Here is your Tuesday update, covering:
- Extra Funding for Schools, Social Services, and Cleaner Streets
- One Planet Cardiff cuts council's carbon emissions by 18%
- Cardiff West Community High School students inspired to explore careers in construction
Extra Funding for Schools, Social Services, and Cleaner Streets: Cardiff Council Unveils 2025/26 Budget Proposals
More money for schools, social services, cleaner streets, and drain maintenance, alongside improvements to neighbourhood centres, has been revealed in Cardiff Council's 2025/26 budget proposals.
The proposals follow a citywide budget consultation, which saw more than 3,000 residents share their views on the council services that matter most to them.
Cardiff Council Leader, Cllr Huw Thomas, said: "I'm grateful to everyone who took part in this year's budget consultation. Your feedback has been invaluable, and we have carefully considered your input to shape our 2025/26 budget proposals. We are committed to ensuring that your priorities are reflected in our plans. If Full Council approves these proposals on March 6, you will see increased funding directed towards education, support for the most vulnerable, cleaner streets, and improved neighbourhood centres.
"I want to assure you that your voices have been heard loud and clear. Our budget reflects your needs and priorities, even as we navigate the challenges of a £27.7m budget gap. We are dedicated to making the necessary savings and changes to continue delivering the services you value most. Your input is at the heart of our decision-making process, and we remain focused on serving you effectively."
Several factors, including inflation, demand pressures, and expected pay increases for teachers, social workers, and other public sector employees, mean the council's budget for delivering day-to-day services like education, social care, refuse collection, parks, and libraries is set to cost over £67.2m more in the next financial year (April 2025-March 2026) than it has this year. The UK Government's October budget saw Welsh Government give Cardiff Council its second-largest funding increase in 15 years. This has reduced the budget gap from £67.2M to £27.7M.
One Planet Cardiff cuts council's carbon emissions by 18%
Carbon emissions created directly by Cardiff Council have been cut by 18% since the launch of the local authority's One Planet Cardiff response to climate change in 2019.
Across the city as a whole, the latest available UK government figures for 2022 show that carbon emissions created by residents, businesses and other organisations in Cardiff have also reduced, falling by 8.3% to a total of 1.71 million tonnes of CO2e.
Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning and Transport, Cllr Dan De'Ath said: "The science on this is clear. We need to dramatically reduce the amount of carbon emissions we produce to stand any chance of avoiding the worst effects of climate change.
"The progress we're delivering through our One Planet Cardiff strategy is positive. 100,000 new trees planted in just four years, a new 9 megawatt solar farm built at Lamby Way, the Radyr Weir hydroelectric scheme, new low carbon council homes and schools - the list goes on. However, there are major challenges that need to be overcome if we are going to achieve our carbon neutral ambitions and reap the potential economic and social benefits that a greener future can bring.
"Significant government investment will be required, the national grid needs to be decarbonised, rates of domestic retrofitting need to accelerate, and skills shortages and supply chain issues have to be addressed. These are issues faced by local authorities across Wales and the UK. We cannot do this alone."
Cardiff West Community High School students inspired to explore careers in construction
Year 10 engineering students from Cardiff West Community High School have embarked on an exciting construction-focused programme, designed to ignite their interest in careers within the industry.
The initiative bridges classroom learning with real-world industry experience and site visits, offering students invaluable insights into the construction sector. It is delivered by Cardiff Commitment in collaboration with several of its partners including Cardo (Formally LCB), SHIELD Services, IAN Williams Ltd, Centregreat Engineering, Morgan Sindall and Encon Construction.
The programme aligns with key phases of a construction project development, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills. The curriculum includes:
- Health & Safety Awareness - Understanding industry standards, including COSHH regulations, PPE requirements, and risk assessment protocols.
- Skill Development - Strengthening teamwork, communication, and technical skills while exploring innovative design approaches.
- Career Pathways - Gaining insight into various roles within the construction industry, guided by professionals.
- Project Finalisation - Learning about snagging, maintenance, finishing techniques, and the handover process.
So far, 20 students have participated, with all reporting that they gained new knowledge from the experience.