The Cabinet of Warwickshire County Council met on Thursday 5 March 2026 to discuss a range of strategic and operational matters. Key topics included the proposed Council Plan for 2026-30, additions to the Education Capital Programme, and the Warwickshire Employment & Skills Strategy. The meeting also covered recommendations from a call-in regarding the Annual Education Sufficiency Update, and building alterations for Nuneaton and Rugby Fire Stations.

Recalibrating Warwickshire – Council Plan 2026-30

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider proposals to commence public engagement on the draft Council Plan for 2026-30, titled 'Recalibrating Warwickshire'. This plan outlines the council's strategic direction and priorities for residents, partners, businesses, and staff over the next four years. The draft plan is structured around six areas of focus: People (covering children, health and independence, and education/SEND) and Places (covering economic growth, jobs and skills, highways and transport, and vibrant communities and environment). These areas are underpinned by four common goals: value for money, optimising technology and innovation, driving community power, and being a great employer. The report indicated that the plan might have a shorter lifespan if local government reorganisation proceeds as planned. The proposed engagement period was set for March and April 2026, with the final plan to be presented to full Council in May 2026.

Additions to the Education Capital Programme 2025/26

Proposals were scheduled for discussion regarding the allocation of resources within the Education (Schools) Capital Programme. This included recommendations for establishing new resourced provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at Binley Woods Primary School and Brownsover Community School, both in Rugby. Additionally, a proposal to establish resourced provision at St Oswald's CofE Academy, Rugby, was to be considered, subject to Department for Education approval. The meeting was also to address an increase of two places within the SEND resourced provision at Paddox Primary School, Rugby, bringing its total capacity to 16. These additions are intended to meet the growing demand for specialist provision and ensure sufficient school places are available across the county.

Recommendations from Call in on Annual Education Sufficiency Update

The Cabinet was to consider recommendations put forward by the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee following a call-in of the Cabinet's decision to endorse the Annual Education Sufficiency Update (0-25) on 11 December 2025. The call-in cited concerns about the potential for over-provision undermining existing primary schools and a lack of sensitivity analysis for low net migration and slower housing market conditions. The Scrutiny Committee did not overturn the Cabinet's decision but proposed that Cabinet consider: producing sensitivity analysis data on forecasts at a local level; organising district and borough area sufficiency workshops for elected members; and re-evaluating planning areas, particularly at secondary school level.

Building Alterations, Nuneaton and Rugby Fire Stations

A report was scheduled to seek Cabinet approval for the addition of £1.341 million to the capital programme for building alterations at Nuneaton and Rugby Fire Stations. These alterations are intended to address staff welfare and wellbeing requirements, improve decontamination procedures, and ensure compliance with health and safety legislation. The proposed works include creating individual dormitories, improving female firefighter facilities, and segregating clean and dirty zones to mitigate health risks associated with firefighter exposure to contaminants. Rugby Fire Station was identified as the highest priority for improvements, followed by Nuneaton.

Warwickshire Employment & Skills Strategy

The Cabinet was asked to approve the Warwickshire Employment & Skills Strategy, which sets out the council's vision and priorities for employment and skills development in the county. This strategy is particularly relevant as Warwickshire County Council is set to gain devolved control of approximately £7 million of Adult Skills Funding from August 2026. The strategy is built around three key priorities: Skills for the Future Economy, Skills for Employment & Progression, and Skills for Everyone. It aims to create a locally focused, Warwickshire-owned employment and skills ecosystem that addresses key issues and opportunities within the county, with a strong emphasis on integrating work and health. The strategy also outlines a new governance model to ensure partner collaboration in developing annual delivery plans.

Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub and Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) - Site Specific Business Cases

Two exempt reports were listed concerning the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub Ltd and site-specific business cases for the Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG). These items were scheduled to be considered with members of the public excluded from the meeting due to the disclosure of exempt information.