The Council meeting on Thursday 3 September 2026 saw the approval of two significant notices of motion: one addressing the critical funding shortfall for Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and another calling for greater local control over high street development. The meeting also discussed the implementation of new regulations for the Local Government Pension Scheme and reviewed annual reports from various committees.

Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Funding

A notice of motion was approved, highlighting the increasing number of children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) in Swansea and the growing complexity of their requirements. The motion noted that over 6,600 pupils in Swansea primary schools require ongoing support, with approximately 1,600 needing extra help beyond standard provision. Despite the council's commitment to building a new special school and developing innovative plans like the Supporting Specialist Places (SSSP) plan, sustainability is a concern due to rising costs.

The council further noted the receipt of £322 million in consequential funding by the Welsh Government from UK government spending on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in England. The motion argued that similar pressures exist in Wales, with local authorities absorbing these costs within existing budgets. The council believes there is a strong case for directing this £322 million consequential funding to local authorities in Wales to address cumulative pressures and sustain the ALN system.

The council resolved to build on existing work and collaborate with partners to deliver support for children and young people with ALN. It also requested that the Leader of the Council write to the First Minister, urging the Welsh Government to ensure that local authorities receive a substantial proportion of any SEN/ALN-related consequential funding received from the UK Government.

Taking Back Control of Local High Streets

Another notice of motion was approved, focusing on the need to revitalise Swansea's high streets and town centres. The motion acknowledged that these areas are vital for community identity, local employment, and civic life, but are suffering from persistent vacancies, decline, and an over-proliferation of single-type outlets such as vape shops, barbers, and nail bars. This is attributed to restrictive or outdated national planning regulations.

The council believes that decisions regarding the character, vitality, and retail balance of town centres are best made locally, rather than through blanket national permitted development rights. A proactive, zero-tolerance approach to dereliction, anti-social behaviour, and illicit trading was advocated to protect honest, tax-paying local traders and restore public pride.

Consequently, the council resolved that the Leader and Chief Executive would write to the Welsh Government Ministers for Licensing and Planning. The letter will request policy changes to expand local powers and urge the Welsh Government to reform A1 (shops) and A3 (food and drink) planning designations. This reform would enable local authorities to explicitly manage the clustering of vape shops, barbers, and nail and beauty bars without regulatory loopholes.

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Regulations

The Council approved amendments to its Constitution to implement Regulation 53A of the Local Government Pension Scheme (Amendment) Governance Regulations 2026. These regulations require the appointment of a Senior LGPS Officer and an Independent Person by 31 December 2026.

The role of the Senior LGPS Officer will be incorporated into the existing Head of Pensions (Pensions Deputy S.151 Officer) post. This role will have senior responsibility for all pension functions, including administration, investment, and governance, and must be separate from the Section 151 Officer. The Council's constitution will be amended to reflect this new statutory post and its associated functions.

Additionally, an Independent Person will be appointed to support the Senior LGPS Officer. This individual will attend Pension Fund Committee and Local Pension Board meetings in an expert advisory capacity, without voting rights. The Council's constitution will also be amended to include this appointment within the terms of reference for the Pension Fund Committee and the Local Pension Board.

Annual Reports and Committee Membership

The Council received and noted the annual reports from the Governance & Audit Committee, Standards Committee, and Democratic Services Committee for the 2025-2026 municipal year. These reports detailed the work undertaken by each committee, including reviews of financial affairs, governance arrangements, standards of conduct, and democratic services provision.

The Council also approved amendments to the membership of various Council Bodies and noted changes to Outside Bodies, reflecting shifts in political group representation.

Other Discussions

During the meeting, councillors also raised questions regarding:

• Fire risk on Kilvey Hill: The Cabinet Member for Development addressed concerns about increased fire risk on Kilvey Hill following the Skyline development, outlining measures being taken to manage and mitigate wildfire risk.
• Support for Men's Sheds: The Cabinet Member for Community (Support) provided an update on the council's ongoing support for Swansea's network of Men's Sheds, including increased funding for the current year.
• Weed control: The Cabinet Member for Environment & Infrastructure responded to concerns about excessive weed growth, explaining the factors contributing to the issue and outlining actions being taken to address outstanding work and improve future planning.
• Letting boards: The Cabinet Member for Development provided an update on efforts to control the proliferation of 'to-let' boards, discussing the challenges of obtaining a Regulation 7 Direction from Welsh Government and the limited resources available for evidence gathering.
• Swansea Transport Plan: The Cabinet Member for Environment & Infrastructure confirmed that a Swansea-specific Transport Plan is being developed to set out local transport priorities and milestones.
• Extreme heat and schools: The Cabinet Member for Education & Learning addressed concerns about extreme hot weather, outlining discussions with headteachers, support provided for examinations, and adaptations being made to school buildings.
• Bus fares and business rates: The Leader and Cabinet Members responded to questions about potential Welsh Government support for a £2 bus fare cap and business rates relief for hospitality venues, noting existing initiatives and ongoing lobbying efforts.
• Vape shops and counterfeit goods: The Cabinet Member for Development provided an update on Trading Standards' actions to combat issues around vape shops and counterfeit goods, highlighting significant seizures and ongoing enforcement activity.
• Memorial benches: The Cabinet Member for Community (Services) explained the maintenance arrangements for memorial benches installed through the council's scheme.
• Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS): The Cabinet Member for Transformation provided an update on the WHQS improvement programme at Heol Emrys and Tudno Place, outlining the timeline for works.
• Swansea.com Stadium proceeds: The Leader responded to a question about the allocation and investment of proceeds from the sale of the Swansea.com Stadium, explaining that capital receipts contribute to the overall capital programme.
• Guildhall Clock Tower: The Cabinet Member for Development stated that opening the Guildhall Clock Tower to the public had not been previously considered and outlined the significant health and safety reasons preventing public access at present.
• Vandalism in parks: The Cabinet Member for Community (Services) stated that the council has not identified any evidence linking changes in parkland management for biodiversity purposes to an increase in vandalism.
• Castle Square Gardens redevelopment: The Leader provided an update on the progress of the Castle Square Gardens redevelopment, noting that foundation works are underway and completion is expected in summer 2027.
• Road maintenance and pothole repairs: The Cabinet Member for Environment & Infrastructure updated on the current road maintenance programme and pothole repairs, noting a significant reduction in pothole reports and the ongoing challenge of a substantial backlog of major works.
• Dog parks: The Cabinet Member for Environment & Infrastructure stated that the council has not undertaken a specific assessment for dedicated dog parks or automated dog washing machines but would consider future proposals on their merits.
• Land at Gower Road, Sketty: The Cabinet Member for Development provided an update on the future of the land adjacent to the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Gower Road, confirming it remains identified for housing and is part of the More Homes programme.
• Gardeners and apprentices: The Cabinet Member for Environment & Infrastructure detailed the council's parks workforce, including the number of gardeners and apprentices, and stated that the council is planning for future staffing requirements.
• Silt removal in the River Tawe: The Cabinet Member for Investment & Delivery provided an update on the silt removal campaign in the River Tawe, noting its moderately successful outcome and recommending a two-year interval between dredging campaigns.
• Gull-proof sacks for food waste: The Cabinet Member for Community (Services) responded to a suggestion for gull-proof sacks, emphasizing the availability of food waste bins and the council's Keep Recycling Out policy, which aims to encourage proper waste disposal.