Cardiff Council's Cabinet is scheduled to convene on Thursday, 18 June 2026, with a key focus on the city's transport infrastructure and financial performance. The meeting agenda includes a significant discussion on the Cardiff to Newport Sustainable Transport Corridor, specifically Phase 1a, which encompasses public realm improvements on Kingsway. Additionally, the Cabinet will review the Budget Monitoring Outturn for the 2025/26 financial year, providing an overview of the council's financial position.

Cardiff to Newport Sustainable Transport Corridor – Phase 1a (Including Kingsway Public Realm Improvements)

A substantial portion of the meeting is dedicated to the Cardiff to Newport Sustainable Transport Corridor, with a particular focus on Phase 1a, which includes improvements to the Kingsway public realm. The report pack indicates that the Cabinet will be asked to approve the commencement of a competitive tender process for this phase of the project. This phase is part of a broader initiative to transform Cardiff's transport network, aiming to create new public spaces and enhance pedestrian access within the city centre.

The proposals for Phase 1a, as detailed in the report pack, include the creation of a new public square on Kingsway, intended to serve as a vibrant, green space that will link the city centre with the civic centre. This transformation involves removing the existing Kingsway subway, replacing it with a street-level crossing, and reconfiguring Kingsway to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists. The design has reportedly been developed in partnership with stakeholders including Cadw, youth groups, Cardiff Museum, Cardiff University, and accessibility groups, with a focus on inclusivity. The scheme is expected to bring environmental benefits through increased planting, improved air quality, and urban cooling, alongside enhanced connectivity that encourages walking and cycling.

The report pack also outlines the strategic alignment of this project with various council and Welsh Government strategies, including the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, Llwybr Newydd Wales Transport Strategy, and Cardiff's Transport White Paper. Traffic modelling and air quality assessments have been undertaken to manage potential network impacts and ensure compliance with legal air pollution limits. The report details a phased approach to the delivery of the wider corridor, with Phase 1a being the initial deliverable package. The Kingsway Public Realm Improvements are a key element of Phase 1a, aiming to transform a traffic-dominated route into a safer, more accessible, and greener space.

The Cabinet is being asked to approve the evaluation criteria for the tender process, with a weighting of 60% for cost, 30% for quality, and 10% for social value. Authority is also sought to delegate the contract award and mobilisation to the Assistant Director of Planning and Transport, in consultation with relevant Cabinet members and officers.

Budget Monitoring Outturn 2025/26

The Cabinet will also receive an update on the Council's financial performance for the 2025/26 financial year. The report pack indicates that the overall revenue position is projected to be balanced, representing an improvement from earlier forecasts. This balanced position is attributed to various factors, including the receipt of additional grant funding, the release of contingencies, and reduced spending in some areas.

However, the report highlights that financial pressures remain evident across several service areas. Specific overspends are noted within Economic Development (£1.482 million), Children's Services (£1.052 million), and Planning, Transport & Environment (£0.987 million). These overspends are attributed to various factors, including income shortfalls, increased external placement costs, agency staffing pressures, and reduced income from digital advertising and renewable energy sources.

The report details the performance against budgeted savings targets, indicating a shortfall of £2.262 million across Directorates. The Capital Programme expenditure is also outlined, with £474.087 million invested across various services, including £149.855 million for Public Housing. The report notes that the timing of external grants and capital expenditure has influenced the overall capital position.

The Treasury Management Outturn for 2025/26 is also presented, indicating that the Council held £67.900 million in short-term investments and had total external borrowing of £1.148 billion. The report details the sources of funding for capital expenditure, including Welsh Government grants, unsupported borrowing, and capital receipts.

Welsh Language Standards Annual Report 2025-26

The Cabinet is scheduled to review the Welsh Language Standards Annual Report for 2025-26. This report details the Council's work in supporting and promoting the Welsh language, increasing the number of Welsh speakers, and providing opportunities for the language to be used. The report highlights achievements in increasing the number of employees with Welsh language skills and participation in Welsh language training. It also outlines progress in reviewing and revising policies such as the Bilingual Cardiff Bilingual Council policy and guidance on dealing with Welsh language telephone calls. The report details the Council's commitment to the Welsh Government's Cymraeg 2050 vision, which aims to achieve a million Welsh speakers by 2050.

The agenda also includes the minutes of the previous Cabinet meeting held on 28 May 2026.