Here is your Friday update, covering:
- Cardiff Council votes through Budget 2025/26
- Travel advice for Wales vs England on 15 March
- Cardiff's Commitment to Children's Play
- New Youth Services provision opens in Ely and Caerau
- Proposals to expand nursery provision to serve Pentrebane and Fairwater
Extra Funding for Schools, Social Services, and Cleaner Streets
Cardiff Council has approved its 2025/26 budget, which will see more money for schools, social services, cleaner streets, and drain maintenance, alongside improvements to neighbourhood centres.
The agreed budget will see Cardiff now have the lowest council tax levels of any council in Wales. Council tax on an average Band D property in Cardiff will be £242 below the current Welsh average. Council tax on an average Band D property in Cardiff will be £657 below Bristol, our nearest comparable city.
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. With Full Council having approved 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."
Travel advice for Wales vs England on 15 March in Cardiff
Wales will be taking on England on Saturday 15 March at Principality Stadium.
With the kick-off taking place at 4.45pm - there will be a full city centre road closure around the Principality Stadium from 12.45pm until 8.15pm to ensure all ticket holders can get into and out of the stadium safely.
The M4 motorway is expected to be very busy due to this rugby match - so please plan ahead - and avoid the congestion in Cardiff by using the park & ride at the Cardiff City Football Ground in Leckwith - CF11 8AZ.
For up to date traffic information on the motorway and trunk roads go to the Traffic Wales website, or @TrafficWalesS on Twitter and Facebook.
Gates open at 2.45pm, those attending the rugby match are strongly advised to plan their journey and get in early. Please pay attention to the prohibited items listed at principalitystadium.wales, in particular the bag policy (no large bags permitted) before travelling into the city.
Cardiff's Commitment to Children's Play
Cardiff's commitment to children's play has been evaluated as part of the Play Sufficiency Assessment 2025-28, a Welsh Government requirement which asks Local Authorities to assess and enhance play opportunities in their areas, every three years.
Through a thorough consultation process supported by Play Wales, a wide range of internal and external partners gave their views on children's play provision across the city and through school workshops, more than 700 children and young people had their say via The Big Play Survey, compared to 400 in the 2022-2025 period.
A number of areas of good practice were identified as part of the assessment.
New Youth Services provision opens in Ely and Caerau
A brand-new youth centre has officially opened this month, expanding youth provision, opportunities and support services for young people in Ely and Caerau.
Located at Cardiff West Community High School, the establishment will enhance youth services in the locality which has more than 320 members, providing a wide range of activities to complement existing provision at North Ely Youth Centre.
The new facility also supports Cardiff's aim of delivering community focussed schools that open their doors to the communities they serve , providing excellent facilities which are available outside of the curriculum to support cluster schools, community partners and wider user groups.
Helping to meet the needs of young people in the area whilst ensuring they have access to warm, safe and engaging spaces, the centre will offer an open-access youth club and activities designed to promote personal development and well-being. Qualified and registered youth workers will be on hand to provide guidance and support on a range of social issues, ensuring young people have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Proposals to expand nursery provision to serve Pentrebane and Fairwater
The Council is considering proposals that would allow Ysgol Gymraeg Coed-Y-Gof to accommodate nursery-aged children from September 2026.
If approved, the proposals would provide Welsh-medium nursery education for local families, reducing the need for travel elsewhere to alternative schools with nursery classes. The provision would initially offer 16 part-time places, with flexibility for future expansion based on demand, housed within existing school buildings.