The Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 24 June 2026 addressed several key issues, including the financial risks associated with major infrastructure projects, the implementation of school road safety measures, and updates on economic development and highway maintenance. A significant decision was made to recommend the approval of a new programme of advisory 20mph speed limits for all schools across the county.

Avon Mill Island Project Costings and Financial Risk

Concerns were raised regarding the costings and financial risks associated with the Avon Mill Island project, with particular attention paid to avoiding a repeat of the financial overruns experienced with the A46 junction project. Councillor Stephen Pimm, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, explained that lessons had been learned from the A46 project, and that officers were working on segregating contractors into Tiers 1, 2, and 3 to mitigate financial burdens on the council. He stated that criteria would be put in place within contracts to ensure that if projects go over budget, the council tax payer is not unduly liable. Richard Fenwick, Director of Highways, assured the committee that the scheme was ready to proceed to the Outline Business Case stage with the Department for Transport. He acknowledged that while 85% of funding would come from the Department for Transport, there was a risk of overruns falling to the council. To mitigate this, broader corporate risks were being incorporated into the assessment process, alongside nationally recognised risk assessment methodologies like QCRA.

Forlongly Crossroads Scheme

Councillor Sarah Boad, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, enquired about the progress of the Forlongly Crossroads scheme, following previous recommendations to review the project. Councillor Pimm confirmed that he had met with local residents and parish councillors and had submitted a draft design that did not involve traffic lights, based on resident feedback. He stated that the scheme, without traffic lights, would be presented to Cabinet on 17 July.

Rugby Borough Council Planning Applications and Highways Objections

Councillor Senthil Karadiar raised concerns about the highways objection process for planning applications in Rugby Borough, suggesting it was a tick-box exercise and lacked sufficient on-the-ground data. Steve Smith, Director of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, refuted this, explaining that Highways Development Management involves multiple expert teams assessing road safety, traffic modelling, and growth data. He emphasised that the council would not approve applications without highway clearance and that their objections and conditions carry significant weight.

School Road Safety Programme

A comprehensive report was presented on the response to a council motion regarding school road safety. Neil Lissimore, Head of Transport Strategy and Road Safety, outlined five key actions:

• School Crossing Patrols: The council currently has 31 patrols, with 10 vacant sites. Efforts are underway to improve recruitment and retention.
• New Schools and Extensions: Safe crossing assessments are integrated into the planning process for new schools and extensions, with measures like new crossings and traffic calming potentially required through planning conditions or obligations.
• Developer-Funded Crossings: Opportunities for developer contributions towards safe crossings near schools are explored for developments of more than eight dwellings.
• 20mph Speed Limits: A phased programme of advisory 20mph speed limits for all schools across the county is proposed, funded by the Department for Transport's Local Transport Grant. This includes considering advisory 20mph limits on roads with speed limits above 30mph, following successful trials.
• Average Speed Cameras: The Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership is assessing the feasibility of introducing additional average speed cameras, prioritising locations near educational establishments based on collision data and risk analysis.

The committee endorsed the continued delivery of these programmes and recommended to Cabinet the approval of the advisory 20mph speed limit programme. Councillor Luke Cooper proposed an amendment to ensure the £3 million Department for Transport funding was ring-fenced for the 20mph speed limit project, which was carried. Councillor Adrian Warwick raised concerns about the effectiveness and cost of the proposed measures compared to the potential of in-car intelligent speed assistance technology.

Economic Development Update

Isobel Woods, presenting the economic development update, highlighted the continued strength of Warwickshire's economy, despite facing challenges. Key initiatives include the Warwickshire Business Growth Service, which is now live and providing support to businesses, and the Warwickshire Teenage Markets programme, which has engaged over 400 young people. The council also attended the UKREiiF property show to showcase Warwickshire's assets, including 18 million square feet of industrial space. The Connect to Work programme is building momentum in supporting residents into employment, and the devolution of adult skills funding from August 2026 presents a significant opportunity. Councillor Sarah Boad enquired about additional support for young people, particularly graduates struggling to find work matching their skills. David Ayton-Hill, Director of Transport and Economy, outlined existing support through the Careers Hub, post-16 support, and work experience initiatives, and stressed the importance of creating pathways into work through business relationships.

Gully Cleansing Programme

Richard Fenwick, Director of Highways, and Benjamin Hill presented an update on the cyclical gully cleansing programme. They explained the move to a risk-based approach to gully management, moving away from prescriptive cleaning schedules. The council has approximately 115,000 gully assets. Following additional funding, gullies previously on a three-year cycle have been moved to a two-year cycle. The report detailed the process of gully cleansing, reactive jetting, and the complexities of drainage systems, including third-party responsibilities. Members raised concerns about specific issues such as incorrect attachments for cleansing wagons, the need for a find and fix approach for gullies, and the theft of gully covers. The committee was assured that data from the new contract would be used to monitor the effectiveness of the two-year cycle and address issues.

Director Updates

Several director updates were provided:

• Women's Tour of Britain: Warwickshire has secured the final stage of the Women's Tour of Britain, a significant event for the county.
• A46 Project: Progress on the A46 project is ahead of schedule and on budget, with significant construction activity visible.
• Permanent Repairs: The new highways contract is focusing on increasing the proportion of permanent repairs for potholes, with 84% achieved since May, an improvement from the previous 50-50 split.
• Tackling Problem Premises: A significant programme led by Trading Standards, in partnership with Warwickshire Police and other agencies, has begun to tackle problem premises on high streets. An operation in Nuneaton resulted in goods being seized from seven premises and closure orders being issued for six.

Communities OSC Year End Integrated Performance Report

The committee considered the Year End Integrated Performance Report for 2025/26. It was noted that 76% of Council Delivery Plan activities were delivering to plan, and 66% of Key Business Measures (KBMs) were achieved or delivering. Areas of strong performance included visits to country parks and support for the local economy and skills sector. Challenging areas included the costs associated with Home to School Transport, difficulties in finding land for tree planting, and an increase in waste sent to landfill. The committee noted the future performance reporting arrangements for 2026/27, which will align with the new Council Plan.

Home to School Transport Consultation Feedback

David Ayton-Hill presented the feedback from the Home to School Transport consultation. Key themes included concerns about access to education, safe walking routes, inclusion, and affordability. The feedback would inform refinements to the policy before Cabinet consideration.

Infrastructure Funding Statement 2024/25

The Infrastructure Funding Statement for 2024/25 was presented, outlining Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy contributions. Over £36 million was received and over £21 million spent. Concerns were raised about delays in infrastructure delivery, with officers acknowledging issues related to developer negotiations, land availability, and rising construction costs. A suggestion was made for a future report to examine infrastructure delivery timeliness.

HS2 Update

An update on HS2 was provided, noting ongoing engagement with HS2 Ltd and the management of remaining HS2 road safety funding. Concerns were raised about the council's difficulty in recovering £1.7 million owed by HS2 for highway damage claims, with the issue having been escalated to the construction minister.

Communities OSC Work Programme

The work programme was noted as being up to date.

Any Other Business

Richard Fenwick, Director of Highways, raised early warning signs of potential financial impacts from the situation in Iran, particularly concerning oil prices. Discussions had begun with highways contractors and suppliers to assess risks and identify mitigation measures. Proactive steps, such as securing materials in advance, were encouraged.

The meeting concluded with a recommendation to Cabinet for the approval of the advisory 20mph speed limit programme for schools.