This week in Warwickshire:

Education Expansion on Hold? Council Faces Financial Strain

Warwickshire County Council is grappling with rising costs and demand in key services, casting a shadow over planned expansions and improvements. The Cabinet met on June 12th to discuss the financial outturn for 2024-25, revealing a £24.753m overspend.

• Unsustainable Demand: The report pack highlighted sharp and unsustainable increases in demand and costs across children and adults social care, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and home-to-school transport.
• Reserves Dwindling: To cover the overspend, the council plans to tap into earmarked reserves and rely on a Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) statutory override, leaving a residual net overspend of £1.983m.
• Future Funding Uncertain: The council intends to use the Short-Term Financial Risk Reserve to address the remaining deficit, raising questions about long-term financial stability.

The financial strain could impact planned projects, including additions to the Education Capital Programme. While the Cabinet was scheduled to discuss proposed projects in various locations, the council's financial situation may force them to re-evaluate these plans.

Rugby School Expansion Faces Consultation Amid Capacity Concerns

Despite the financial challenges, the council is moving forward with a consultation on the expansion of The Avon Valley School and Performing Arts College in Rugby. Councillor Wayne Briggs, Portfolio Holder for Education, was scheduled to consider the request at a Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions meeting.

• Rising Demand: Several Rugby secondary schools have struggled to accommodate increasing demand, with some providing 60-90 additional places each year above their published admission number.
• Permanent Solutions Needed: With continued housing growth in Rugby, the council says that permanent solutions are required to increase capacity to ensure sufficient places for year 7 students and those moving into the area.
• Specialist Provision: The proposal includes establishing Specialist Resourced Provision¹ at the school for pupils with Education and Health Care Plans (EHCP).

The consultation, scheduled for June 23rd to July 20th, will gather feedback from parents, schools, and stakeholders. A final decision is expected from the Cabinet in September 2025.

Pension Fund Governance Under Scrutiny: Risk Management and Policy Updates

The Pension Fund Investment Sub-Committee met on June 9th to discuss governance issues, risk monitoring, and updated policies. The meeting was largely held behind closed doors due to confidential information.

• Risk Register: The Sub-Committee reviewed a risk register identifying key threats to the Pension Fund, including market risk, climate change, cyber security, and governance failure.
• Policy Updates: Three pension fund policies were reviewed and updated: the Communications Policy, the Breaches Policy, and the Data Retention Policy.
• Training Plan: A training plan for members of the Pension Fund Investment Sub-Committee, Staff and Pensions Committee, and Local Pension Board was also included.

The Staff and Pensions Committee also convened on June 9th to discuss governance, policy updates, and pension administration.

• Government Action Plan: Chris Norton, Head of Investments, Audit and Insurance, presented a report on the government's action plan following external reviews of the pension fund's governance.
• Pooling Reform: Norton highlighted the government's response to the 'fit for the future' review, which includes changes to investment management and pooling by March 2026.
• Local Investment: Local investment remains a priority, with the government clarifying that 'local' means regional, requiring funds to engage with local economic development entities.

Other Matters

• Cabinet Portfolio Holder Appointed: Councillor Nigel Golby was appointed as the Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, with Councillor Stuart Green as the Cabinet support member. Details here.
• Regulatory Committee Cancelled: The Regulatory Committee meeting scheduled for June 10th was cancelled. Details here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/70375) - Monday 16 June 2025
• Corporate Parenting Panel (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/69396) - Monday 16 June 2025
• Warwickshire Waste Partnership (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/69401) - Wednesday 18 June 2025
• Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/69407) - Thursday 19 June 2025
• Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/69417) - Friday 20 June 2025
• Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/70641) - Tuesday 24 June 2025
• Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/70648) - Wednesday 25 June 2025
• Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/70655) - Wednesday 25 June 2025
• Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/70662) - Friday 27 June 2025

This week in Warwickshire:

Dispensations for Councillors: Balancing Interests and Democracy

The Dispensations Sub Committee of Warwickshire County Council met on 5 June 2025 to discuss granting dispensations to councillors regarding Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPIs)¹. These dispensations would allow councillors to participate in discussions and votes on matters where they might otherwise have a conflict of interest. The report argued that these measures are necessary to ensure effective council business and prevent the exclusion of members from important debates.

• School-Related Functions: Councillors who are parents or guardians could speak and vote on school meals and transport, unless it directly involves their child's school.
• Twin-Hatted Members: Councillors serving on other public authorities could vote on matters affecting those authorities, except in cases of financial disputes between them and Warwickshire County Council.
• Local Government Reform: Councillors could participate in discussions on local government reform and devolution, even if they receive allowances from other Warwickshire public authorities.
• Spouse/Partner Employment: Councillors could vote on matters affecting the council, even if their spouse or partner is a council employee, unless it directly impacts their employment.

The report warned that without these dispensations, the ability of Members to make representation on local issues would be significantly impaired, potentially excluding many from discussions and debates. The meeting details are available online.

Firefighter Pensions: Performance Issues and Age Discrimination Remedy

The Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Local Pension Board of the Firefighters' Pension Scheme convened to discuss pension administration, governance, and risk management. Key issues included performance against targets and the ongoing Second Retained Exercise, which allows Retained Firefighters to buy back pension service.

• KPI Shortfalls: The West Yorkshire Pension Fund (WYPF), which administers the scheme, missed targets for setting up deferred benefits, providing pension estimates, and establishing new spouse pensions due to high workloads and delays in receiving forms.
• Age Discrimination Remedy: The WYPF failed to implement the age discrimination remedy for affected members by the statutory deadline, leading to a breach report to the Pension Regulator.
• Risk Management: Climate risk remains a key concern on the fund's risk register, given its anticipated impact on the markets.

The board also discussed governance and regulatory updates, including compliance with the Pension Regulator’s Code of Practice and the impact of new regulations on neonatal care leave and pay. Further details can be found here.

Audit and Standards Committee Reviews Financial Oversight

The Audit and Standards Committee met to review external audit plans for both Warwickshire County Council and the Warwickshire Pension Fund, as well as the Annual Governance Statement.

• Increased Audit Fees: Grant Thornton, the external auditor, proposed a fee of £305,732 for auditing the council, a 10.9% increase from the previous year. The audit fee for the Pension Fund was £93,314.
• Significant Risks: The audit plans identified significant risks, including management override of controls and the valuation of land, buildings, and pension fund liabilities.
• Annual Governance Statement: The committee was scheduled to endorse the draft Annual Governance Statement, a self-assessment of the council's performance against its principles of good governance.

The committee also reviewed its own annual report, highlighting its work during 2024/25 and plans for the upcoming year. More information is available here.

Other Matters

• Education Expansion Consultation: Councillor Wayne Briggs, Portfolio Holder for Education, is scheduled to discuss a request to consult on the expansion of The Avon Valley School and Performing Arts College in Rugby. The proposal includes increasing the number of places and establishing specialist resourced provision for pupils with communication and interaction needs. Details here.
• Pension Fund Governance: The Pension Fund Investment Sub-Committee will review governance issues, including climate risk, updated policies, and training plans. More information here.
• Staff and Pensions Committee: The Staff and Pensions Committee will consider updates to pension fund policies, regulatory changes, and the performance of the Pensions Administration Service. Details here.
• Cabinet to Discuss Finances and Education: The Cabinet will discuss financial performance, additions to the Education Capital Programme, and contract procurements for youth services and garden waste composting. More information here.
• Cabinet Portfolio Holder Appointment: Councillor Rob Howard, Leader of Reform UK Group, is scheduled to appoint a Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning. Details here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/70375) - Monday 16 June 2025
• Corporate Parenting Panel (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/69396) - Monday 16 June 2025
• Warwickshire Waste Partnership (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/69401) - Wednesday 18 June 2025
• Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/69407) - Thursday 19 June 2025
• Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/69417) - Friday 20 June 2025

This week in Warwickshire:

New Cabinet Takes Shape: Leader Appoints Portfolio Holders

Councillor Rob Howard, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, convened a Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions meeting on Friday to appoint councillors to the Cabinet and delegate executive functions. While no video or transcript is available, the public reports pack sheds light on the intended decisions.

• Cabinet Appointments: Councillor Howard was expected to appoint up to nine other members to the Cabinet, including a Deputy Leader. The specific portfolios assigned to each councillor will determine their areas of responsibility and influence within the council.
• Delegation of Power: The meeting was scheduled to address the delegation of executive functions to various members, officers, and bodies, as detailed in the Council's Constitution. This process ensures that decisions can be made efficiently and effectively across the council.
• Appointments to Key Bodies: The agenda included appointments to important bodies such as the Adoption Panel and the Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO). These appointments reflect the council's commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children and collaborating with other authorities to improve services.

The Leader's decisions will shape the direction of the council and impact the lives of residents across Warwickshire.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Local Pension Board of the Firefighters' Pension Scheme (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/67616) - Monday 02 June 2025: Fire Pension Administration Update, Governance and Policy Update, review of the Risk Register and a review of the Forward Plan.
• Audit and Standards Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/67633) - Thursday 05 June 2025: External Auditors' Plans for the Council and Pension Fund, Annual Governance Statement, and the Committee's Annual Report.
• Dispensations Sub Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/68374) - Thursday 05 June 2025: To consider applications for dispensations to councillors in relation to certain disclosable pecuniary interests.
• Pension Fund Investment Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/68495) - Monday 09 June 2025
• Staff and Pensions Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/68499) - Monday 09 June 2025
• Regulatory Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/68502) - Tuesday 10 June 2025
• Cabinet (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/68505) - Thursday 12 June 2025
• Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/68510) - Friday 13 June 2025

This week in Warwickshire:

• The Pension Fund Investment Sub-Committee was scheduled to appoint a chair and vice-chair.
• The Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee was also scheduled to appoint a chair and vice-chair.
• The Staff and Pensions Committee was scheduled to discuss appointments to the Pension Fund Investment Sub-Committee.
• The Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions meeting was scheduled to address cabinet portfolios and appointments to external bodies.
• The Regulatory Committee was scheduled to appoint a chair and vice-chair.
• The Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to appoint a chair and vice-chair.
• The Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to appoint a chair and vice-chair.
• The Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to appoint a chair and vice-chair.
• The Dispensations Sub Committee considered granting dispensations to councillors regarding school matters, allowances, and council tax.
• The County Council was scheduled to elect a new chair and vice-chair, and discuss amendments to contract standing orders.

Pension Fund Investment Sub-Committee - Friday 16 May 2025

The Pension Fund Investment Sub-Committee of Warwickshire Council met on Friday 16 May 2025. The agenda included the appointment of a chair and vice-chair. No video was provided.

Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chair

The agenda included the appointment of a chair and vice-chair for the sub-committee.

Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Friday 16 May 2025

The Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Warwickshire Council met on Friday 16 May 2025. According to the agenda, the meeting was scheduled to include the appointment of a chair and vice-chair, as well as any disclosures of interest. Members of the public were able to speak for up to three minutes on any matter within the remit of the committee. No video was provided.

Appointment of Chair and Vice Chair

The agenda for the meeting included the appointment of a chair and vice chair.

Staff and Pensions Committee - Friday 16 May 2025

The Staff and Pensions Committee of Warwickshire Council met on Friday 16 May 2025 to discuss appointments to sub-committees and bodies. The committee was scheduled to consider appointments to the Pension Fund Investment Sub-Committee, and the Appointments and Disciplinary Appeals Sub-Committees. No video was provided.

Appointments to Sub-Committees/Bodies

The Staff and Pensions Committee was scheduled to discuss appointments to various sub-committees and bodies. According to the report pack, the Staff and Pensions Committee is responsible for functions relating to the appointment and terms and conditions of staff and local government pensions.

Pension Fund Investment Sub-Committee

The committee was scheduled to consider appointments to the Pension Fund Investment Sub-Committee. According to the report pack, the sub-committee:

oversees the investment policy relating to the pension fund and to ensure appropriate management of the Fund and administration of the Pension Scheme. This operates as a sub-committee of the Staff and Pensions Committee.

The report pack notes that membership of the sub-committee should consist of five county councillors, allocated proportionately to the representation of groups and individual members on the council. It notes that based on the current membership of the council, political proportionality would result in 2 Reform UK seats, 1 Liberal Democrat seat, 1 Conservative seat, and 1 Green seat. However, the report pack states that the committee could agree a different split of seats provided no member of the committee votes against it.

Appointments and Disciplinary Appeals Sub-Committees

The Staff and Pensions Committee was also scheduled to consider appointments to the Appointments and Disciplinary Appeals Sub-Committees.

According to the report pack, these sub-committees are established when required to determine individual appeals by employees and also to appoint Directors, Executive Directors, and such other statutory officers as required.

The membership of these sub-committees is drawn from a pool of members, with any three or more elected members being selected from the pool when required. The report pack states that members in the pool should undergo training prior to taking a seat on either a selection panel or staff appeal.

Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions - Friday 16 May 2025

The Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions meeting of Warwickshire Council on 16 May 2025 was scheduled to address the appointment of cabinet portfolios, the delegation of executive functions, and appointments to various bodies. The report pack includes recommendations for the Leader to confirm the appointment of the Deputy Leader, appoint councillors to the Cabinet, confirm or amend the delegation of executive functions, and make appointments to several bodies. The agenda frontsheet for the meeting was made available online. No video was provided.

Appointment of Cabinet Portfolios and Delegation of Executive Functions

The Leader of the council has the authority to appoint up to nine other members to the Cabinet, determine their portfolios, and delegate executive functions. The Leader is also responsible for appointing a Deputy Leader from within the Cabinet. According to the report pack, the Leader was invited to confirm the appointments set out in the appendix.

The Leader was also invited to confirm or amend the delegation of executive functions to members, officers, or other bodies as outlined in the council's constitution. The Executive Director for Resources is authorised to make any necessary modifications to the constitution to reflect the Leader's decisions.

Appointments to Member Bodies

The meeting was scheduled to address appointments to several member bodies, including:

• Joint Negotiating Bodies: These bodies, one for teaching staff and one for other staff, provide a forum for discussions with trade unions regarding the conditions of service for staff members. They also make recommendations to the Staff and Pensions Committee regarding any changes or amendments to these conditions. The membership of each body includes two Cabinet members and two non-Cabinet members. The Leader is required to appoint the two Cabinet members to each body and was invited to confirm the appointments set out in the appendix.
• Adoption Panel: The Adoption Panel is a statutorily required body with a membership prescribed by legislation. While there is no longer a legal requirement for an elected member to be appointed to the Panel when the council is the adoption agency, the council may choose to appoint one. However, an elected member cannot be appointed as Chair, as regulations state that this position must be held by an independent person. The Leader was invited to appoint one County Councillor to the Panel and to confirm the appointment set out in the appendix.
• Fostering Panel: The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 sets out the requirements for the constitution and membership of Fostering Panels. Similar to the Adoption Panel, there is no longer a legal requirement for an elected member to be appointed when the council is the fostering service provider. However, the council may choose to appoint one, with the same restriction on the Chair position. Warwickshire Council has determined that one County Councillor should sit on the Fostering Panel, and the Leader was invited to confirm this appointment.

Appointment to External Bodies

The meeting was also scheduled to address appointments to external bodies, specifically the Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO)

• Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO) Management Committee and Finance and Audit Committee: ESPO is a joint committee between consortium authorities that aims to improve and maintain effective, efficient, and economical arrangements for the supply of goods and services to its constituent authorities. Each member authority has two places on the Management Committee, one of which must be a Cabinet member. The Leader was invited to confirm the two appointments to the ESPO Management Committee. The Leader was also asked to appoint one of those members to sit on the ESPO Finance and Audit Committee, which oversees the financial planning process undertaken by ESPO.

Financial and Environmental Implications

The report pack states that all proposals outlined in the report can be accommodated within the 2025/26 approved budget. It also notes that there are no environmental implications associated with the proposals.

Regulatory Committee - Friday 16 May 2025

The Regulatory Committee of Warwickshire Council met on Friday 16 May 2025. According to the agenda and reports pack, the meeting included the appointment of a chair and vice-chair, as well as general business. Members of the public who were residents or working in Warwickshire, or who were in receipt of services from the council, could speak at the meeting for up to three minutes on any matter within the remit of the committee. No video was provided.

Appointment of Chair and Vice Chair

The agenda included the appointment of a chair and vice chair for the Regulatory Committee.

Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Friday 16 May 2025

The Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Warwickshire Council met on Friday 16 May 2025. The meeting's agenda included the appointment of a chair and vice-chair. No video was provided.

Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chair

The agenda included the appointment of a chair and vice-chair for the committee.

Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Friday 16 May 2025

The Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Warwickshire Council met on Friday 16 May 2025. The agenda for the meeting included the appointment of a chair and vice-chair. No video was provided.

Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chair

The agenda included the appointment of a chair and vice-chair for the committee.

Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Friday 16 May 2025

The Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Warwickshire Council met on Friday 16 May 2025. The agenda included the appointment of a chair and vice-chair. No video was provided.

Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chair

The agenda included the appointment of a chair and vice-chair for the committee.

Dispensations Sub Committee - Friday 16 May 2025

The Dispensations Sub-Committee of Warwickshire County Council met on 16 May 2025 to discuss applications for dispensations. The report pack included a proposal to grant dispensations to all councillors in specific circumstances, allowing them to participate in discussions and votes where they might otherwise have a conflict of interest. These circumstances relate to school matters, allowances, council tax, membership of other public authorities, and local government reform. No video was provided.

Dispensations for Councillors

The report pack included a recommendation to grant dispensations for four years to all councillors in several key areas. The report stated that these dispensations are intended to:

protect Members from inadvertent breaches of the requirements related to Disclosable Pecuniary Interests due to omissions and ambiguities in the legislation and to ensure that the County Council can conduct its business effectively.

The dispensations would allow councillors to speak and vote on matters related to:

• School Meals and Transport: Councillors who are parents or guardians of children in full-time education would be allowed to participate in discussions and votes about school meals or transport, unless it specifically relates to the school their child attends.
• Member Allowances: Councillors would be permitted to discuss and vote on matters concerning allowances, payments, pensions, indemnity or other financial benefits given to members.
• Council Tax: Councillors would be allowed to participate in setting Council Tax or a precept¹.
• Twin-hatted Members: Councillors who are also members of another public authority (or whose spouse/partner is) would be allowed to speak and vote on matters affecting that other authority, even if they receive an allowance from it. However, if the issue is a matter of dispute between the County Council and the other authority, the councillor may only speak and must then withdraw from the meeting. According to the report, approximately 23% of the council's membership are twin-hatted members.
• Local Government Reform and Devolution: Councillors with a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest arising from issues covered by the English Devolution White Paper² and/or proposed unitary local government in Warwickshire, due to receiving an allowance from another Warwickshire public authority or a salary from the County Council or that other public authority, would be allowed to speak and vote on these issues.
• Spouse/Partner Employment: Councillors whose spouse or partner is an employee of the County Council or another authority would be allowed to speak and vote on most matters, except those with a direct impact on their spouse's or partner's employment.

The report argues that without these dispensations, the ability of councillors to represent local issues would be significantly impaired, and that it could exclude large numbers of members from discussions and debates.

Other Business

The agenda for the meeting also included:

• The appointment of a chair for the meeting.
• Apologies for absence.
• Disclosures of pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests.

County Council - Friday 16 May 2025

The County Council of Warwickshire Council was scheduled to meet on 16 May 2025 for its annual meeting, which included the election of a new chair and vice-chair, and the appointment of members to various committees and other bodies. Councillors were also scheduled to discuss the annual use of urgency and call-in procedures, the overview and scrutiny annual report, and proposed amendments to the council's contract standing orders. The meeting was also scheduled to welcome new members elected on 1 May 2025. No video was provided.

Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

The meeting was scheduled to include the election of a chair and vice-chair for the upcoming municipal year. The newly elected chair and vice-chair would then make a declaration of acceptance of office.

Appointments to Committees and Other Bodies

The council was scheduled to consider the appointment of members to various committees and other bodies. The report pack included recommendations for the committee structure and delegations of non-executive functions to member bodies as set out in the Constitution.

The report pack noted that the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 requires that appointments to committees and sub-committees must achieve political balance in their membership.

The report pack also included recommendations for appointments to the:

• Audit and Standards Committee
• Health and Wellbeing Board
• Coventry and Warwickshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee
• Corporate Parenting Panel
• Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education
• Warwickshire Waste Partnership
• Local Pension Board and Fire & Rescue Pension Board
• Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel
• Joint Negotiating Bodies
• Local Government Association
• County Councils Network

The report pack stated that the council was required to have a Corporate Parenting Panel, and that the membership of the Panel includes the Cabinet Portfolio Holder with responsibility for children’s services as Chair, plus five other members.

The report pack noted that the Health and Wellbeing Board is a committee of the Council but the rules regarding proportionality do not apply to the Board which has a mixed membership of councillor and non-councillor appointments.

The report pack stated that the terms of reference for the Local Pension Board and Fire & Rescue Pension Board specify that the tenure of membership is a rolling three year term, subject to a maximum of 9 years in total, and that each has an independent Chair also appointed for a three-year term.

The report pack noted that Police and Crime Panels are joint committees of the principal authorities in a police area, which in Warwickshire means the County Council and the five district /borough councils, and that the composition of the panel must meet the principle of ‘fair representation’.

The report pack recommended that the Executive Director for Resources be authorised to appoint an Independent Remuneration Panel to commence a review of the Member Allowances Scheme.

Amendments to Contract Standing Orders

The council was scheduled to discuss proposed amendments to the Contract Standing Orders, which form part of the council's constitution. The proposed changes were prompted by the Procurement Act 2023 and the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.

The report pack stated that the Procurement Act 2023 reforms the rules for public procurement and consolidates various existing public procurement rules into one regime, and that the changes made by the Procurement Act and its associated Regulations are intended to improve the way that public bodies procure through simpler, more flexible and effective approaches to procurement.

The report pack noted that the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 apply to the procurement of certain health care and public health services.

The report pack stated that the CSOs have been amended to ensure they are consistent with the Act and its associated Regulations and also the PSR Regulations, and that the proposed changes were considered and endorsed by the Audit and Standards Committee on 20 March 2025 and by Cabinet on 10 April 2025.

The report pack stated that the changes that have been made to the CSOs do not affect the balance between member and officer decision making as no amendments have been made to the thresholds over which member authority is required to start a procurement process.

The report pack noted that there is an increased emphasis on seeking advice from Procurement, Contract Management and Legal colleagues prior to undertaking a new procurement or making changes to existing contracts to ensure that all requirements of procurement legislation are complied with.

The report pack stated that the majority of the changes have been made to ensure consistency with the new procurement legislation and the key changes in this respect are as follows:

4.1.1 The procurement objectives and principles as set out in the procurement legislation and which the Council must have regard to are specifically included.

4.1.2 The list of contracts and activities which the CSOs do not apply to have been reviewed to ensure they are consistent with the procurement legislation.

4.1.3 The list of contracts where direct award may be justified, but other aspects of the CSOs and procurement legislation may still apply (such as requirements to publish notices) have been reviewed to ensure they are consistent with the procurement legislation.

4.1.4 Amendments have been made throughout the CSOs to ensure that officers undertaking a procurement or wishing to vary, extend or terminate existing contracts seek advice from Procurement, Contract Management and Legal colleagues. This is particularly important given the new transparency requirements (through the publication of various notices) which are required under the procurement legislation and which only Procurement and Contract Management officers will be able to publish.

4.1.5 The section on modifying contracts has been reviewed to ensure that it is consistent with the procurement legislation.

4.1.6 The list of matters which must be specified in contract documents has been reviewed to ensure it is consistent with the procurement legislation.

4.1.7 Reference to when Key Performance Indicators are required have been included to ensure consistency with the procurement legislation.

4.1.8 Information on the various types of notices that might be required under the Procurement Act has been included and it has been made clear that only officers from Procurement and Contract Management are authorised to publish such notices on the Central Digital Platform.

4.1.9 The sections on frameworks (previously referred to as framework agreements), award criteria and evaluation and award of contracts and debriefing tenderers have been updated to ensure consistency with the procurement legislation.

4.1.10 A section on supplier exclusion and debarment has been added to ensure consistency with the procurement legislation.

4.1.11 A section on transitional arrangements has been included to clarify which rules apply to contracts that were awarded prior to 24 February 2025 or awarded after that date if the procurement went live before and which rules apply if the contract was awarded or procurement went live after that date.

4.1.12 The definitions and terminology have been updated throughout to ensure consistency with the procurement legislation.

Annual Monitor of Use of Urgency and Call-in Procedures

The council was scheduled to receive and consider the Annual Monitor of Use of the Urgency and Call-in Procedures for the period May 2024 to April 2025.

The report pack stated that the use of the Council’s call-in and urgency procedures is monitored annually in accordance with Standing Order 19.1 of the Council’s Constitution, and that the report summarises the decisions taken under the urgency procedure and the use of call-in from May 2024 to the end of April 2025.

The report pack noted that there had been no call-ins over the last 12 months, continuing the performance from 2023/2024.

The report pack stated that there had been twelve instances of the use of the consent to urgency procedure over the last year, an increase of one on the previous year.

The report pack noted that all decisions taken under the urgency procedure were considered to be urgent as a result of external factors and/or decisions which were not within the Council’s control.

The report pack provided details of the decisions taken under the urgency procedure from May 2024 to April 2025, including:

• Winter Weather Stations and Bureau Contract
• Land at Birchmoor Road
• Warwickshire County Council Response to the Teachers Pay and Conditions Consultation 2024
• Allocation of Capital Investment Funds - A46 Stoneleigh Junction Improvement Scheme
• Response to the Pension Fund Review Call for Evidence
• Warwickshire County Council response to the Teacher's Pay and Conditions consultation 2025
• Civil Society Covenant Consultation Response
• English Devolution White Paper - County Council elections 2025
• Acceptance of Department for Transport Grant for development work on the A426/A4071 Avon Mill/Hunters Lane Improvements scheme
• Response to the Government consultation titled “Local Authority Funding Reform: Objectives and Principles”
• South Warwickshire Local Plan Consultation Response
• Better Care Fund Plan 2025/2026

Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report

The council was scheduled to receive the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2024/2025. The report highlights the activity of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees throughout the year and details the achievements and activities of the four Overview and Scrutiny Committees operated by the Council during 2024/25.

The report pack stated that the report demonstrates where the scrutiny function has added value to the organisation, helped to improve service delivery and supported the Council to achieve its corporate ambitions.

The report included sections from:

• Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee
• Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee
• Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee
• Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee section noted that the Committee’s remit is to scrutinise the performance of local health commissioners and service providers, and that with the integration of services, some Council staff now work in joint roles with the NHS.

The Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee section stated that the Committee looked at incontinence services both for children and adults, and that members of the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee were invited to contribute to this scrutiny activity with presentations and a question/answer session.

The Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee section noted that the Committee added an update in relation to the Corporate Parenting Panel as a regular agenda item and this has continued into this municipal year.

The Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee section stated that the Committee received a presentation covering the Council’s approach to knife crime and child exploitation across different ages and different groups, applying the learning received to consideration of the Council’s approach.

The Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee section stated that at each meeting, the Committee receives an economic development update detailing activities within Warwickshire, and that this report encompasses the work undertaken by Council officers and partners across various services, along with pertinent news and information relevant to the Committee.

The Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee section noted that in February 2025, members of the Committee were presented with the annual Sustainable Futures Strategy report, and that the report highlighted the Council's three key ambitions: achieving a net zero council by 2030, becoming net zero for the county by 2050, and adapting services and communities to cope with climate change.

The Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee section stated that the Committee gave significant attention to proposals relating to the reconfiguration of Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service resources under the Resourcing to Risk Proposals which aim to ensure appliances and crews are positioned where they are most likely to be needed. This is similar to the Resourcing to Risk proposal, Model A that was discussed in the Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Wednesday 26 June 2024.

The Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee section noted that Committee members requested a deeper look at staff absence levels following discussions on the Our People Strategy¹.