End of Week Message from Rob

18 September 2026

Hi everyone, 

This week the benefit of collaboration and partnership working has been at the forefront of my mind as there have been several high-profile examples of this approach in action. 

Firstly, it was announced on Wednesday that the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) will start exploratory work into the possibility of creating a tidal lagoon at Aberthaw. 

As I’m sure you’re aware, CCR is made up of 10 Local Authorities covering South East Wales, of which we are one. 

Its aim is to drive regional growth, develop infrastructure, and oversee strategic transport and planning across the region. 

A tidal lagoon is a physical barrier located along a coastal area or estuary to generate renewable energy from the rise and fall of the tides. 

Initial estimates suggest a lagoon at Aberthaw could provide around 600 megawatts of renewable electricity – enough for around half a million homes. 

The project could also generate around £3.5 billion for the local economy by supporting thousands of jobs and creating significant opportunities for businesses. 

It is hoped the scheme could lead to a series of similar developments across the Severn Estuary. 

With one of the highest tidal ranges in the world at 14.5 metres, the wider programme could ultimately provide up to five gigawatts of renewable energy generation, sufficient to power up to four million homes. 

CCR will commit up to £6.4 million over the next three years to support the first investigatory phase of the project using City Deal funds, money that comes from Welsh and UK Governments. 

This will include an extensive exploratory study involving environmental surveys, engineering design, modelling and commercial assessments. 

The overall ambition is to create one of the UK's most significant renewable energy opportunities, which can generate clean, reliable renewable energy, create jobs, and attract investment. 

Clearly this aligns perfectly with the Council’s green agenda, particularly Project Zero, our aim to be a carbon neutral Local Authority in the next four years. 

We also plan to be a carbon neutral County by 2050, but such a bold target cannot be achieved alone.  

We must work with residents and a range of other partners to realise that goal – and a project like this neatly illustrates the potential of that approach. 

Operating collaboratively is a central pillar of Vale 2030, our Corporate Plan, and key to delivering on our ongoing aim to build Strong Communities with a Bright Future. 

The Partnership Statement within Vale 2030 explains that we want to create a Vale with robust, happy and healthy communities, where every member feels valued, supported and able to live their life to the full.  

To achieve that, we must work closely with our communities and foster positive relationships with local partners. This includes third sector organisations, community groups, town and community councils, social enterprises, public bodies and businesses. 

Our values are Open, Together, Ambitious and Proud and we are committed to ensuring that these are reflected in how we work with others. 

Another example of our partnership approach is due to be featured on the Welsh national news soon too.

Recently colleagues in Social Services have been working with Beam, a social enterprise and technology company that creates artificial intelligence and software tools for frontline welfare, housing, and social care workers. 

One of its products, ‘Notes’, helps cut down on caseload admin and paperwork, allowing staff to spend more time with the people that need them. 

Recently Vale Member of Parliament (MP) and UK Government Minister for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Kanishka Narayan visited the Civic Offices to meet with social services colleagues and hear first-hand how Notes is changing the way they work.  

Mr Narayan met social workers Jane Case and Sian Palmer, along with Head of Adult Services Jason Bennett, to learn about their positive experiences and the extra time it has allowed them to spend with clients.

BBC Wales were also in attendance to film the meeting, which is due to be featured on its news programmes in the next week or so.

It’s great to see colleagues embracing innovative technology such as this. 

Well done to everyone involved in this initiative which will significantly benefit the people you work with.  

Of course, one of our oldest and best examples of collaborative working is Shared Regulatory Services (SRS). 

Established in 2015, SRS carries out trading standards, licensing, food safety, animal welfare and other work in the Vale, Cardiff and Bridgend Local Authority areas.  

Recently, swift and effective work by the service led to a Southerndown famer being convicted of serious animal welfare offences relating to Sheep in his care. 

One was suffering from a severe eye condition and unable to stand in a field that contained 15 carcasses in various states of decomposition.  

Officers also found another sheep trapped in brambles, while others had experienced wool loss, scratching and evidence of ill health. 

Investigators also identified widespread animal by-product issues, with carcasses, bones and body parts present across the grazing land.  

The farmer was sentenced to 24 weeks' imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £5,000 towards prosecution costs together with a £154 victim surcharge.  

In passing sentence, the court described the case as "the worst case of animal neglect" the bench had encountered”.

SRS carries out fantastic work throughout the region and is a shining example of a combined service operating across council boundaries that consistently delivers excellence.  

Thank you to everyone who has played a part in that success story. 

The Sport and Play Team have also been performing to an exceptional level as illustrated by its 2025-26 review. 

That highlights work that has been done to improve physical and mental wellbeing through sport and physical activity and, in keeping with this week’s theme, demonstrates a keen focus on collaboration.  

Colleagues have worked with 148 partner organisations to increase activity levels among children and young people and delivered more than 23,900 participations through the Active Young People programme.  

There has been targeted support aimed at groups facing barriers to participation, including families affected by the cost-of-living crisis, disabled people, less active age groups and those lacking confidence. 

That’s alongside free and low-cost opportunities such as holiday sports programmes, community events, informal football sessions, Youth Takeovers at leisure centres and online fitness opportunities. 

Older adults are supported through the 60+ Active Leisure Scheme, including the Golden Pass programme, dementia-friendly activities and partnerships aimed at reducing social isolation and improving wellbeing.  

Community sports clubs have been strengthened through development support, funding opportunities, workforce training and partnerships with national governing bodies of sport. 

The Young Ambassadors programme has also helped develop future leaders by engaging 142 young people, alongside coach and volunteer training initiatives. 

Principal Health Living officer Karen Davies and her team deserve huge credit for this work. Very well done. Diolch yn fawr iawn – gwaith da. 

Finally, I wanted to mention a great example of someone going above and beyond to deliver for a resident. 

Dale Francis, who is part of the Neighbourhood Services Team, was working in Penarth one weekend when he found a phone and bank cards. 

The phone had no battery so he went home, charged it up, got in touch with the owner and returned everything to them. 

Well done Dale – that is what Team Vale is all about. 

Thank you to everyone for your efforts this week – they are always appreciated. 

For those not in work, enjoy a restful and relaxing couple of days off. 

Diolch yn fawr iawn, 

Rob