The Cabinet meeting on Thursday 22 January 2026 saw decisions made regarding the purchase of land for new council housing, the expansion of Welsh-medium secondary education, and the adoption of a charter to protect migrant care workers. The council also approved plans for a new collaborative framework for the maintenance of non-domestic properties and noted reports on education investment and performance.

Approval to Purchase Additional Land for Council Housing

The Cabinet approved the acquisition of building plots within Central Quay to support the delivery of new affordable homes. This decision is subject to call-in. The report noted the progress being made in delivering new affordable homes across the city, both through the council's own development programme and with partners. The acquisition of land at Central Quay was approved at a value detailed in a confidential appendix, in line with agreed Heads of Terms. This forms part of the council's ongoing commitment to meeting housing demand and delivering additional affordable homes.

Engagement on Potential Sustainable Growth of Welsh Medium Secondary Provision

Cabinet agreed to authorise the Director of Education & Lifelong Learning, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education, to undertake an engagement exercise concerning the sustainable growth of Welsh-medium secondary provision. This engagement will inform the planning of temporary measures to accommodate all learners wishing to enter Welsh-medium secondary education in 2027/28, review catchment areas for Welsh-medium primary and secondary schools, and inform long-term strategic changes to provision. It was noted that financial resources would need to be identified for any future organisational or infrastructure changes, and a report on the outcome of stakeholder engagement will be presented at a future meeting. Councillors Huw Thomas, Peter Bradbury, Lee Bridgeman, Dan De’Ath, and Jen Burke declared personal, non-prejudicial interests in this item due to family members attending Welsh-medium education or their role as a school governor.

Migrant Care Workers Charter

The Cabinet agreed to adopt the 'Working Together to Protect Migrant Care Workers in the Adult Social Care Sector – A Charter for Local Care Commissioners'¹. This decision demonstrates the council's commitment to safeguarding vulnerable migrant workers and promoting ethical care commissioning. The charter aims to address the exploitation of migrant care workers, which has been exacerbated by the introduction of the Health and Care Worker Visa, leading to issues such as illegal fees, forced relocation, and threats of deportation. The council, by signing this charter, becomes the first in Wales to do so, setting a benchmark for best practice in ethical care commissioning. Councillor Peter Littlechild declared a personal interest in this item due to his work supporting migrant workers and their families.

Commissioning of a New Collaborative Framework for Non-Domestic Property Maintenance

Cardiff Council will lead the procurement of a replacement collaborative framework for the maintenance of non-domestic buildings on behalf of itself and the Vale of Glamorgan Council. The Cabinet approved the procurement proposals for the New Collaborative General Building Construction & Maintenance Framework. Authority has been delegated to the Director of Economic Development, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, the Section 151 Officer, and the Director of Governance and Legal Services, to manage all aspects of the procurement process.

Shared Regulatory Services Annual Report 2024-25

The Cabinet noted the Shared Regulatory Services Annual Report for 2024-25. This report provides an overview of the services provided by the Shared Regulatory Services, which typically covers areas such as trading standards, environmental health, and licensing.

Place Based Economic Interventions Inquiry

The Cabinet agreed to receive the report from the Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee regarding the Place Based Economic Interventions Inquiry and will provide a response within the usual timescales.

Education Reports

The Cabinet noted the Annual Report On Investment In The Education Estate² and the Annual Education Performance Report 2026³. The report on investment in the education estate updates on the progress of the programme and considerations for future strategic investment. The education performance report evaluates the Local Authority Education Service's support for schools during the academic year ending August 2025, outlines the progress of the new Cardiff School Improvement Service, and provides an update on the Welsh Government's use of data to support learning. Councillor John Lancaster declared a personal interest in the Annual Report On Investment In The Education Estate as he is a governor of Llanishen High School.