Here is a summary of the scheduled meeting of Newport City Council. The meeting includes discussion of motions relating to transport, the conflict in Gaza, and the Welsh Rugby Union, as well as annual reports from the Standards Committee, and the Director of Social Services. Councillors will also have the opportunity to ask questions of Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, Leader of the Council, cabinet members and committee chairs.

Notice of Motion: New Stations and a Station at Caerleon

Councillor Stephen Cocks, seconded by Councillor Jason Hughes, is scheduled to propose a motion regarding new railway stations on the South Wales Main Line. The council is expected to welcome the announcement of five new stations, but also:

Notes that Caerleon, a site of international historical importance and a growing residential and tourism hub, remains without direct rail access. The motion calls on Transport for Wales, the Welsh Government, and the UK Department for Transport to support a railway station in Caerleon.

Notice of Motion: Gaza

Councillor Allan Screen, seconded by Councillor Farzina Hussain, is scheduled to propose a motion recognising residents' concerns about the conflict in Gaza. The council is expected to note and support the UK Government's position, calling for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages. The motion also asks the Greater Gwent Pension Fund to review its investments to determine whether any relate to the conflict in Gaza and work with partner funds to determine how any such investments might be withdrawn.

Notice of Motion: Welsh Rugby Union

Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, Leader, seconded by Councillor James Clarke, is scheduled to propose a motion regarding the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU). The council is expected to express its support for the retention of Dragons RFC and dismay at the potential for scaling down from four regional sides to two. The council will resolve to write a letter to the WRU outlining these points.

Review of Community Boundary and Electoral Arrangements

The council is scheduled to consider a report that recommends the commencement of a comprehensive review of community boundaries and electoral arrangements. This action is required to fulfil statutory obligations under the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 and to ensure that community arrangements continue to reflect local identities and facilitate effective, convenient local governance across the principal council area. The proposed review will involve consultation with stakeholders and the public, consideration of submissions received, and the formulation of draft and final proposals, which will be submitted to the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru for approval and implementation. The council is expected to consider a draft of the Terms of Reference - Review of Community Boundary and Electoral Arrangements, including the Council Size Policy.

Standards Committee

The council is scheduled to consider the appointment of Victoria Smith as an independent lay member on the Standards Committee for a period of four years. The council is also scheduled to review the Standards Committee Annual Report 2024-25 and note the forward work programme. The report confirms that no complaints of misconduct were referred to the Standards Committee by the Ombudsman during the reporting period April 2024 and March 2025 and no complaints were referred for determination by the Committee under Stage 3 of the Local Resolution Protocol.

Welsh Language Annual Report

The council is scheduled to consider the Welsh Language Annual Report 2024-25 for publication. The report sets out Newport City Council's progress against its Welsh language commitments during the financial year 2024–2025. Highlights include:

• The council was awarded Employer of the Year at the Welsh for Adults Gwent Awards for the Cymraeg Gwaith scheme.
• There has been a significant increase in the level of attendees at the Welsh language awareness courses, with 79.2% more of the workforce participating in the training than the previous year.
• Overall, 29.45% of the workforce have Welsh Language skills ranging from entry level to a proficiency in the language.

Director of Social Services Annual Report

The council is scheduled to note the Annual Report of the Director of Social Services. The Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 lays out the statutory framework for the presentation of an annual report on the work of Social Services.

Questions to the Leader

Councillors have the opportunity to ask questions of Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, Leader. The questions submitted in advance include:

• Councillor Matthew Evans' question regarding the Newport Indoor Market and its financing.
• Councillor Mark Howells' question regarding access to My Newport data for councillors.
• Councillor William Routley's question regarding the council's projected overspend and funding shortfalls in social services and education.
• Councillor David Fouweather's question regarding the Garrison Barclay Development at the Old Post Office at Mill Street.
• Councillor Chris Reeks' question regarding a soft plastics recycling service at the household waste centres.
• Councillor Ray Mogford's question regarding council tax rises.