This week in Warwickshire:

Council Approves Revised Governance Code and Library Review, Boosts Children's Home Capacity

Warwickshire County Council's Cabinet met on Thursday 15 October 2026, making key decisions on the council's governance, library services, and the expansion of children's homes. The meeting saw the approval of a revised Code of Corporate Governance, a review of library policies, and a commitment to developing four new children's homes.

Strengthening Council Governance

The Cabinet approved a revised Code of Corporate Governance, designed to enhance clarity and transparency in the council's operations. Councillor Michael Bannister, Portfolio Holder for Resources and Internal Affairs, explained that the update would strengthen how interests, gifts, and hospitality are registered, and better connect governance to the council's strategic plan. This move aims to assure residents and stakeholders that good governance is a priority.

Read more about the Cabinet meeting.

Libraries: Balancing Local Needs with Consistent Standards

Following concerns raised by residents, an assurance review of policies and processes in libraries and public spaces was presented. Councillor Michael Bannister stated the review confirmed a professionally run library service supported by our dedicated and knowledgeable staff. However, it identified opportunities to improve written guidance and ensure local needs are better reflected in library services.

Key recommendations include:

• Clearer Children's Spaces: Making children's areas more identifiable and updating guidance on sensitive topics and display positioning.
• Localised Approach: Strengthening the role of community profiles in shaping library services and activities.
• Consistent Standards: Applying clear and consistent guidelines for displays and events to ensure political impartiality.

Councillor Bannister emphasised that the review was not intended to ban books or censor publications, but rather to provide clearer guidance for staff and ensure libraries remain welcoming to all. Despite some debate from opposition councillors regarding the necessity and interpretation of the report's findings, the Cabinet agreed to note the findings and progress the recommendations.

Read more about the Cabinet meeting.

Expanding Children's Homes to Meet Growing Demand

A significant step was taken to address the increasing demand for children's homes, with the Cabinet supporting a new phase of development for Warwickshire County Council-run homes. Councillor Wayne Briggs, Portfolio Holder for Children, Families, Education & SEND, sought authorisation to develop four additional homes between 2026 and 2030. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on external providers, which can be more costly and may lead to children being placed further from their support networks.

The decision comes amidst a reported £7.551 million overspend attributed to children's homes. Councillor Briggs confirmed that building more council-run homes is intended to bring costs down in the medium and long term. The Cabinet also agreed to write to the Minister for Children and Families to seek improvements in Ofsted registration processes and national action on profiteering in the children's residential care market.

Read more about the Cabinet meeting.

Specialist Education Provision for Great Alne Primary School Site

The former Great Alne Primary School site is set to be repurposed for specialist education provision, creating 40 places for primary-aged children with Autism, Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), and/or Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Councillor Wayne Briggs explained this would address a critical strategic need within Warwickshire's SEND system. A capital funding allocation request will be brought to Cabinet in December 2026.

Read more about the Cabinet meeting.

Microsoft 365 Licences Renewal Approved

The Cabinet approved the commencement of a procurement exercise for Microsoft 365 licences, essential for the council's daily operations. The current agreement expires in May 2027. The indicative cost is approximately £3 million per year, an increase of £375,000 per year, reflecting Microsoft's pricing changes. While some councillors expressed concerns about the council's reliance on Microsoft and the increasing costs, the renewal was deemed necessary to maintain essential services.

Read more about the Cabinet meeting.

Other Matters

The Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions meeting on Friday 16 October 2026 was scheduled to consider several important local infrastructure and financial matters. These included proposals for a new foot and cycle bridge over Tach Brook, developer-funded highway improvements in Shipston-on-Stour, and a joint response to consultations on Council Tax Reduction Schemes. The meeting confirmed the approval of developer-funded highway improvements in Shipston-on-Stour, valued at £215,000, to be funded by a developer as part of a new Sainsbury's supermarket planning application. This scheme will include improvements to pedestrian and cycle infrastructure.

Read more about the Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions meeting.

This week in Warwickshire:

Regulatory Committee Scheduled to Consider Ombudsman Report and Delegated Decisions

The Regulatory Committee was scheduled to meet on Tuesday 6 October 2026. The primary item on the agenda was the proposed settlement of a report from the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman. The committee was also due to consider a report on delegated decisions.

The specific details of the complaint and the proposed settlement from the Ombudsman were not publicly available in the agenda. However, such reports often concern service delivery issues and can lead to recommendations for improving council practices, which can directly impact residents' experiences with council services. The committee was also scheduled to review any delegated decisions made since the previous meeting, though the agenda indicated there were None to note in this category.

Read more about the Regulatory Committee meeting.

This week in Warwickshire:

Children's Services Under Strain: EHCP Delays and Overstretched Resources Highlight Urgent Need for Support

The Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 29 September 2026, revealing significant challenges within the council's services for children and young people. The most pressing issue discussed was the ongoing crisis in the provision of Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). Parents are reporting countless emails detailing struggles with the system, including a lack of communication, missed deadlines, and children unable to access the settings they need. This situation is leaving families feeling failed by the council and children struggling at school.

Councillor James Norris described the service as being in crisis, a sentiment echoed by many parents who feel their children are not receiving the support they are legally entitled to. The sheer volume of delayed EHCPs is not only causing immense stress for families but also has significant financial implications for the council. The committee heard that 64 children have waited over a year for their EHCP to be issued this calendar year alone, a stark contrast to the statutory 20-week timeframe.

The committee also reviewed the Quarter 1 Integrated Performance Report, which highlighted a significant financial overspend within Children and Families, largely attributed to the high cost of residential care. While the council is working to increase its own provision of children's homes, with plans for four further homes, the current reliance on out-of-county placements remains a concern. These placements are often more expensive and can separate children from their families and communities, potentially impacting their outcomes.

The Best Start in Life programme, aimed at improving early years development, is progressing with the opening of the first Family Hub at Hatter Space. However, concerns were raised about the impact of the administration's £2.47 million cut to the children and family centres budget, and how this will be reconciled with the need to maintain and expand services. The funding for the Best Start grant cannot be used to fund existing provision, meaning that cuts to current services could still be necessary.

The committee also discussed the Children's Homes Strategy, with plans to develop four further homes over the next four to five years. These homes will be designed to meet specific needs, including those of children experiencing high levels of emotional distress and those at risk of exploitation. However, delays in opening new homes, attributed to organisational restructuring and planning processes, are a recurring issue.

The impact of these service pressures is felt most acutely by vulnerable groups. For families navigating the EHCP system, the delays can mean prolonged periods of uncertainty and a lack of crucial support for their children's educational and developmental needs. For children in care, the reliance on out-of-county placements can lead to instability and disruption. The council's commitment to improving its services is evident, but the scale of the challenges requires urgent and sustained attention.

Read more about the Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Fire Service Faces Scrutiny Over Response Times and Local Government Reorganisation

The Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 30 September 2026, addressing critical issues including fire response times, financial management, and the implications of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) for the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service (WFRS).

A significant point of discussion arose from a house fire in Nuneaton on 21 September 2026, where a resident tragically died. Councillor Wynne raised concerns that no Warwickshire Fire appliances were available as first responders, and a West Midlands engine attended the scene. Chief Fire Officer Benjamin Brook explained that at the time of the incident, 13 Warwickshire fire appliances were available, but the Nuneaton and Bedworth fire engines were undertaking safety-critical breathing apparatus training. He assured the committee that a full review would be conducted to identify any learning. While it is normal practice for fire services to support each other, the incident highlighted potential vulnerabilities in local response capacity. Councillor Kondakor suggested a further discussion on the availability of Nuneaton and Bedworth fire engines, potentially in a closed session, noting that even with high availability percentages, the synchronisation of appliance availability during critical times is crucial.

The committee also discussed the implications of LGR for WFRS. With Warwickshire set to become two unitary authorities, WFRS will need to become a standalone organisation governed by a Combined Fire Authority (CFA). This will require the disaggregation of enabling services such as HR, ICT, and finance. The Chief Fire Officer outlined that while direct mergers with other fire services are not provided for under current legislation, a future strategic authority with a mayor could lead to such discussions. The uncertainty surrounding LGR means that many aspects of its impact remain unclear.

In terms of financial management, the committee reviewed the Q1 Integrated Performance Report, which indicated that 84% of Council Delivery Plan activities were on track. However, challenges remain with capital project delivery and a slight increase in workforce sickness absence. The report also touched upon the financial implications of Vistry Properties' recent significant losses, with a briefing paper commissioned to assess potential impacts on joint ventures where the council provides land. The committee agreed to discuss this matter further in a confidential session at the next meeting, highlighting the council's commitment to transparency and robust financial oversight, even when dealing with sensitive commercial information.

Read more about the Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Library Services Praised for Digital Growth and Community Impact Amidst Funding Challenges

The Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee also received the annual library performance review for 2025/26. Despite a slight decrease in physical book borrowing, the service has seen a notable growth of over 7% in digital usage, with audiobook downloads remaining strong. The library service operates 18 council-run libraries, two mobile libraries, and a 24/7 digital library, alongside supporting 11 community-managed libraries.

Ayub Khan, Head of Libraries, Heritage and Culture, highlighted the crucial role of external funding, particularly from Arts Council England, in delivering the extensive range of services. The upcoming introduction of the Discovery Den sensory mobile library was also mentioned. Councillor Harris commended the library service, particularly its digital offerings and warm hubs, describing them as a lifeline for constituents.

However, concerns were raised about the lower attendance at events in Nuneaton Library compared to Polesworth Library, potentially due to ongoing building works and parking issues in Nuneaton. Councillor Kondakor emphasised the importance of promoting literacy further. The committee also discussed the challenges of dwindling volunteers in community libraries, with a volunteer coordinator having been re-recruited to support recruitment efforts.

The financial breakdown of the library service's budget and performance was requested, with assurances that this would be included in future reports. The committee noted the importance of libraries as community assets that extend far beyond traditional book lending, providing vital support for digital inclusion, health and wellbeing, and community cohesion.

Read more about the Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

This week in Warwickshire:

Council to Consult Public on Budget Priorities Amidst Financial Pressures

Warwickshire County Council is launching a public consultation on its budget priorities for the 2027/28 financial year. The decision, approved by Councillor James Crocker, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, on Friday 25 September 2026, signals the council's intent to gather resident views on spending levels, Council Tax options, and potential savings. Draft consultation materials have also been approved for publication.

The consultation, running from 5 October to 1 November 2026, comes as the council faces significant financial challenges. Rising costs and increasing demand for services, particularly in children's social care, adult social care, and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), are placing a strain on resources. The council has already agreed to substantial savings of £72.3 million as part of its Medium-Term Financial Strategy, but further measures are anticipated to balance the 2027/28 budget.

The consultation aims to understand public priorities for council services and explore options for Council Tax increases and potential savings or income generation. While residents' views will be considered, the final budget decisions remain with elected councillors. The analysis of consultation responses will inform Cabinet in December 2026, ahead of the full council agreeing the final budget on 4 February 2027.

Read more about the Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions meeting.

New Acting Chief Executive Appointed for Police and Crime Commissioner's Office

The Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel reviewed and confirmed the appointment of Claire Morris as Acting Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) on Tuesday 22 September 2026. This interim appointment follows the retirement of the previous Chief Executive, Polly Reed.

Claire Morris, previously Head of Governance and Performance and Deputy Monitoring Officer at the OPCC, brings extensive experience to the role. She highlighted her support mechanisms, including the Section 151 officer for financial advice and peer support from other West Midlands chief executives. Panel members, including Councillor Keith Kondakor and Councillor Adrian Warwick, questioned Ms. Morris on her suitability, skill development needs, and vision for the OPCC. Ms. Morris identified financial commissioning as an area where she would require support, noting that Sarah Ransall, the Chief Finance Officer, would assist.

Ms. Morris also presented an innovation she had developed: a governance framework with a digital dashboard to track Police and Crime Plan priorities. The panel, including Councillor Cliff Brown, sought assurances on workload management and Ms. Morris's ability to balance her dual roles. She explained that her team would absorb some previous responsibilities and that her Deputy Monitoring Officer role had been transferred. Discussions also covered diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) plans and strategies for navigating future uncertainties within the local government landscape.

Read more about the Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel meeting.

SEND Reforms and Financial Pressures Dominate Children & Young People Committee Meeting

The Joint Children & Young People and Adult Social Care & Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 22 September 2026 to discuss a critical update on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision in Warwickshire. The meeting focused on the Local SEND Reform Plan, the SEND Post Inspection Action Plan, the timeliness of Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, and the significant financial pressures on the High Needs Block.

Ross Caws, Head of SEND and Inclusion, presented the Local SEND Reform Plan, which aims for greater inclusion within mainstream schools and early intervention. Key elements include the Experts at Hand offer, providing specialist support to schools, and the expansion of specialist bases within mainstream settings. However, concerns were raised by Councillor Nicki Scott regarding workforce recruitment and training, and the timeline for specialist place availability. The plan's reliance on outsourcing 300 EHC plans due to assessment capacity gaps was also questioned.

The SEND Post Inspection Action Plan, developed in response to an Ofsted/CQC inspection, addresses six areas for improvement, including strategic governance, mental health crises, ADHD waiting lists, health service waiting times, EHC plan quality, and exclusion rates. Councillor Jo Barker inquired about surprises in the inspection findings, while Councillor Nicki Scott raised concerns about suspensions and exclusions for children with SEND.

The committee heard that only 22.8% of EHC plans are issued within the statutory 20-week timeframe, leading to a backlog of 385 plans. Immediate actions include outsourcing plan drafting and recruiting additional coordinators. Councillor James Norris described the situation as an exploded bomb and questioned the timeline for improvement. The financial situation is dire, with the High Needs Block overspending by £74 million in 2025/26, projected to reach £250 million. While a government grant may cover 90% of the deficit up to March 2025, the remaining 10% and future deficits pose a significant challenge.

Read more about the Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Other Matters

• Delegated Budget Scheme Improvements: The Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee noted improvements to the delegated budget scheme, including weekly updates for members and visual reporting via Power BI. However, concerns were raised about items remaining on a wish list for extended periods.
• Nuneaton Library and Business Centre: Construction contracts for a £25 million library and business centre in Nuneaton are nearing finalisation, with construction expected to begin in late November.
• Planning Process Streamlining: Efforts are underway to improve the timeliness of planning responses through collaboration with the education sector and a joint initiative with Stratford-on-Avon District Council to streamline specialist team engagement.
• Performance Management: The Quarter 1 Integrated Performance Report indicated that 78% of Key Business Measures within the committee's remit were on track. Challenges were noted in the apprenticeship levy transfer scheme and waste sent to landfill.
• Work Programme: The committee discussed its work programme, with future items including updates on bus services, highway management, and parking strategies.