This week in Cardiff:

Licensing Policy Overhaul: Council Considers Stricter Rules for Alcohol Sales

Cardiff Council is set to review and potentially update its Statement of Licensing Policy (SLP) for 2026-2031, a crucial document that guides how the council regulates licensed premises. The Licensing Committee met on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, to discuss proposed changes aimed at enhancing public safety, reducing nuisance, and better supporting the city's night-time economy.

The review comes as the current policy was due for renewal. Following a public consultation, several key amendments have been proposed. These include:

• Tackling Alcohol Deliveries: New measures will address concerns about the sale of alcohol for delivery. The policy will now consider factors like robust age verification at the point of handover and strategies to mitigate risks associated with deliveries to open-air spaces. This is a direct response to worries about underage access and sales to intoxicated individuals.
• Strengthening Safeguarding: The policy will be updated to align with the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, changing terminology from vulnerable adults to adults at risk. This broadens the definition of harm to include neglect and exploitation, and explicit requirements for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for staff at events for under-18s are being considered.
• Addressing Martyn's Law: A new section on the Prevent duty will be included, aiming to safeguard individuals susceptible to radicalisation.
• Supporting Operation Makesafe: The policy will formally incorporate Operation Makesafe, a South Wales Police initiative to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation (CSE) within the hospitality and licensed sectors.

The proposed changes also acknowledge the wider regulatory landscape, including the UK Government's National Licensing Policy Framework, and aim to better reflect Cardiff's cultural identity. The committee was scheduled to recommend the amended policy to Full Council for adoption. This review is vital for ensuring that licensed premises contribute positively to the community while minimising potential harms.

View the Licensing Committee meeting details here

Corporate Parenting: Focus on Care-Experienced Young People and Future Plans

The Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee met on Monday, 13 April 2026, to review progress in supporting children looked after by the council and to plan for the future. A key area of discussion was the emerging concept of treating care experience as a protected characteristic, a move that could significantly impact how the council supports young people who have been in its care.

The committee was set to receive updates on the Corporate Parenting Annual Plan for 2025-2026, highlighting achievements in areas such as developing eLearning modules and launching a Youth Service webpage for children looked after. The draft Corporate Parenting Annual Plan for 2026-2027 was also on the agenda, focusing on actions to move beyond business as usual and embed core corporate parenting principles.

A significant part of the discussion was dedicated to emerging areas of work, including a review of best practices and the exploration of treating care experience as a protected characteristic. This concept, being explored through the Cooperative Councils Innovation Network (CCIN) Policy Lab, aims to ensure that individuals with care experience are not discriminated against and have equal opportunities. This aligns with the council's commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and ensuring they have the best possible life chances.

The committee was also to review opportunities for members to visit services and engage with staff and young people, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and successes in corporate parenting. The development of a Corporate Parenting Communications Plan for 2026-2027 was also on the agenda, aiming to raise awareness of corporate parenting responsibilities across the council and reduce the stigma associated with care experience.

View the Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee meeting details here

Other Matters

Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee

The Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 15 April 2026. While details of the discussions are pending publication, this committee plays a crucial role in scrutinising the council's performance and policies, ensuring they are effective and delivering value for residents.

View the Policy Review and Performance Scrutiny Committee meeting details here

Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee

The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 14 April 2026, was cancelled.

Environmental Scrutiny Committee

The Environmental Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, 16 April 2026, was cancelled.

This week in Cardiff:

Chief Executive Recruitment and Visitor Levy on the Agenda as Council Convenes

Cardiff Council held its full Council meeting on Thursday, 26 March 2026, tackling key issues including the recruitment of a new Chief Executive and the potential introduction of a Visitor Levy. The meeting also addressed the council's Pay Policy Statement and a revised Local Code of Corporate Governance.

New Chief Executive Search Underway

The council is embarking on the search for a new Chief Executive, as the current postholder, who has served since December 2013, intends to step down. The recruitment process will involve public advertisement due to the salary exceeding £100,000. The Appointments Committee will lead the selection, with authority delegated to the Chief HR Officer and the Leader of the Council to manage the process. This appointment is crucial for the strategic direction and operational leadership of the council, impacting all services and residents.

View the Council meeting details here

Visitor Levy Consultation Results Reviewed

Following a public consultation, the council reviewed the outcomes of proposals to introduce a Visitor Levy. The levy, enabled by the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Act 2025, could be implemented from April 2027. The consultation revealed broad support for the levy in principle, with 62% of respondents in favour. Key concerns raised included the potential impact on visitor numbers and the need for transparency in how funds would be used. The council is proposing to implement the levy based on revised proposals that incorporate feedback, with a focus on reinvesting revenue into tourism infrastructure and marketing. This levy could generate significant income to support Cardiff's tourism sector, benefiting local businesses and the wider economy.

View the Council meeting details here

Pay Policy and Governance Updates

The council also considered its Pay Policy Statement for 2026/2027, outlining policies on chief officer remuneration. This statement, in line with the Localism Act 2011, ensures transparency in pay, bonuses, and severance arrangements. Additionally, a revised Local Code of Corporate Governance was presented, updated to reflect new guidance from CIPFA and Solace. This code is fundamental to ensuring the council operates effectively, ethically, and accountably, providing assurance to residents that public funds are managed responsibly.

View the Council meeting details here

Economic Development and Finance Under Scrutiny

The Governance and Audit Committee met on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, to review the council's financial health, internal audit progress, and risk management strategies. Key discussions included an update on the control environment within Economic Development and a comprehensive finance update.

Economic Development Control Environment

An update on the control environment within the Economic Development directorate revealed a number of ongoing audit recommendations, with 47 remaining open. Priority themes include reduced external funding, budget pressures, and staff retention. Risks escalated to Senior Management Team include ash dieback and dam safety. The committee noted that while the council has robust arrangements, areas for improvement include partnership working and ensuring mandatory fraud training is prioritised. This scrutiny is vital to ensure that economic development initiatives are managed effectively and deliver value for money.

View the Governance and Audit Committee meeting details here

Finance and Medium-Term Financial Plan

A detailed finance update highlighted the council's 2026/27 budget, which was balanced without reliance on reserves. However, the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for 2027/28 to 2030/31 indicates a challenging financial position, with projected pressures of over £227 million. The council faces significant savings requirements, necessitating a focus on efficiency, service change, and income generation. The report also provided an update on the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) replacement programme, which has reached the implementation procurement stage. The financial health of the council directly impacts the services it can provide to residents, particularly vulnerable groups who rely on council support.

View the Governance and Audit Committee meeting details here

Licensing Sub Committee Considers Pub Variation

The Licensing Sub Committee met on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, to consider an application to vary the premises licence for The Gatekeeper pub. The application sought to extend the hours during which the entrance doors on Westgate Street could remain open.

The Gatekeeper Pub Licence Variation

The application from JD Wetherspoon Plc proposed extending the opening hours of the Westgate Street entrance doors from 9:00 PM to 11:15 PM from Monday to Saturday, and until 10:45 PM on Sundays. This change was met with objections from local residents and Councillor Norma Mackie, who cited concerns about increased noise, anti-social behaviour, and littering in a residential area. The committee had the power to grant, modify, or reject the application, balancing the applicant's commercial interests with the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, ensuring public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm. The decision will have a direct impact on the quality of life for residents living near the pub.

View the Licensing Sub Committee meeting details here

This week in Cardiff:

Ely Youth Zone Gets Green Light: A New Hub for Young People

Cardiff Council is moving forward with plans to build a state-of-the-art youth zone in Ely. The Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, and gave its backing to the project, which aims to provide a safe and engaging space for young people aged 8 to 18 (and up to 25 for those with additional needs).

The Ely Youth Zone is a partnership with the national charity OnSide, which has a proven track record of delivering similar facilities in areas of high deprivation across the UK. The project has secured in-principle agreement to proceed, with capital costs to be split 50:50 between OnSide and the council. The council will contribute £6 million towards capital costs, funded through external grants, land disposals, and appropriation of land to the Housing Revenue Account. An annual revenue contribution of £200,000 from the council for seven years is capped and will not increase.

The preferred location is at the junction of Cowbridge Road and Mill Road, an area identified as one of the most deprived in the city. This site offers good visibility and accessibility, being on a main bus route. The project will involve extensive engagement with young people to ensure their voices shape the design and operation of the facility. Existing youth services in Ely will be protected and enhanced by the new facility.

Concerns were raised about the potential loss of leisure space due to the car park development at the nearby International Sports Village, but it was noted that a previous leisure opportunity for that site had not progressed. The committee also flagged the need for future scrutiny of any proposals for the disposal or agency model for the leisure assets to ensure affordability for residents.

The Ely Youth Zone is expected to provide increased access to positive activities, trusted adult support, and improved health and wellbeing for young people. It also aims to strengthen pathways into education, training, and employment, contributing to wider community safety and cohesion.

View the Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee meeting details here

International Sports Village: Parking Solutions and Leisure Asset Review

The Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee also discussed plans for the International Sports Village (ISV) on Tuesday, 17 March 2026. The committee received an update on car parking proposals, the option agreement for key leisure assets, and the future of the site.

A permanent car park with approximately 900-1000 spaces will be developed on the former Toys R Us site. This will be funded through private sector investment from an energy provider in exchange for rights to energy generation and provision. The council will retain ownership of the car park and its income, which will be ring-fenced for asset and public realm maintenance.

The council is exploring options for the disposal or alternative operating models for the Cardiff Ice Arena and the Cardiff International White Water (CIWW) centre, with a soft market testing exercise to be conducted. The relocation of the Fun HQ play area to the Toys R Us building is also proposed.

Concerns were raised about the potential loss of leisure space due to the car park development, but it was noted that a previous leisure opportunity for the Toys R Us site had not progressed. The committee also flagged the need for future scrutiny of any proposals for the disposal or agency model for the leisure assets to ensure affordability for residents.

View the Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee meeting details here

Visitor Levy Consultation: Broad Support, Key Conditions

Cardiff Council is moving closer to potentially introducing a visitor levy, following a public consultation that indicated broad support for the idea. The Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee reviewed the consultation responses on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.

Nearly 2,000 responses were received, with 62% of online respondents in favour of the levy. Key concerns raised by businesses included the administrative burden, potential negative impacts on visitor numbers, and the need for transparency and ring-fencing of funds. Residents also expressed a desire for the levy to benefit local communities and improve city centre cleanliness and infrastructure.

In response to feedback, the council has strengthened governance arrangements, reinforced additionality safeguards, and committed to a comprehensive communication and engagement strategy. Representations will be made to Welsh Government regarding the potential exclusion of children from the levy. The proposed Visitor Levy Partnership Forum will include representatives from various sectors, with a commitment to ensuring diversity and resident representation through elected members.

The introduction of a visitor levy could generate significant income, estimated at £3.5 million annually, which would be reinvested to support and grow Cardiff's tourism sector. This could fund initiatives such as destination marketing, event support, and improvements to city infrastructure, ultimately benefiting both visitors and residents.

View the Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee meeting details here

Business Improvement District Renewal: FOR Cardiff Seeks Third Term

The Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee also discussed the renewal ballot for the FOR Cardiff Business Improvement District (BID) on Tuesday, 17 March 2026. The BID is seeking to renew its mandate for a third term, proposing to increase its levy rate and expand its area to include Cardiff Bay.

The BID aims to generate £2.6 million annually, totalling £13 million over the five-year term. Proposed priorities for the next term include making Cardiff safer, cleaner, and greener, improving connectivity, increasing reasons to visit, supporting a resilient and competitive capital, providing a voice for businesses, and developing skills and wellbeing.

The council has confirmed its support in principle for the BID renewal. If successful, the expanded BID would cover a significant area, including the city centre and Cardiff Bay, aiming to create a more cohesive visitor economy for the city. The proposed levy rate increase from 1.06% to 1.6% is intended to reflect the BID's actual income and bring it in line with national averages for BIDs. The increase in the value threshold from £25,000 to £30,000 means smaller businesses will be exempt from the levy.

View the Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee meeting details here

Housing Revenue Account: Plans for Investment and Tenant Engagement Approved

The Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee met on Monday, 16 March 2026, to scrutinise the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan for 2026-27 and the new Tenant Engagement Strategy for 2026-2030. Both were recommended for approval by Cabinet.

The HRA Business Plan outlines significant investment in maintaining and improving council homes. This includes £1.7 million for the Responsive Repairs Unit and Dry Homes team to tackle damp and mould, and to meet new, stricter timescales for hazard remediation set by Welsh Government. A further £26.34 million is allocated for planned works, £9 million for general compliance with the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS), £7.8 million for energy efficiency, and £5.5 million for fire safety.

The plan also details the ongoing commitment to building new council homes, with over 2,000 delivered to date and 482 currently under construction. New builds exceed current WHQS standards for energy performance.

The Tenant Engagement Strategy, co-produced with tenants, aims for a more flexible and inclusive approach to involving residents in shaping services. It sets out six key priorities: engaging tenants, listening to them, improving communication, celebrating their contributions, providing training and support, and promoting diversity and inclusion.

Financially, the HRA faces a projected revenue budget gap of nearly £11 million over the first five years, which will be mitigated by using HRA earmarked reserves. However, the plan is projected to remain viable over the long term.

Concerns were raised about the potential impact of changes in Welsh Government administration on grant funding and the administrative burden of new WHQS requirements. The council has written to Welsh Government requesting more guidance and a delay on non-damp mould requirements.

View the Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee meeting details here

Pensions Committee Reviews Investment Strategy and Business Plans

The Pensions Committee met on Monday, 16 March 2026, to review key financial and operational plans for the Cardiff & Vale of Glamorgan Pension Fund. The committee considered the 2026/27 Business Plans for the Wales Pension Partnership (WPP) and its investment management arm, WPP Investment Management Company (IMCo).

The WPP Business Plan outlines operational plans, governance, priorities, objectives, and the financial budget. It notes a decrease in WPP's activity with external advisors. The WPP IMCo Business Plan details strategic objectives, governance, financial summaries, investment management approach, operations, staffing, risk management, and responsible investment strategy. IMCo, established in August 2025, is on track for Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) authorisation and will manage assets exceeding £25 billion for eight Welsh Local Government Pension Schemes. The plan highlights 2026/27 as a year of transition and capacity building for IMCo, with a target of recruiting 24 employees.

The committee also reviewed the Funding Strategy Statement (FSS) for the pension fund. The 31 March 2025 actuarial valuation indicated a significant increase in the funding level to 111%, up from 98% in 2022. The probability of funding success has also increased to 82%. The FSS details how the administering authority aims to meet its fiduciary duty to ensure funds are available for pension liabilities while keeping employer contributions constant.

View the Pensions Committee meeting details here

This week in Cardiff:

Recycling Targets Under Pressure: Council Boosts Collections to Avoid Fines

Cardiff is facing a significant challenge to meet its ambitious recycling targets, with the council at risk of substantial fines if performance doesn't improve. The Environmental Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 12 March 2026, to discuss strategies to boost the city's recycling rate to the statutory Welsh target of 70%. Current projections place Cardiff at 64%, potentially leading to fines of up to £1.8 million.

To tackle this, the council is introducing two key initiatives:

• Weekly Absorbent Hygiene Product (AHP) Collections: Starting in April 2026, collections for items like nappies and incontinence products will move from fortnightly to weekly. This is expected to capture significantly more of this waste, diverting an estimated 500-1,200 tonnes annually and contributing 0.2-0.4 percentage points to the recycling rate. This change aims to improve hygiene for residents and reduce residual waste.
• Soft Plastics Curbside Collection: From summer 2026, a dedicated collection for soft plastics, such as crisp packets and plastic film, will be rolled out. This proactive measure prepares Cardiff for a national requirement due in April 2027 and is projected to add another 0.4-0.7 percentage points to the recycling target.

Councillor Daniel Waldron raised concerns about the practicalities of implementing these changes, particularly in areas with limited bin space, referencing challenges faced during previous rollouts like the red and blue bag system. Officials assured the committee that lessons learned are being incorporated, with enhanced training for collection crews and targeted education campaigns planned. The introduction of ten additional enforcement and education officers, funded by Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) payments[^3], will focus on hotspot areas to improve compliance.

Councillor Andrea Gibson questioned what other high-performing councils are doing differently. While acknowledging the difficulty in direct comparisons due to Cardiff's unique demographic challenges, including a high proportion of flats and transient populations, officers highlighted that Cardiff is being approached by English councils for advice on its methods.

The committee generally supported the proposals, with Councillor Helen Lloyd Jones calling the weekly hygiene waste collection a no-brainer. However, concerns were raised about the communication strategy for the soft plastics collection, with a desire for clarity on how the change would be managed and communicated to avoid public confusion. Councillor Daniel Waldron also voiced skepticism about the 70% target itself, suggesting it might be unrealistic for a city like Cardiff and that fines could be counterproductive to investment. The committee agreed to support challenging the fairness of these targets in feedback to the Cabinet Member.

The council is also moving forward with plans for a new green crematorium, designed to be more sustainable and meet future demand. This project aims to incorporate electric cremators and renewable energy sources.

Additionally, the Environmental Scrutiny Committee reviewed proposed updates to the Active Travel Network Map, which outlines future walking and cycling routes. While the map represents a long-term vision, councillors like John Lancaster expressed frustration over a perceived disconnect between the map's aspirations and the reality on the ground, citing unaddressed requests for basic safety improvements like pedestrian crossings. Officials acknowledged that delivery is dependent on funding, a challenge that impacts the pace of implementing these improvements.

The committee also received an update on the Cardiff Crossrail Phase 1a project, a new tram-train link between Cardiff Central Station and Cardiff Bay. The project is progressing towards its construction phase, with works anticipated to begin in summer 2026.

View the Environmental Scrutiny Committee meeting details here