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Weekly updates
SUBJECT: Council Tax to Fund Police? New Leader Elected & More
This week in Warwickshire:
Police Funding Hinges on Council Taxpayers as Government Support Falters
The Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel met to discuss the financial future of Warwickshire Police, revealing a growing reliance on local council taxpayers to fund the force. At the meeting on Wednesday, Philip Seccombe TD, Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner, reported that council taxpayers are virtually funding 50% of the force and will soon be contributing more than central government.
- Funding Gap: Despite a government spending review outlining an average 1.7% real-term increase for Warwickshire Police per year up to 2028-29, the lack of capital funding for buildings, fleet, and technology raises concerns.
- Grant Money: The government has offered separate grants for antisocial behaviour and neighbourhood policing, totalling £2.2 million.
- South vs. North: Councillor Claire Edwards raised concerns about the focus on antisocial behaviour work in the south of the county, noting the omission of Rugby and Nuneaton and Bedworth.
The increasing reliance on local funding raises questions about the long-term sustainability of policing in Warwickshire and the potential burden on residents.
Public Voices Question Integrity of Hunting Review
Two members of the public, Denise Taylor and Martina Irwin, voiced strong concerns about the policing of hunting activities in Warwickshire.
- Integrity Doubts: Denise Taylor questioned the integrity of the independent review into the Warwickshire Hunt, claiming it contained flaws, omissions, and factual inaccuracies.
- Cub Hunting Concerns: Martina Irwin sought assurances regarding the policing of illegal fox hunting, specifically cub hunting, and requested a dedicated oversight report be made available to the public.
These concerns highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding hunting activities in Warwickshire and the need for transparency and accountability in policing.
HMICFRS Report Grades Public Contact as Inadequate
A recent HMICFRS1 inspection graded Warwickshire Police as inadequate for public contact, citing issues around response times.
- Surprise and Acceptance: Philip Seccombe TD, Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner, expressed surprise at the
inadequate
grading but acknowledged the need to accept the independent judgement. - Resource Constraints: The report noted that the force manages its finances well but lacks the resources to meet increased demand, receiving among the lowest amount of central government funding per head of population.
The report underscores the challenges faced by Warwickshire Police in balancing resources and meeting public expectations for timely responses.
Other Matters
- New Leadership: Sue Gill was appointed as an independent member to the Police and Crime Panel and subsequently elected as Chair.
- Officer Growth: Warwickshire Police will have an establishment of 1,122 officers by the end of March, representing a 34% growth since 2016.
- Community Speed Watch: Philip Seccombe TD, Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner, confirmed his 100% support for community speed watch moving forward.
Finch Elected Council Leader After Tied Vote
Following the resignation of the previous leader, Warwickshire County Council met to elect a new leader. At the meeting on Tuesday, Councillor George Finch, Deputy Leader of the Council, was elected leader using the Chair's casting vote after a tied vote.
- Close Contest: After three rounds of voting, Councillor George Finch and Councillor Jerry Roodhouse were tied, leading to the Chair's deciding vote.
- Unity Proposal Rejected: Councillor Jonathan Chilvers' proposal for a
unity caretaker administration
with seats offered to all parties was not taken up.
The close vote and rejection of a unity administration highlight the divisions within the council and the challenges facing the new leader.
Exhall Residents' Concerns Lead to Highways Scheme Deferral
Following concerns raised by residents, councillors voted to defer a decision on a developer-funded highways improvement scheme at School Lane Junction with Bowling Green Lane/Church Lane, Exhall.
- Safety Worries: Residents expressed concerns about the safety of the junction for pedestrians and cyclists, the impact of increased HGV traffic, and the lack of consultation.
- HGV Traffic: Beryl Timms noted that the proposed HGV traffic route would send hundreds of HGVs over narrow bridges, potentially endangering school children and vulnerable road users.
- Lack of Consultation: Damon Brown stated that residents were not given an opportunity to discuss their concerns with the highways department.
The deferral reflects the council's acknowledgement of residents' concerns and the need for further consideration of the scheme's impact.
Climate Change Motion Approved with Focus on Energy Security
Councillors approved an amended motion to support the climate emergency declaration in Warwickshire, incorporating considerations for energy security and the cost of a greener future.
- Amendment: Councillor Adrian Warwick moved an amendment to include energy security and to consider the cost of a greener future, which was accepted by Councillor Will Roberts.
- Fuel Poverty Concerns: Councillor Neil David Garland expressed concern that the motion could lead to higher energy prices and fuel poverty for some residents.
- Economic Benefits: Councillor Max Langer argued that the economic case for climate action is clear, with potential returns of around tenfold by 2100.
The debate highlighted the complexities of addressing climate change while balancing economic and social considerations.
Political Assistants Approved Amidst Debate Over Value
Councillors voted to approve the establishment of political assistant posts for qualifying political groups, sparking a debate about the value and necessity of such positions.
- Cost Concerns: Councillor Ben Edwards questioned the value delivered for the £50,000 cost per post, while Councillor Sarah Boad raised concerns about spending on political assistance when social services are facing cuts.
- Hypocrisy Accusations: Councillor Sam Jones accused Reform UK of hypocrisy, pointing to their previous criticism of
unelected bureaucrats
and the lack of mention of political assistance in their manifesto. - Parity and Professionalism: Councillor Michael Bannister argued that the posts would enhance the council by enabling better policy work and more effective scrutiny.
The vote was tied, with 23 in favour and 23 against, with 8 abstentions. Councillor Edward Harris used his casting vote to approve the motion.
Upcoming Meetings
Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:
- Regulatory Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/76271) - Tuesday 05 August 2025
- Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/76583) - Friday 08 August 2025
------ END OF MEETING DATA ------
-
HMICFRS stands for His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services. It is an independent organisation that assesses and reports on the efficiency and effectiveness of police forces and fire and rescue services in England and Wales. ↩
Warwickshire: Children's Home Details Private, Road Hump Approved
This week in Warwickshire:
Children's Home Purchase Behind Closed Doors
Warwickshire County Council met to discuss purchasing property for use as an internal children's home, but the details remain confidential. At a Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions meeting, councillors were reminded of the need to declare any interests they may have in the items on the agenda.
- Confidentiality: Information relating to the proposal is exempt from publication under the Local Government Act 1972, specifically paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A1.
- Vulnerable Children: The decision to keep the details private raises questions about transparency, especially concerning services for vulnerable children.
The lack of public information makes it difficult to assess the potential impact of this decision on children in care.
Road Hump Approved in Kenilworth Despite Objections
A new road hump and segregated cycle track are coming to Glasshouse Lane and Heyville Croft in Kenilworth. Councillor George Finch, Deputy Leader of the Council, approved the measures at a Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions meeting, aiming to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety.
- Safety Concerns: The scheme aims to provide a continuous crossing facility for pedestrians and cyclists and improve safety.
- Police Input: Warwickshire Police raised concerns about the lack of adequate signs, which were addressed by adding additional road warning signs.
- Resident Opposition: One objection was received, citing concerns about sight lines, the location of the cycle route, and the effectiveness of road humps.
The council addressed these concerns by stating that the road is being realigned to improve sight lines, that there is an uncontrolled crossing in the plans for the cycle route to Rocky Lane, and that more road humps on Glasshouse Lane are not feasible due to use of the road by buses and emergency vehicles.
Bus Shelter Contract Aims for Green Innovation
Warwickshire County Council is seeking a new contractor to manage its bus shelters, with a focus on generating revenue and exploring green options. Councillor Stephen Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, approved the procurement of a new contract at a Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions meeting, estimated at £2.1 million over the contract period.
- Revenue Generation: The council aims to generate revenue through advertising to offset maintenance costs and provide income for infrastructure improvements.
- Green Shelters: The contract will explore innovative options like green or living roof shelters.
- Savings Anticipated: The council anticipates savings of at least £10,000, with potential savings as high as £79,000.
The new contract, to be let in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, will run for 10 years, with an optional 5-year extension based on performance.
Pension Fund Governance and Investment Strategies Discussed
The Warwickshire Local Pension Board met to discuss pension administration, regulatory updates, and investment performance. At the meeting on Tuesday, the board reviewed its annual report and a governance action plan.
- Governance Review: An external review by AON concluded that the governance of the Fund was of a high standard and demonstrates best practice in most areas.
- Risk Management: The report noted that the main areas of concern regarding risk management remained those related to the potential impact of climate change, cyber security, and long-term investment market risks.
- Member Engagement: The board received an update on the take-up of Member Self Service (MSS), with 42.20% of active members, 30.78% of deferred members, 35.35% of pensioners, and 9.61% of dependents using the system.
The board also discussed regulatory updates, including the LGPS Access and Fairness Consultation launched by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)2 in May.
Other Matters
- Internal Audit Assurance: The Audit and Standards Committee concluded that the authority's control environment provides
Substantial assurance that the significant risks facing the Authority are addressed.
Meeting details here. - Rugby Highway Scheme Approved: Councillor Stephen Shaw approved the addition of a section 2783 highway scheme to the capital programme for the A4071/Parkfield Rd Junction in Rugby, valued at £981,700. Meeting details here.
Upcoming Meetings
Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:
- County Council (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74794) - Tuesday 22 July 2025: Education capital programme, developer funded scheme, audit and standards committee annual report, appointment of political assistants, and constitutional amendments.
- Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74799) - Wednesday 23 July 2025: Appointment of a chair, an update from the Police & Crime Commissioner, and a progress report on the independent review into hunting related activities.
- Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74806) - Friday 25 July 2025
- Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/75990) - Monday 28 July 2025
-
Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 defines categories of information that can be kept confidential in council meetings and documents. Paragraph 3 relates to information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). ↩
-
Now known as the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities ↩
-
Section 278 of the Highways Act 1980 allows developers to enter into agreements with local highway authorities to carry out works on existing highways as part of a planning permission. ↩
Domestic Abuse Services Face Cuts; Health Strategy Prioritises Mental Health
This week in Warwickshire:
Domestic Abuse Services Face Cuts Despite Rising Need
Warwickshire County Council is planning to recommission its Domestic Abuse Specialist Counselling and Therapy Service (DASCAT) with a reduced budget, raising concerns about the impact on vulnerable individuals. The Cabinet discussed the proposal at a meeting on Thursday, authorising the start of the procurement process.
- Budget Reduction: The allocated budget for 2025/26 is £400,000, but this will decrease to £367,000 per annum from 2026/27 due to Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) savings.
- Increased Demand: The decision comes amid growing recognition of the importance of mental health support for survivors of domestic abuse, as highlighted in the Safer Warwickshire Violence against Women and Girls Strategy 2023 – 2026, the Warwickshire Safe Accommodation Strategy 2025-2028 and the Safer Warwickshire Serious Violence Prevention Strategy 2025- 2028.
- Service Concerns: Councillor Chilvers questioned whether the council could deliver the same level of service with less money, expressing concern that it would amount to a cut in service for a vulnerable group.
The decision highlights the difficult choices the council faces as it seeks to balance its budget while addressing critical social needs.
Health Board Prioritizes Mental Health and Deprivation
The Warwickshire Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss key strategies for improving the health and wellbeing of residents, with a focus on mental health, deprivation, and physical activity. The meeting on Wednesday covered a range of topics, including the development of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-31 and updates on safeguarding arrangements.
- Strategy Priorities: The draft Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-31 identifies three overarching priorities for Warwickshire:
- Creating conditions to support mental health and wellbeing, prioritizing children and young people.
- Addressing environmental, economic, and social factors that cause deprivation.
- Supporting people to move more and eat well.
- Place-Based Approach: The strategy emphasizes a place-based approach, tailoring priorities to the specific needs of Rugby Place, South Warwickshire Place, and Warwickshire North Place.
- System Discharge Pathways: The board received a presentation on system discharge pathways, aiming to improve the transition of patients from hospitals to community-based care.
The board also discussed the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), which analyzes the health and wellbeing needs of the local population to inform service commissioning.
Financial Strategy Refresh: Council Faces Tough Choices
Warwickshire County Council is bracing for further budget reductions as it refreshes its Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The Cabinet considered a proposed framework for the 2026/27 MTFS at a meeting on Thursday, highlighting the need for financial sustainability amid economic uncertainty.
- Savings Target: The council estimates it needs to find at least £7.3 million in additional budget reductions by 2030/31 to maintain a balanced budget.
- Strategic Principles: The 2026/27 MTFS will be guided by key principles, including assuming a 2% inflation rate, maximizing council tax increases, and prioritizing the capital programme.
- Economic Risks: The report highlighted several risks to be monitored, including the economic environment, cost of living pressures, and financial pressures on partners like the NHS.
The council's financial challenges could impact a range of services and projects, requiring difficult decisions about resource allocation.
Other Matters
- Education Capital Programme: The Cabinet approved additions to the Education Capital Programme for several schools, including The Queen Elizabeth Academy in Atherstone, Oak Wood Primary School in Nuneaton, and Shipston High School. Meeting details here.
- Bus Service Improvements: The Cabinet approved a program of capital and revenue-funded measures aligned to the Warwickshire Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), funded by a £8.762 million grant from the Department for Transport. Meeting details here.
- Developer Funded Scheme: The Cabinet approved the addition of £3.904 million to the Capital Programme for highways improvements at the D1736 School Lane Junction with Bowling Green Lane / Church Lane, Exhall, funded by a developer. Meeting details here.
- Age Range Changes: The Cabinet approved a change to the age range at Welford-on-Avon Primary School, Wolston St Margaret's Church of England Primary School & Bournebrook Church of England Primary School from age 3-11 to age 4-11 from September 2025. Meeting details here.
- Modern Slavery Statement: The Cabinet approved the County Council's updated Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement for the financial year 2024/25. Meeting details here.
Upcoming Meetings
Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:
- Audit and Standards Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74495) - Thursday 17 July 2025: Internal Audit Annual Report 2024/25.
- Warwickshire Local Pension Board (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74493) - Tuesday 15 July 2025: Pension administration, governance, and investment activity.
- Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74622) - Monday 14 July 2025: Highway improvements and bus shelter advertising contract.
- Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74799) - Wednesday 23 July 2025
- Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74806) - Friday 25 July 2025
- Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74819) - Thursday 17 July 2025
- County Council (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74794) - Tuesday 22 July 2025
Warwickshire Council: Landfill Flies, Council Finances & More
This week in Warwickshire:
Ufton Landfill Site: Smell and Fly Concerns Delay Decision
Residents near the Ufton Landfill Site are enduring a horrendous
fly problem, prompting the Regulatory Committee to defer a decision on two planning applications related to the site. The applications, discussed at a meeting on Tuesday, sought to extend the life of an in-vessel composting (IVC) facility1 and amend the restoration scheme for the landfill.
- Smell and Fly Complaints: Parish councils and individuals have lodged numerous objections, citing issues with smells and flies.
- Source Unclear: While council officers suggested agricultural activities might be the cause, local Councillor Kettle disputed this, noting the problem is a recent phenomenon.
- Site Visit Planned: To better understand the situation, the committee voted to defer the applications and conduct a site visit.
Councillor Mills, newly elected chair of the committee, described the flies as horrendous
during his own visit. Councillor Warwick emphasized the need for assurances that the IVC is not contributing to the problem.
Somebody somewhere needs to be dealing with this problem for the village, because it is not acceptable in any way, shape, or form.
The outcome of the site visit could significantly impact the future of the Ufton Landfill Site and the quality of life for nearby residents.
Scrutiny Committee Examines Council Performance and Finances
The Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss a range of topics, including customer feedback, year-end performance, and treasury management. The meeting took place on Wednesday, but no video was provided.
- Effective Scrutiny: The committee was scheduled to endorse the Principles of Effective Overview and Scrutiny, which guide their work.
- Customer Feedback: A report indicated a decrease in overall feedback, with complaints down 43% and compliments up 43%.
- Financial Performance: Services reporting to the committee forecast a net underspend of £2.608m, but a £0.320m shortfall against the current year saving target.
- Treasury Management: The council's treasury investments totaled £285m, generating £16.77m in income, significantly exceeding the budget.
The committee also discussed the work programme for the upcoming year, which will include reports on Cabinet decisions and progress updates on previously discussed items.
Other Matters
- Regulatory Committee Elects Chair: The Regulatory Committee elected Councillor Mills as chair for the remainder of the municipal year. Meeting details here.
- Regulatory Committee Appointments: The Regulatory Committee approved nominations to various external organizations. Meeting details here.
Upcoming Meetings
Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:
- Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74622) - Monday 14 July 2025
- Warwickshire Local Pension Board (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74493) - Tuesday 15 July 2025
- Audit and Standards Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74495) - Thursday 17 July 2025
- Cabinet (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72582) - Thursday 10 July 2025
- Health and Wellbeing Board (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72577) - Wednesday 09 July 2025
-
In-vessel composting is a method of composting that takes place within an enclosed container. ↩
Warwickshire SEND Crisis, Police Mental Health Response, Education Data
This week in Warwickshire:
SEND Crisis: Families Pay the Ultimate Cost
The Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee heard a harrowing account of the death of Owen Garnett, a young man with complex needs who choked at a Warwickshire special school in 2023. Alyssa Novak, a public speaker, urged the council to prevent similar tragedies by truly listening to families and embedding their voices in decision-making. You can find the full discussion here.
Engagement must be more than a box-ticking exercise. It must be real, ongoing, accountable. Because when we don't engage, when we don't co-produce, when we don't listen, children and young people pay the ultimate cost.
The committee also discussed the council's failure to meet statutory deadlines for Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)1, with Councillor James Norris expressing shock at the low completion rate. Councillor Nigel Minns, Executive Director for Children and Young People, acknowledged the challenges and said a comprehensive review was underway, with a revised process due in September.
- EHCP Delays: Less than a fifth of children are getting their EHCPs within the statutory 20-week target.
- Increased Demand: The number of children with an EHCP plan has risen from around 3,500 to 7,000 in recent years.
- Funding Backdated: The council assured the committee that no child would be disadvantaged as funding is backdated.
Right Care, Right Person: Police Aim for Compassionate Crisis Response
The Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee received an update from Warwickshire Police on the implementation of Right Care, Right Person (RCRP). Stephen Malone from Warwickshire Police explained that the program aims to ensure individuals experiencing mental health or medical crises receive appropriate care from the right professionals. You can find the full discussion here.
- Police Not Experts: Historically, the police have often been the primary responders to mental health crises, despite lacking the necessary expertise.
- Disproportionate Impact: Minority and disenfranchised communities, autistic people, and homeless individuals are more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act by the police.
- No
Red Route
: Warwickshire Police assured the committee that they will not adopt ared route
approach, where individuals in mental health crisis are forcibly pushed into partner agencies.
Malone noted that Warwickshire is performing well in the Midlands region regarding handover rates and partnership with the ambulance service and fire service.
Education Performance: Warwickshire Lags Behind Other Counties
The Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed a report on the achievement of Warwickshire children and young people in statutory assessments for 2024. You can find the full discussion here.
- Declining Rankings: While overall results were similar to 2023, there were declines in rankings compared to other counties.
- Disadvantaged Pupils: The report highlighted disparities in achievement for disadvantaged pupils and variations across different districts and boroughs.
- Support Differences: Questions were raised about the differences in support for maintained schools and academy schools, and the attainment of disadvantaged pupils in each.
Other Matters
- Customer Feedback: The Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed annual customer feedback for Children, Families, and Education services, noting a decrease in complaints and an increase in compliments. Meeting details here.
- Corporate Parenting Panel: The Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee received an update on the Corporate Parenting Panel, which supports children in care. Meeting details here.
- Integrated Performance: The Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed the Year End Integrated Performance Report for 2024/25, noting a forecast overspend of £14.648m. Meeting details here.
- Adult Social Care Feedback: The Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed the Adult Social Care Customer Feedback Annual Report for 2024/25, noting an increase in compliments and a decrease in complaints resolved within specified timescales. Meeting details here.
- Economic Development: The Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed economic development activity in Warwickshire, noting an increase in the unemployment rate but remaining below regional and national averages. Meeting details here.
- Communities Performance: The Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed the year-end performance report for 2024/25, noting that 81% of actions within the Council Delivery Plan were on track. Meeting details here.
- Communities Feedback: The Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed the Communities Directorate Customer Feedback Annual Report, reporting a 43% decrease in complaints and a 43% increase in compliments. Meeting details here.
- Portfolio Holder Decisions: A Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions meeting took place, but no transcript or summary was available. Meeting details here.
- Principles of Scrutiny: Both the Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee endorsed the Principles of Effective Overview and Scrutiny. Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting details here. Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting details here.
- Schools Forum: The Schools Forum met to discuss the scheme for financing schools, the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), and a consultation timetable. Meeting details here.
Upcoming Meetings
Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:
- Regulatory Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/71653) - Tuesday 01 July 2025: Planning applications and regulatory matters.
- Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/71657) - Wednesday 02 July 2025: Customer feedback, integrated performance, and treasury management.
- Health and Wellbeing Board (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72577) - Wednesday 09 July 2025
- Cabinet (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72582) - Thursday 10 July 2025
- Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72588) - Friday 11 July 2025
Recent meetings
Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel - Wednesday 23 July 2025 2.30 pm
The Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel met to appoint a new independent member, receive updates from Philip Seccombe TD, Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner, on finance and policing, and review the progress of the Independent Review into hunting related activities. Sue Gill was appointed as an independent member and subsequently elected as Chair of the Panel. The panel also discussed future agenda items and the annual report.
County Council - Tuesday 22 July 2025 10.00 am
Warwickshire County Council met on 22 July 2025, and after three rounds of voting, Councillor George Finch, Deputy Leader of the Council, was elected leader using the Chair's casting vote after a tied vote. Councillors also approved an addition to the education capital programme, agreed to defer a decision on the developer funded scheme at School Lane, endorsed the Audit and Standards Committee Annual Report, approved the establishment of political assistant posts, and approved constitutional amendments and the appointment of a statutory scrutiny officer. Councillors then debated motions on climate change and local transport.
Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions - Thursday 17 July 2025 1.00 pm
Councillor George Finch, Deputy Leader of the Council, convened a meeting where the sole agenda item was to discuss and approve the purchase of a property for use as an internal children's home. The decision was made to approve the recommendation as outlined in the report.
Audit and Standards Committee - Thursday 17 July 2025 10.00 am
The Audit and Standards Committee met to discuss the Internal Audit Annual Report 2024/25, which gave an overall opinion of substantial assurance on the council's control environment. The committee also reviewed the work programme and future meeting dates, and confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting.
Warwickshire Local Pension Board - Tuesday 15 July 2025 11.00 am
The Warwickshire Local Pension Board met on Tuesday 15 July 2025 to discuss pension administration, regulatory updates, and investment performance. The board was also scheduled to review its annual report and a governance action plan.
Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions - Monday 14 July 2025 12.00 pm
Warwickshire County Council's Portfolio Holder and Leader Decisions meeting addressed highway improvements and a bus shelter contract. Councillor George Finch, Deputy Leader of the Council, standing in for the Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, approved a road hump and segregated cycle track in Kenilworth. Councillor Stephen Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, approved a new bus shelter advertising and maintenance contract and a highway scheme in Rugby.
Cabinet - Thursday 10 July 2025 1.45 pm
The Warwickshire County Council Cabinet met to discuss the financial framework, additions to the education capital programme, bus service improvements, a developer-funded scheme, domestic abuse support, changes to primary school age ranges, and the modern slavery statement. The cabinet approved recommendations for the financial framework, additions to the education capital programme, the bus service improvement plan, and changes to primary school age ranges. They also approved the recommissioning of the Domestic Abuse Specialist Counselling and Therapy Service (DASCAT) and the updated Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement.
Health and Wellbeing Board - Wednesday 9 July 2025 1.30 pm
Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, chaired the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting, which included discussions on system discharge pathways, the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), and the development of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-31. The board also received updates on the Warwickshire Safeguarding Adults Board and the Warwickshire Safeguarding Children's Partnership, as well as the Health and Wellbeing Board Executive Group. The board agreed to support public engagement for the Health and Wellbeing Strategy and endorsed the direction of travel for the JSNA work programme.
Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 2 July 2025 2.00 pm
The Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss several key reports, including the principles of effective scrutiny, customer feedback, integrated performance, and treasury management. The committee endorsed the principles of effective overview and scrutiny. Members raised questions about fire service resources, staff support, and financial performance, with several items slated for further review and responses from portfolio holders.
Regulatory Committee - Tuesday 1 July 2025 10.30 am
The Regulatory Committee convened to elect a chair, review planning applications for the Ufton Landfill Site, and discuss appointments to external organisations. Councillor Chris Mills was elected as chair. The committee deferred decisions on planning applications relating to the Ufton Landfill Site pending a site visit.
Upcoming meetings
Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions - Monday 28 July 2025 12.00 pm
Urgent Decision, Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions - Tuesday 29 July 2025 12.00 pm
Appointments, Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions - Friday 1 August 2025 2.00 pm
Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions - Friday 8 August 2025 1.30 pm