Written question WQ98435

The Welsh Government aims to improve footway safety and accessibility through modernised transport funding, as well as setting clear standards for pedestrian infrastructure in national guidance.

While day to day footway maintenance is determined locally by Cardiff Council, the Active Travel Act Guidance makes it clear that pedestrian routes must be safe, direct and easy to navigate, and crossings must be designed to minimise barriers.

Through the Regional Transport Fund, £115.9 million has been allocated to local authorities for 2026–27 to support improvements across local networks, including measures that enhance pavement safety.

Additionally, as a result of the agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru to invest a further £112.8m in local government, the final settlement for 2026-27 will provide £6.56 billion in core revenue funding and non-domestic rates to spend on delivering key services. This is an increase of 4.5% or £282 million on a like-for-like basis compared to the current year, and all councils will receive increases above 4%. This is a substantial real terms increase which will help to protect services across Wales. This core funding is un-hypothecated. It is for local authorities, such as Cardiff Council, to determine the allocation of funding for its services.

The settlement also provides £204 million of General Capital Funding as part of the local government capital settlement. This funding can be used for any (capital) purpose. This includes works on highways, active travel and pavements.

The Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government announced on the 24th of March an additional £50m capital for 2025-2026. This additional funding which has been reallocated from other budgets can be used by councils to support a wide range of priorities, from fixing potholes and pavements and repairing highways to supporting community schools and flood defence schemes. This funding is being distributed to all councils through the standard capital formula, Cardiff City Council will receive over £5m from this funding. This additional investment forms part of the wider support the Welsh Government provides to help Cardiff Council improve pavement safety and reduce trip hazards.