The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property approved the development of design and submission of planning applications for the Phase 1 Tachbrook Foot and Cycle Bridge Scheme, authorising £353,720.75 to be added to the Capital Programme, fully funded by Warwick District Council. The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property also approved the submission of Warwickshire County Council's joint response to consultations on proposed Council Tax Reduction Scheme changes by North Warwickshire Borough Council and Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, and approved the addition of a developer-funded highway improvement scheme on Darlingscote Road, Shipston-on-Stour, to the Capital Programme.

Tachbrook Foot and Cycle Bridge Scheme

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property approved the development of design and the submission of planning applications for the Phase 1 Tachbrook Foot and Cycle Bridge Scheme. This decision also authorised £353,720.75 to be added to the Capital Programme for the scheme, which will be fully funded by Warwick District Council. The bridge aims to improve walking and cycling connections between The Asps development and surrounding areas, including L&Q Beauchamp Park, and will link to existing and proposed routes, enhancing accessibility to local schools and businesses. Councillor Nicki Scott welcomed the proposal, highlighting its potential to improve connectivity. Councillor Jonathan Chilvers sought clarification on future funding, noting his understanding that Warwick District Council would forward-fund the current development phase with future delivery drawing on Section 106 contributions. Claire John, Team Manager for PPM, Engineering Design Services, clarified that the current report pertained only to the design development and planning stage, with future funding arrangements to be addressed in a subsequent report. The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property emphasised that this decision was solely for Phase 1 and that any progression to construction would require separate reports and funding confirmation.

Council Tax Reduction Scheme Consultation Response

Warwickshire County Council will submit a joint response to consultations by North Warwickshire Borough Council and Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council regarding proposed changes to their Council Tax Reduction (CTR) Schemes. The council supports the move towards simpler, income-banded schemes, recognising potential benefits for claimants and administrators. However, concerns were raised about the financial implications for Warwickshire County Council as the major precepting authority, with estimated reductions in council tax income of approximately £337,000. The draft response seeks robust financial modelling, clear evidence for differing scheme designs, consideration of impacts on vulnerable residents, and greater consistency between neighbouring schemes. The relevance of Local Government Reorganisation and the desirability of aligning CTR schemes in the north of the county were also highlighted. The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property noted the need to understand the financial implications and welcomed the draft response's requests for clarity and consistency.

Developer Funded S278 Highway Schemes Approvals

A developer-funded highway improvement scheme on Darlingscote Road, Shipston-on-Stour, has been approved for addition to the 2026/27 Capital Programme. The scheme, valued at £215,000, will involve pedestrian and cycle infrastructure improvements and the upgrade of an existing zebra crossing to a tiger crossing. These works are part of the highway infrastructure associated with the approved Sainsbury's development. All costs, including project management, supervision, and any unforeseen expenses, will be fully recoverable from the developer through a Section 278 agreement, which will also include appropriate bond or security arrangements to protect the council. Debbie Schneider, Service Manager for the S278 Team, introduced the report.