Here's a summary of the Cabinet meeting held by Merthyr Tydfil Council on 10 September 2025:

The Cabinet approved measures to delegate authority for public protection, reviewed the annual equality report, and discussed performance, risk, and finance. They also approved a capital outturn report, accreditation for Cyfarthfa Castle and Art Gallery, and a new instrument of government for Ty Dysgu.

Here's a more detailed look at the key discussion points:

Public Protection Scheme of Delegation

The Cabinet approved the delegation of authority to the Head of Public Protection and the Environmental Health Manager to commence legal proceedings and issue civil sanctions for breaches of the Food (Promotion and Presentation) (Wales) Regulations 2025¹, the Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 and the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002. They also approved the authorisation of appropriate officers under these regulations.

Annual Equality Report 2024-2025

The Cabinet approved the publishing of the Council's Annual Equality Report for 2024-2025. The report highlights the council's commitment to equality and inclusion, noting progress in areas such as LGBTQ+ support, Welsh language promotion, and disability confidence.

The report noted that Merthyr Tydfil held its second Pride Event in August, and that the Progress flag was raised outside the Civic Centre to celebrate LGBT+ History month in February and in June for Pride month.

The report also noted that Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council has achieved Level 2 status of being a Disability Confident Employer.

Quarter 1 – Performance, Risk and Finance Report 2025/26

The Cabinet approved progress on the management of the Council's Corporate Risks and the Corporate Risk Register, as well as progress against the Council's Annual Delivery Plan and key performance indicators of the Council's Corporate Wellbeing Plan (2024/25). They also noted the Revenue Budget Monitoring report for the 2025/26 financial year based on 1st Quarter projections, and approved budget virements outlined in Appendix 5.

Managers are being asked to address projected budget deficits within their respective service areas by identifying all possible measures to offset the deficits.

A net budget deficit of £733,000 is projected for 2025/26 based on the financial position as at 30th June 2025.

Provisional Capital Outturn Report 2024/25

The Cabinet noted the provisional Capital Outturn position for the 2024/25 financial year. They approved budget amendments for core-funded projects as outlined in paragraph 4.1 of the Report, and noted variances to the budgets as paragraph 4.2. They also approved the amendments to the proposed 2025/26 capital budget following the 2024/25 carry forward requirements as per paragraph 4.3.

There is an overspend of £203,000 on core funded projects and an underspend of £0.988m on externally funded projects for the financial year 2024/25.

Cyfarthfa Castle and Art Gallery Accreditation

The Cabinet approved several plans and policies related to Cyfarthfa Castle and Art Gallery accreditation, including:

• The Museum Forward Plan 2025 – 2028 (Appendix 1)
• The Care And Conservation Plan 2025 (Appendix 2)
• The Care And Conservation Policy 2025 (Appendix 3)
• The Collections Development Policy (Appendix 4)
• The Documentation Plan 2025 (Appendix 5)
• The Documentation Policy 2025

They also approved the submission for Museum Accreditation via the Museum Accreditation Scheme for both Cyfarthfa Museum, Art Gallery & Joseph Parry's Cottage.

Instrument of Government - Ty Dysgu

The Cabinet approved the new Instrument of Government for Ty Dysgu, a pupil referral unit. This updates the name of the provision and changes the address to Ty Dysgu, Market Street, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 3HW, while maintaining the number of members on the management committee at ten.

Prevent Duty – Local Authority Responsibilities and Compliance Update

The Cabinet received the report of the Director of Governance and Resources, noting the council's responsibilities under the Prevent Duty² and compliance with Home Office guidance.

Update on Young People's Participation

The Cabinet received the report of the Director of Social Services, providing an update on young people's participation initiatives, including the Merthyr Tydfil Borough Wide Youth Forum and the Snakes n Ladders National Lottery Funded Programme.

Care Inspectorate Wales Inspection Ty Gurnos Newydd July 2025

The Cabinet received the report of the Director of Social Services, outlining the positive Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) Report following inspection for Ty Gurnos Newydd in July 2025. The report highlighted the service's innovative initiatives, person-centred approach, and positive feedback from residents and their families.

Indoor Market Rental Values, Debt Write Off Report and Sundry Debt Write Off Report

These items were considered in closed session and are not summarised here.