punish those who cannot afford to replace their vehicles.

Social Services Stretched as Demand Increases

Cardiff Council's Local Authority Social Services Annual Report 2024/2025 reveals increasing demand and complexity in the needs of vulnerable individuals, placing significant pressure on social services. You can view the meeting details here.

Staff Dedication Praised

The report praises the dedication of social services staff in providing person-centred care, despite the challenges they face. Key achievements include the integration of early help services, trauma-informed practice training for staff, and expansion of accommodation for children.

Concerns Over Unfilled Posts and Complaint Resolution

Councillor Oliver Owen raised concerns about the percentage of unfulfilled social worker posts and satisfaction levels with adult social care. Councillor Tief highlighted that stage two complaints in social services were not being resolved within the guideline of 25 working days.

Focus on Partnership Working

The report emphasizes the importance of partnership working in ensuring that frontline social workers can effectively support vulnerable individuals.

Local Development Plan Faces Criticism Over Housing Targets and Greenfield Development

Cardiff Council's 9th Local Development Plan Annual Report has come under fire for failing to meet housing targets and for building on greenfield sites. You can view the meeting details here.

Housing Shortfall

Councillor Berman noted that the council had only reached 58% of its overall dwelling requirement and 14% of its affordable housing target.

Greenfield Development Concerns

Councillor McEvoy criticized the plan for building on greenfield sites, while Councillor Goodway recalled a meeting with Welsh Government officials who emphasized the need to accommodate some greenfield land in the local development plan.

Successes in Employment and Sustainable Transport

The report highlights successes in employment and sustainable transport, with 24,000 new jobs created in Cardiff since 2016 and an increase in journeys made by walking, cycling, or public transit.

Other Matters

  • The Council approved the Statement of Accounts 2024/2025, despite concerns about a £4 million overspend and the council's long-term financial resilience. You can view the meeting details here.
  • The Council noted the Standards and Ethics Annual Report, with Councillor Brown-Reckless raising concerns about the standard regime and the handling of issues by the Standards and Ethics Committee. You can view the meeting details here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming Cardiff Council meetings:

Licensing Sub Committee

Licensing Sub Committee - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 10.00 am

The Licensing Sub Committee was scheduled to convene to consider applications for premises licences across Cardiff. These applications included requests to sell alcohol at a community cafe, convenience stores, and other establishments. The report pack for the meeting is available to the public online[^1].

December 03, 2025
Council

Council - Thursday, 27th November, 2025 4.30 pm

The Cardiff Council was scheduled to meet on Thursday, 27 November 2025, to discuss a range of issues, including the submission of the Replacement Local Development Plan for independent examination, the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report, and a proposed visitor levy. Councillors were also expected to discuss a notice of motion regarding funding from the UK and Welsh governments.

November 27, 2025
Governance and Audit Committee

Governance and Audit Committee - Tuesday, 25th November, 2025 1.00 pm

The Governance and Audit Committee of Cardiff Council is scheduled to meet on 25 November 2025 to discuss directorate performance, treasury management, internal audit, and the National Fraud Initiative. The meeting will cover a range of topics, including updates on the Adults, Housing and Communities control environment, an Ombudsman public interest report, and a financial update with resilience issues. Also on the agenda is the Audit and Investigation Team's progress, the National Fraud Initiative, corporate risk management, and a treasury management half-year report.

November 25, 2025
Pensions Committee

Remote - Teams, Pensions Committee - Monday, 24th November, 2025 5.00 pm

The Cardiff Council Pensions Committee met on Monday 24 November 2025 to discuss the Wales Pension Partnership, the fund's investments, and the Pension Fund's Risk Register. The committee was also scheduled to discuss a divestment motion, the fund's annual report, and the minutes of the Local Pension Board and Investment Advisory Panel. Councillor Chris Weaver, Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance, chaired the meeting.

November 24, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Thursday, 20th November, 2025 2.00 pm

Cardiff Council's cabinet convened to discuss a range of issues, including the submission of the Replacement Local Development Plan to the Welsh Government, proposed additions to the local heritage list, and the introduction of a visitor levy. The cabinet agreed to submit the Replacement Local Development Plan to the Welsh Government for examination, approved a consultation on the visitor levy, and approved additions to the local heritage list. They also reviewed reports on local air quality and budget monitoring.

November 20, 2025
Licensing Sub Committee POSTPONED

Licensing Sub Committee - Wednesday, 19th November, 2025 11.15 am

This meeting has been postponed.

November 19, 2025
Licensing Committee

Licensing Committee - Wednesday, 19th November, 2025 10.00 am

The Licensing Committee of Cardiff Council convened on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, to discuss the review of the Statement of Licensing Policy and to approve the minutes from their previous meeting. The main focus of the meeting was scheduled to be the consideration of a new Statement of Licensing Policy, with a view to launching a public consultation.

November 19, 2025
Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee

Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 18th November, 2025 4.30 pm

The Economy and Culture Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the Football Facilities Strategic Framework, a proposed visitor levy, and the Cardiff Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP). Councillors scrutinised the progress of the Football Facilities Strategic Framework, discussed the visitor levy proposals, and sought assurance that previous scrutiny recommendations were incorporated into the RLDP deposit plan.

November 18, 2025
Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee

Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 17th November, 2025 4.30 pm

The Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee met to discuss direct payments, performance reports, winter planning for homelessness, and correspondence. The committee agreed to write to the cabinet member to convey their observations and made recommendations to improve direct payment safeguarding and to build stronger relationships between housing and faith groups.

November 17, 2025
Local Authority Governor Panel

Local Authority Governor Panel - Monday, 17th November, 2025 2.00 pm

The Local Authority Governor Panel met to discuss local authority school governor vacancies. This included a review of existing vacancies, and future vacancies. The Panel also considered nominations to fill these positions.

November 17, 2025
Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee

Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 9th December, 2025 4.30 pm

December 09, 2025
Licensing Sub Committee

Licensing Sub Committee - Tuesday, 9th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 09, 2025
Unknown Committee

Remote Teams, Appointment Committee - OM1 Legal Services (Property, Planning and Procurement ) and Deputy Monitoring Officer - Tuesday, 9th December, 2025 2.00 pm

December 09, 2025
Prosiect Gwyrdd Joint Committee

Remote Meeting Teams, Prosiect Gwyrdd Joint Committee - Tuesday, 9th December, 2025 11.00 am

December 09, 2025
Public Protection Sub Committee

Public Protection Sub Committee - Wednesday, 10th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 10, 2025
Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee

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

December 10, 2025
Planning Committee

Planning Committee - Thursday, 11th December, 2025 10.30 am

December 11, 2025
Environmental Scrutiny Committee

Environmental Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 11th December, 2025 4.30 pm

December 11, 2025
Glamorgan Archives Joint Committee

Glamorgan Archives Joint Committee - Friday, 12th December, 2025 2.00 pm

December 12, 2025
Public Protection Sub Committee

Public Protection Sub Committee - Monday, 15th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 15, 2025