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Cabinet - Thursday, 16 July 2026 - 1.45 pm

July 16, 2026 at 1:45 pm Cabinet View on council website Read transcript (Professional subscription required)

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Summary

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The Warwickshire County Council Cabinet met on Thursday 16 July 2026, approving significant investment in education capital projects and adopting a new Home to School Transport Policy. The Cabinet also initiated procurement processes for future professional services in highways, transport, and infrastructure, and agreed to changes in the age range of Lighthorne Heath Primary School.

Additions to the Education Capital Programme 2026/2027

Cabinet approved the addition of £1.754 million to the capital programme for Southam Primary School, £0.364 million for Southam College, and £0.058 million for Bishops Itchington Primary School. These funds, sourced from developer contributions, will support improvements to early years, primary, and secondary school facilities. Additionally, £0.034 million was approved for Briar Hill Infant School in Leamington Spa to increase places within its SEND resourced provision, funded from the High Needs Capital Allocation. The Executive Director for Children and Young People, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, was authorised to manage the procurement and contractual agreements for these schemes.

Capital Investment Fund - Early Years Provision

The Cabinet recommended to the County Council the addition of £8.232 million to the Capital Programme, funded from the Capital Investment Fund (CIF), to replace 12 outdated nursery buildings and refurbish one other across 14 school sites county-wide. This investment aims to secure safe and sustainable nursery provision, ensuring continuity for over 500 early years places and supporting working families. The project is phased over three years, with an overall contingency of £0.360 million. The CIF Technical Review Panel broadly supported the programme, noting its alignment with local needs and the Council's statutory duty to provide sufficient early years places.

Home to School Transport Policy

Cabinet adopted the new Children's and Young People Travel Assistance Policy, effective from 1 September 2026, replacing the previous Home to School/College Transport Policy. This update aligns with national Department for Education guidance and aims to improve consistency in decision-making and ensure support is targeted appropriately while meeting statutory duties. Key changes include assessing transport eligibility based on the school place offer date, introducing independent travel training for post-16 learners, formalising the use of pick-up and drop-off points, and reviewing safe walking routes annually. While some controversial proposals that could have generated significant savings were dropped following consultation, the revised policy is expected to support the delivery of MTFS savings. The Council reiterated its commitment to meeting all statutory duties related to SEND transport and conducting individual assessments.

Future Provision of Professional Services for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure Post 31.12.2026

Cabinet authorised the Executive Director for Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, to commence a procurement process for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure Professional Services for a four-year period from 2027. This procurement will adopt a delivery model that best meets the Council's needs and will be undertaken jointly with Coventry City Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, with WCC acting as the lead authority. The new arrangement will ensure continuity of specialist support for major capital schemes and avoid reliance on repeated bespoke procurements.

Recommendations from Call-in on B4102 Fillongley Road, Fillongley Crossroads Junction CRS

Cabinet approved Option 3 for the Fillongley Crossroads junction, which includes the initial design presented to the community, mitigation of a yellow box marking, and several enhancements. These enhancements include extending the 30mph speed limit on Nuneaton Road, improved approach signage and lining, rumble devices on the Nuneaton Road approach, and widening the carriageway on Coventry Road. These measures aim to mitigate the risk of large vehicles meeting and struggling to pass, and to address community concerns about speed. The Executive Director for Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, will keep the implementation and design of the scheme under close review. The scheme will be funded by £2.646 million from the HS2/DfT Road Safety Fund, with estimated construction costs of approximately £1 million.

Age Range Change Lighthorne Heath Primary School

Cabinet approved the proposal to change the age range at Lighthorne Heath Primary School from 3–11 years to 4–11 years from 1 September 2026. This change will enable the school to move to a governor-led nursery model, offering greater flexibility in delivery and potentially increasing places and session lengths to meet local demand. The proposal is supported by the school and no objections were received during stakeholder engagement. There are no financial implications for the Council, and environmental benefits are expected through reduced travel needs.

The Future of Warwickshire's Adult Skills

Cabinet approved the Commissioning and Funding Plan for the Adult Skills Fund (ASF) and Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ), which sets out proposals for utilising the £7.7 million allocated for 2026/27. The plan aligns with the Council's Employment & Skills Strategy and aims to improve employment outcomes, reduce inequalities, and address priority sector skills shortages. The Council will adopt a blended approach to commissioning, using grant awards for statutory institutions and procured contracts for independent training providers. The Executive Director for Communities was authorised to undertake necessary procurement activity. Cabinet also noted the proposals for the utilisation of the Post-16 Capacity Fund, with further reports to follow on capital allocations.

Exempt Items

The Cabinet resolved to exclude the public from the meeting for the consideration of items containing exempt or confidential information, as defined in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. These items included the disposal of land at Manor Park School site in Nuneaton, land at Coventry Road in Nuneaton, and a site-specific business case for the Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG).

Delegated decisions linked to this meeting

Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.

  • The Cabinet of Warwickshire Council resolved to approve the proposal to change the age range at Lighthorne Heath Primary School from 3-11 years to 4-11 years from 1 September 2026. This change will see the school replace its current nursery class with governor-run nursery provision.

    Council website ↗

  • The Cabinet, County Council recommended to Council the addition of £8.232m to the Capital Programme to fund nursery building replacement projects. This decision was made on 16/07/2026. The plan includes replacing 12 buildings, refurbishing one, and removing one, ensuring continuity of provision for nursery-aged children.

    Council website ↗

  • The Cabinet decided to approve the Commissioning and Funding Plan for Warwickshire's Adult Skills and to authorise the Executive Director for Communities to undertake procurement activity for provision. This decision was made on 16/07/2026. The plan includes the allocation of grant funding and authorises agreements for provision.

    Council website ↗

  • Warwickshire Council Cabinet decided on 16/07/2026 to reaffirm the 2015 decision to dispose of surplus land at the former Manor Park School site for an Extra Care Housing scheme. This decision aligns with the objective to increase Extra Care Housing provision in the county.

    Council website ↗

  • Warwickshire Council Cabinet decided on 16/07/2026 to approve Site Specific Business Case 16.

    Council website ↗

  • The Cabinet decided to authorise the Executive Director for Communities to commence a procurement process for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure Professional Services. This decision was made on 16/07/2026. The Cabinet also authorised the Executive Director for Communities to award contracts and enter into agreements with Coventry City Council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, and any other joining authorities.

    Council website ↗

  • The Regulatory Committee approved the grant of planning permission for the proposed extension of Avon Valley School, including demolition of a modular classroom and redevelopment of the former caretaker's house, with associated car parking and landscaping. This decision was made on 30/06/2026. The approval is subject to conditions and reasons outlined in the Director for Infrastructure, Planning & Environment's report.

    Council website ↗

  • The Regulatory Committee authorised the grant of planning permission for the proposed extension of Avon Valley School, demolition of a modular classroom, and associated works. This decision was made on 30/06/2026. The approved plans include an extension to the main school building, demolition of a modular classroom, incorporation of its uses into an extended former caretaker's house, and associated car parking and landscaping.

    Council website ↗

  • The Regulatory Committee authorised the grant of planning permission for the proposed extension of Avon Valley School, demolition of a modular classroom, and associated works. This decision was made on 30/06/2026. The decision included the approval of conditions and reasons contained within a report.

    The Cabinet adopted the Children's and Young People Travel Assistance Policy on 16 July 2026, replacing the previous Home to School/College Transport Policy. This new policy aligns with Department for Education guidance and includes changes to eligibility assessments, drop-off/pick-up points, and guidance on excluded/suspended pupils.

    Council website ↗

  • The Regulatory Committee authorised the grant of planning permission for the proposed extension of Avon Valley School, demolition of a modular classroom, and associated works on 30/06/2026. The decision included the approval of conditions and reasons detailed in Appendix B of the Director for Infrastructure, Planning & Environment's report. Specific officer actions include implementing an approved planting scheme before occupation, undertaking contamination investigations if found, securing highway improvement works, implementing a Travel Plan, constructing pedestrian and cycle crossing works, and implementing additional car and cycle parking.

    Council website ↗

Attendees

Profile image for Councillor George Finch
Councillor George Finch Leader of the Council Reform UK Bedworth Central
Profile image for Councillor Michael Bannister
Councillor Michael Bannister Portfolio Holder for Resources and Internal Affairs Reform UK Nuneaton Abbey
Profile image for Councillor Wayne Briggs
Councillor Wayne Briggs Portfolio Holder for Children & Families, Education and SEND Reform UK Arbury
Profile image for Councillor Darren Cheshire
Councillor Darren Cheshire Portfolio Holder for Environment, Heritage and Culture Reform UK Nuneaton East
Profile image for Councillor Rob Howard
Councillor Rob Howard Portfolio Holder for Economy and Rural Development Reform UK Attleborough
Profile image for Councillor Stephen Shaw
Councillor Stephen Shaw Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning Reform UK Polesworth
Profile image for Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko
Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health Reform UK Earl Craven
Profile image for Councillor Robert Gisbourne
Councillor Robert Gisbourne Portfolio Holder for Fire & Rescue, Community Safety and Flooding Reform UK Atherstone
Profile image for Councillor James Crocker
Councillor James Crocker Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property Reform UK Arden

Topics

Warwickshire County Council Bishops Itchington Primary School Lighthorne Heath Primary School Southam College Briar Hill Infant School Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council B4102 Fillongley Road, Fillongley Crossroads Junction CRS Southam Primary School Home to School/College Transport Policy Children's and Young People Travel Assistance Policy Coventry City Council Adult Skills Fund (ASF) and Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ) Commissioning and Funding Plan Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) Education Capital Programme 2026/2027 Capital Investment Fund - Early Years Provision

Meeting Documents

Agenda

Agenda frontsheet Thursday 16-Jul-2026 13.45 Cabinet.pdf

Reports Pack

Public reports pack Thursday 16-Jul-2026 13.45 Cabinet.pdf

Additional Documents

Appendix 1 for The Future of Warwickshires Adult Skills.pdf
Appendix 2 for The Future of Warwickshires Adult Skills.pdf
Appendix A - 2027-32 MTFS Scenarios.pdf
Capital Investment Fund - Early Years Provision.pdf
Appendix 5 for Home to School Transport Policy.pdf
Age Range Change Lighthorne Heath Primary School.pdf
Appendix 2 for Age Range Change Lighthorne Heath Primary School.pdf
The Future of Warwickshires Adult Skills.pdf
Appendix 1 Setting Details and Occupancy Data.pdf
Appendix 3 CIF Project Scoping Document.pdf
Appendix 1 for Home to School Transport Policy.pdf
Appendix 2 for Home to School Transport Policy.pdf
Appendix 1 for Age Range Change Lighthorne Heath Primary School.pdf
Appendix 2 Project Timeline.pdf
Appendix 3 for Home to School Transport Policy.pdf
Appendix 4 for Home to School Transport Policy.pdf
A Financial Framework for the 2027-32 Medium Term Financial Strategy Refresh.pdf
Minutes 11062026 Cabinet.pdf
Additions to the Education Capital Programme 20262027.pdf
Future Provision of Professional Services for Highways Transport and Infrastructure Post 31.12.2026.pdf
Recommendations from Call-in on B4102 Fillongley Road Fillongley Crossroads Junction CRS.pdf
Appendix 1 for Recommendations from Call-in on B4102 Fillongley Road Fillongley Crossroads Junction.pdf
Appendix 4 for Recommendations from Call-in on B4102 Fillongley Road Fillongley Crossroads Junction.pdf
Appendix 2 for Recommendations from Call-in on B4102 Fillongley Road Fillongley Crossroads Junction.pdf
Appendix 3 for Recommendations from Call-in on B4102 Fillongley Road Fillongley Crossroads Junction.pdf
Appendix 5 for Recommendations from Call-in on B4102 Fillongley Road Fillongley Crossroads Junction.pdf
Home to School Transport Policy Cabinet July 2026.pdf
Decisions Thursday 16-Jul-2026 13.45 Cabinet.pdf