The Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, to consider pre-decision scrutiny on several key council projects. The committee's agenda includes discussions on the proposed Ely Youth Zone, the International Sports Village development, and the consultation responses regarding a potential visitor levy for Cardiff. Additionally, the committee will review the renewal ballot process for the Business Improvement District (BID).

Ely Youth Zone: Pre-Decision Scrutiny

The committee is set to undertake pre-decision scrutiny of the proposed Ely Youth Zone¹. This initiative aims to provide a state-of-the-art facility for young people in the Ely ward, offering a range of sport, arts, culture, education, mentoring, and leisure activities. The report pack indicates that the Cabinet will consider a report seeking authority to enter contractual arrangements with OnSide, a national charity that operates youth zones across England, to enable the delivery of the project. The scrutiny will explore the proposed delivery of the youth zone, including land acquisitions, procurement processes, and contractual arrangements with OnSide. Members will also consider proposals for funding the youth zone's capital and revenue costs. The report pack notes that some appendices to the Cabinet report contain exempt information and are not for publication. Councillor Peter Wong, Chair of the Economy & Culture Scrutiny Committee, has invited representatives from the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee to participate in this scrutiny.

International Sports Village (ISV): Pre-Decision Scrutiny

A significant portion of the meeting will be dedicated to the pre-decision scrutiny of the International Sports Village (ISV) development². The Cabinet will consider a report providing an update on the ISV development and outlining a financial plan to enable its completion without further council borrowing. The discussions are expected to cover proposals for car parking, including the procurement of an energy developer, and the proposed extension of an existing Option Agreement to include land adjacent to the Cardiff Ice Arena. The committee will also consider market testing interest in acquiring the Cardiff Ice Arena and the potential disposal of Cardiff International White Water. Further topics include the implications of potentially moving to an agency model approach at the Cardiff International Pool, relocating the Fun HQ, and the proposed transfer of ownership of the boardwalk to the Council. Some appendices to the Cabinet report are exempt from publication. The committee has a history of scrutinising the ISV development, with numerous previous considerations of related reports since 2021.

Visitor Levy Consultation: Pre-Decision Scrutiny

The committee will also scrutinise the consultation responses regarding a proposed visitor levy for Cardiff³. The Welsh Government has introduced legislation allowing councils to implement a levy on overnight visitors from April 2027. The report to Cabinet outlines the extensive consultation process undertaken, including responses from the public, businesses, and various stakeholder groups. Key themes emerging from the consultation include strong support for the principle of the levy, with a majority of respondents in favour, but with significant emphasis on transparency, ring-fencing of funds, and demonstrable benefits for the visitor economy. Concerns were raised regarding potential impacts on businesses, administrative burdens, and the need for clear communication. The committee will consider how the proposals respond to recommendations made by the committee's own Visitor Levy & Regulation Inquiry in June 2025. A Memorandum of Understanding with UK Hospitality, a trade body representing hospitality businesses, is also scheduled for consideration.

Business Improvement District (BID) Renewal Ballot: Pre-Decision Scrutiny

Finally, the committee will undertake pre-decision scrutiny of the Business Improvement District (BID) renewal ballot process⁴. The report to Cabinet seeks support for the BID renewal process, delegation of authority to exercise the Council's functions in this process, and delegated authority to negotiate an advance to the BID company should the ballot be successful. FOR Cardiff, the BID for Cardiff City Centre, is proposing its third term, which includes expanding its area to include Cardiff Bay. The proposals involve changes to the levy rate and budget, with an aim to raise £2.6 million per annum. The committee will explore the BID's proposed priorities for 2026-2031, which focus on making Cardiff safer, cleaner, greener, more connected, and a better place to visit and work. The legal basis for establishing and renewing BIDs, and the Council's responsibilities in this process, will also be examined.