The Environmental Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 10 September 2026 to discuss the annual report and business plan for Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) and receive an update on the Coastal Defence Programme. Key discussions included SRS's performance, challenges in recruitment and retention, and the financial implications of new legislation. The committee also reviewed the progress and budget of the Coastal Defence Programme, noting a significant overspend and programme delay.

Shared Regulatory Services Annual Report and Business Plan

The committee received the annual report and business plan for Shared Regulatory Services (SRS), a collaborative service between Bridgend, Cardiff, and the Vale of Glamorgan councils. Councillor Ed Stubbs, Cabinet Member for Waste, Street Scene and Environmental Services, highlighted SRS's continued value in protecting residents, supporting businesses, and contributing to community health and prosperity. He noted achievements such as high food hygiene standards, the successful prosecution of a supermarket for selling out-of-date food, and bringing 162 empty homes back into use in Cardiff.

Christina Hill, Head of Shared Regulatory Services, presented the business plan for 2026-27, outlining five strategic priorities: improving health and well-being, safeguarding the vulnerable, protecting the environment, supporting the local economy, and maximising the use of resources. She acknowledged challenges including emerging legislation, building safety reforms, and financial constraints.

Councillors raised concerns about staffing shortages, describing the risk as catastrophic. Ms. Hill explained that there is a national shortage of qualified regulatory officers, and SRS is working to address this through apprenticeships, staff development, and making the service a more attractive employer. The committee also discussed the 95% prosecution success rate, with officers assuring members that this target is safe and that decisions to prosecute are carefully measured.

Councillor John Lancaster, Leader of the Conservative Group, raised concerns about businesses operating on the edge of legality, particularly vape shops. Ms. Hill stated that tackling such businesses requires a multi-agency response and enhanced powers. The new Tobacco and Vapes Act was seen as helpful, with guidance from Welsh Government awaited on licensing.

The committee noted that fines collected from prosecutions go into the criminal justice system, not directly to SRS, although costs incurred can be recovered. Regarding funding for new legislation, it was highlighted that new regulations often do not come with dedicated funding, placing additional workload on SRS.

Digital innovation was also discussed, with SRS having received funding for tablets for the food inspection team. Early conversations are underway regarding the use of drones and AI, with a commitment to explore how technology can improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Coastal Defence Programme Update

Graham Harris, Director of Frontline Services, provided an update on the Cardiff Coastal Risk Management Programme, describing it as the largest coastal defence scheme in Wales. The scheme aims to enhance flood resilience for approximately 1,200 residential and commercial properties, protect infrastructure, and improve public access along the coast.

The project is funded by Welsh Government and Cardiff Council. Approximately 80% of the physical works are complete, including rock armour and sheet piling. However, the original completion date of 31 October 2026 has been extended to 12 August 2027, a delay of 285 days. This delay is largely attributed to issues in securing environmental approvals from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), which commenced before all necessary permissions were in place.

The approved budget of £35.94 million has increased to a forecast £45.48 million. This overspend is due to several factors, including delay costs (£2.6 million), ground conditions requiring redesign of the rock armour (£5.5 million increase after value engineering), and changes to the piling process on Lambie Way to maintain traffic flow (£1 million increase). Welsh Government funding remains fixed, meaning Cardiff Council's contribution has increased from 15% to 33%.

Councillor Michael Ash-Edwards questioned the scheme's ability to withstand future climate change impacts, and it was confirmed that the design now accounts for a 1-in-200-year storm event with a 40% climate change allowance, an increase from the initial 1-in-100-year plus 30% allowance.

Councillor John Lancaster raised concerns about the reasons for the budget overrun, particularly the delays caused by NRW and unforeseen ground conditions. Officers explained that lessons have been learned regarding stakeholder engagement with NRW and that geotechnical investigations were conducted, but ground conditions proved different than anticipated. The decision to keep Lambie Way open, while necessary to minimise disruption, has also contributed to increased costs.

The committee also discussed the potential for river erosion. A monitoring and intervention plan is being developed to address potential riverbank stability issues, rather than proceeding with a costly deep soil stabilisation proposal.

Committee Business: Work Programme

The committee reviewed its proposed work programme for 2026/27, which includes ongoing monitoring of climate change initiatives, sustainable transport, waste management, and environmental enforcement. Specific items include updates on the One Planet Cardiff strategy, the Clean Air Strategy, and a joint scrutiny with the Economy and Culture Committee on the Cardiff Central Station enhancement project. A task and finish review into litter and fly-tipping is also proposed, alongside a joint scrutiny of retail premises linked to illegal activity.

The meeting concluded with members noting the work programme and agreeing to move into a closed session to discuss confidential appendices related to the Coastal Defence Programme.