The Cabinet of Warwickshire Council met on Thursday 12 February 2026 to discuss the Quarter 3 Integrated Performance Report, determine school admission arrangements for the 2027/28 academic year, and approve funding for the refurbishment of the Pears Centre. Key decisions included referring the performance report to Overview and Scrutiny Committees, approving the proposed school admission arrangements, and recommending the addition of funds to the capital programme for the Pears Centre refurbishment.

Quarter 3 Integrated Performance Report 2025/26

The Cabinet reviewed the Quarter 3 Integrated Performance Report for 2025/26, which detailed the Council's performance against its strategic priorities. Councillor Michael Bannister, Portfolio Holder for Customer and Localities, presented the report, highlighting that while overall performance was strong, challenges remained in statutory services such as SEND, Children's Services, Adult Social Care, and Home to School Transport. The report indicated that 71% of Council Delivery Plan activities were on track, with 65.2% of Key Business Measures achieved or delivering.

Concerns were raised by Councillor George Cowcher regarding the delayed Local Transport Plan (LTP4) and the need for expedited development of Area Transport Strategies. Councillor Sarah Feeney sought clarification on the figures for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) completion times and inquired about the progress on delivering safe accommodation for domestic abuse survivors. Councillor Richard Dickson highlighted concerns about the delivery of major infrastructure projects, including the A46 Stoneleigh Junction, the Kenilworth to Leamington cycle route, and SEND facilities at St John's Primary School, requesting updates and reassurance on future infrastructure project planning. Councillor Jennifer Warren, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, provided updates on the A46 Stoneleigh Junction and committed to investigating delays on the cycle route.

Councillor Sarah Boad commented on the performance of the Fire Service and the number of concessionary bus passes, while Councillor Darren Cheshire, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Heritage and Culture, addressed concerns about household waste recycling rates and the trial removal of booking systems at recycling centres. Councillor Jennifer McAllister raised questions about the Home to School Transport consultation results and the impact of removing booking systems at recycling centres. Councillor Finch supported the removal of booking systems, noting positive feedback from residents in Nuneaton and Bedworth. Councillor Andy Crump, as Chair of the Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee, noted that detailed performance data would be examined by his committee. Councillor Adrian Warwick suggested partnering with Parish Councils for tree planting initiatives, a suggestion supported by Councillor Cheshire and Councillor Boad.

The Cabinet resolved to consider and comment on the Quarter 3 performance report and to refer it to the Overview and Scrutiny Committees for detailed consideration.

Determination of Admission Arrangements, Coordinated Scheme and Coordinated In-Year Process for School Admissions for the 2027/28 Academic Year

Councillor Wayne Briggs, Portfolio Holder for Education, presented the report on the determination of admission arrangements, coordinated scheme, and in-year process for school admissions for the 2027/28 academic year. The report outlined proposed changes to admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools, including the inclusion of children of staff in oversubscription criteria and adjustments to priority areas for specific schools. It also detailed proposed changes to the coordinated scheme and in-year process, such as removing the requirement for parents to re-register for waiting lists and removing evidence of future house moves as proof of address.

Councillor Jennifer McAllister questioned the low number of consultation responses and how future parents and new residents were engaged. Councillor Briggs committed to seeking clarification on this matter. Councillor George Cowcher expressed concerns about falling primary school rolls, rising secondary school numbers, and the need for ongoing review of admission arrangements, particularly in light of housing development plans. Councillor Sarah Feeney raised concerns about the removal of evidence of future house moves as proof of address, highlighting the difficulties faced by families moving to new housing estates in accessing local schools. Councillor Briggs assured that the policy aimed for fairness and that applications could be amended once a move was complete.

The Cabinet resolved to approve the proposed admission arrangements, coordinated scheme, and coordinated in-year process for school admissions for the 2027/28 academic year.

Addition to the Capital Programme - Pears Centre Refurbishment

Councillor Stephen Shaw, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, presented a report requesting approval for the addition of funds to the Capital Programme for the refurbishment of the Pears Centre in Bedworth. The proposal included repurposing four vacant residential bungalows into a multi-use delivery space, featuring a contact centre, office, training centre, and alternative education space. One bungalow would be demolished to create additional parking. The total cost of the project was £2.6 million, with £460,000 funded from the High Needs Provision Capital Allocation and the remainder from the Capital Investment Fund.

Councillor Adrian Warwick welcomed the proposal and suggested potential collaboration with Exhall Grange School. Councillor McAllister raised concerns about the site being vacant since 2019 and inquired about the possibility of assisting other schools with solar panel installations. Councillor Shaw agreed to investigate the solar panel suggestion. Councillor Richard Dickson sought clarification on the projected cost savings for Home to School Transport, which Councillor Shaw explained were per child per year. Councillor Sarah Feeney supported the proposal, emphasizing the importance of the multi-use space and contact centre, and suggested the alternative provision be accessible to children at risk of exclusion, not just those already excluded. Councillor Finch highlighted the benefits of the project in providing local support and reducing transport costs.

The Cabinet resolved to recommend to Council the addition of £2.149 million to the capital programme for the Pears Centre refurbishment, funded from the Capital Investment Fund, and to approve the addition of £0.460 million for the establishment of an Alternative Provision, funded from the High Needs Provision Capital Allocation. They also authorised the Executive Director for Resources to undertake necessary procurement activities.

Reports Containing Exempt or Confidential Information

The Cabinet resolved to exclude the public from the meeting for the remaining items due to the disclosure of exempt information.

Exempt Minutes of the 27 January 2026 Meeting of Cabinet

The exempt minutes of the previous Cabinet meeting held on 27 January 2026 were agreed as an accurate record.