This week in Warwickshire:

Council Embraces Nature Recovery, But HS2's Shadow Looms

Warwickshire County Council has officially adopted the Warwickshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy, a plan designed to boost biodiversity and ecological health across the county. The Cabinet, meeting on Thursday 16 April 2026, agreed to the strategy, which aims to create a healthier environment for both wildlife and residents. Councillor Darren Cheshire, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Heritage and Culture, highlighted the importance of preserving green spaces within our towns, noting a partnership with the University of Birmingham to run a river champions scheme focusing on local rivers like the Avon, Swift, and Salbrook.

Councillor George Finch, Leader of the Council, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, I'd love to see the otters and beavers and bumblebees around the area. However, concerns were raised about the impact of the HS2 construction project on local nature. Councillor Jennifer Warren, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, questioned the extent of HS2's involvement in developing the strategy, noting that while HS2 was part of initial discussions, she would seek further details on their actual participation and actions. This highlights a tension between local environmental ambitions and the significant infrastructure projects impacting the county.

The strategy itself, along with supporting documents, can be found here.

Council Plan Draft Faces Scrutiny: Beige and Lacking Tangible Outcomes, Say Councillors

The draft Council Plan for 2026-30, titled 'Recalibrating Warwickshire', has been met with a mixed reception from the Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Meeting on Wednesday 15 April 2026, councillors expressed concerns that the plan, while well-intentioned, lacks concrete, outcome-driven actions. Councillor Keith Kondakor described the plan as having fine words but lacking outcome-driven stuff, questioning how success would be measured. He further criticised it as beige and lacking tangible actions, particularly regarding climate change, which he believes should be a more prominent focus due to its wide-ranging impacts on farming, health, and transport.

Councillor Sarah Boad echoed these sentiments, calling the plan's outcomes motherhood and apple pie, suggesting they sounded good but didn't address specific challenges. She pointed out that many communities lack the skills to respond to their challenges and require council intervention. Rob Powell, Executive Director for Resources, explained that the delivery of the plan would be detailed in service plans and budgets, with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) used to measure success. However, councillors like David Curtis stressed the need for clear KPIs and benchmarking to measure success, particularly in relation to the state of roads, which he linked to climate change impacts.

The committee also reviewed the operational performance of Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service (WFRS) in 2024/25. While WFRS performed well in many areas, improvements were identified in reducing fire-related casualties and road traffic collisions (RTCs). Ben Brook, Chief Fire Officer, highlighted the significant prevention work undertaken by WFRS, including tyre depth checks and car seat fittings, and noted that Warwickshire's extensive road network contributes to the number of RTCs.

The committee agreed that their comments would be considered for the next iteration of the council plan.

Other Matters

• Portfolio Holder Decisions: A meeting of Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions was scheduled for Friday 17 April 2026. However, the information status is listed as 'PENDING_SCRAPING', meaning details of any decisions made are not yet available.

This week in Warwickshire:

Council Charts Course for Local Government Reorganisation: Single Unitary Authority Preferred

Warwickshire County Council has formally responded to the Government's statutory consultation on Local Government Reorganisation, strongly advocating for a single unitary authority for the entire county. The decision, approved by Councillor George Finch, Leader of the Council, on Tuesday 24 March 2026, was made under urgency procedures to meet the consultation deadline of 26 March 2026.

The council's preferred model, a single unitary authority, is argued to maximise outcomes for the people of Warwickshire by fostering stronger communities, improving financial stability, and presenting a unified voice. This approach is expected to deliver significant financial benefits, estimated at £18.7 million in annual net benefits and up to £119 million in long-term transformation savings. These savings are crucial for protecting and enhancing essential services, particularly for those most in need.

Conversely, the council's response strongly opposes the proposed two-unitary model. This alternative is criticised for failing to meet Government guidance on population sizes, creating imbalances in council tax bases and service demands, and risking financial sustainability. The report highlights that a north Warwickshire unitary authority would face a substantial funding gap from its inception, potentially leading to reduced service levels and exacerbating existing inequalities. The fragmentation of countywide services, such as adult social care and children's services, under a two-unitary model is also flagged as costly, disruptive, and high-risk, potentially compromising consistency and increasing overall costs.

The council's response meticulously addresses criteria including sensible geographies, the ability to deliver outcomes, efficiency, financial resilience, quality of public services, community engagement, and support for devolution. In each instance, the single unitary model is presented as the superior option, offering greater scale, coherence, and capacity to deliver improved outcomes, sustainable services, and stronger partnerships. The report emphasises that this model best supports devolution arrangements by providing a clear, countywide voice and the capacity to negotiate and deliver devolution deals. It also underscores the potential for stronger community engagement and neighbourhood empowerment by combining strategic scale with a commitment to place-based working.

The decision to approve these responses was made under the Council's urgency procedure, as outlined in Standing Order 18, because any delay caused by the standard call-in process would have prejudiced the Council's ability to respond to the statutory consultation within the required timeframe.

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

Children in Care: Virtual School Report Highlights Educational Progress and Challenges

The Warwickshire Virtual School has presented a comprehensive report detailing the educational outcomes and support provided to Children in Care (CIC) during the Spring 2026 term. The report, discussed by the Corporate Parenting Panel on Monday 23 March 2026, highlights the Virtual School's proactive approach to promoting education, addressing Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and offering enrichment activities.

While provisional attainment data for CIC shows stability in some areas, challenges remain, particularly at Key Stage Four. The report attributes this to the complex needs of the cohort, including higher levels of SEND and late entry into care. This means that some of the most vulnerable children in our community are facing significant hurdles in achieving their full academic potential.

The report details the Virtual School's robust strategies, including strong Personal Education Plans (PEPs), targeted Pupil Premium Plus funding, and a range of enrichment activities designed to build confidence and broaden horizons. Positive trends were noted in improving attendance and reducing suspensions for CIC during the autumn term of 2025.

The Virtual School also detailed its engagement with children previously in care and those with a social worker, providing crucial advice and information to schools and professionals to ensure inclusive practice and support for these vulnerable groups. The anticipated implications of the School, Children and Wellbeing Bill were also considered, with the Virtual School's existing strategies aligning with the bill's focus on wellbeing, inclusion, and multi-agency collaboration.

The panel's work programme for 2026/2027 includes ongoing updates on children's homes, performance data, and foster pay proposals. Specific reports planned for future meetings include a review of the Care Leaver Offer and discussions on missing children and mental health services for children in care. The panel will also consider approaching housing developers about including Children's Homes in new developments.

Read more about the Corporate Parenting Panel meeting.

Fees for Planning Advice Set to Increase: Impact on Developers and Council Budgets

Councillor Stephen Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, has approved changes to fees for pre-application advice on highways development and planning, effective from 1 April 2026. These adjustments aim to ensure charges reflect the costs of delivery, offer value for money, and remain competitive.

For Highways Development, fees for small-scale developments will see a significant 250% increase, bringing them in line with neighbouring authorities. Fees for larger developments will remain frozen. A new category for developments of 500+ dwellings or significant commercial floorspace has been introduced at a fee of £2,400, with an additional charge for extra meetings.

In the Planning service, fees for smaller sites will increase, while those for major developments will be frozen. New categories have been introduced for Permitted Development Enquiry and Site History - any scale of development, with associated fees.

The report noted that income for these pre-application services can fluctuate, with Highways Development Management showing a deficit in recent years. The proposed increases are expected to contribute to the delivery of additional net income for the 2026/27 financial year, as outlined in the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). Failure to implement these increases could lead to an adverse impact on the service budget.

Councillor Keith Kondakor, a local member, raised concerns about discrepancies between new school developments and housing development progress, suggesting that delays in housing were incurring additional costs for school development. He also expressed serious concerns about road safety around schools, questioning the coordination between Highways and Education teams. Councillor Shaw acknowledged these concerns and committed to a site visit and collaboration on road speed limit matters.

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

Other Matters

• Education Capital Programme Boost: Councillor Stephen Shaw also approved the addition of a scheme to the capital programme for Higham Lane North Academy. The scheme, costing £0.835 million, will be funded by the High Needs Provision Capital Allocation and an external grant. This will provide necessary accommodation for a resourced provision for pupils with communication and interaction needs, and temporarily house Watling Meadows Primary School while its permanent build is completed.

This week in Warwickshire:

• The Warwickshire Waste Partnership meeting was scheduled to discuss waste management performance, national strategy updates, and fly-tipping.
• The Audit and Standards Committee reviewed the council's financial management code self-assessment and approved accounting policies.
• The Schools Forum meeting was scheduled to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant budget and review the current financial monitoring report.
• The County Council meeting approved a £2.149 million refurbishment of the Pears Centre and adopted a new Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
• The Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions meeting approved the submission of the Draft Local Transport Delivery Plan to the Department for Transport.

Warwickshire Waste Partnership - Wednesday 18 March 2026

The Warwickshire Waste Partnership meeting, scheduled for Wednesday 18 March 2026, was set to cover a range of waste management topics. The agenda included a review of provisional waste management performance data for the first three quarters of the 2025/26 financial year, detailing recycling, composting, and landfill tonnages. An update on the national Resources and Waste Strategy for England was also anticipated, focusing on upcoming Simpler Recycling requirements, food waste collections, and the Deposit Return Scheme.

Plans for food waste collection across the partnership's constituent councils were to be discussed, alongside strategies for effective delivery and anticipated challenges such as funding and vehicle procurement. A significant focus was placed on the persistent issue of fly-tipping, with national and local data expected to highlight an ongoing rise in incidents. The meeting was also scheduled to receive updates from individual waste partners, including North Warwickshire, Rugby, and Stratford-on-Avon District Councils, covering revised collection rounds, service delays, and ongoing initiatives to reduce recycling contamination. A countywide communications update was planned, alongside a standing item on health and safety. The potential impact of Local Government Reorganisation on future waste management structures was also noted.

Audit and Standards Committee - Thursday 19 March 2026

The Audit and Standards Committee met on Thursday 19 March 2026 to review Warwickshire County Council's self-assessment against the CIPFA Financial Management Code for 2025-26. Andrew Harper, Head of Strategic Finance, presented the report, which indicated that the council continues to meet the standards set out in the Code, achieving a green status across all areas. The assessment highlighted ongoing processes of continuous improvement.

The committee also approved the accounting policies for the 2025-26 financial year. Andrew Harper explained that there had been no significant updates to the council's accounting policies, and the existing ones remain appropriate, with minor updates to ensure compliance with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting. Rob Powell, Executive Director for Resources, provided a detailed explanation of the government's support for Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficits, including the introduction of a high-needs stability grant, which will significantly impact the council's financial resilience.

The Internal Audit Plan for 2026-27 was presented by Paul Clarke, Internal Audit Manager. The plan is developed in accordance with internal audit standards and considers the council's risks, senior management consultations, and national intelligence. Councillor Mark Stevens raised concerns about the potential impact of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) on operational efficiency and resource availability. The committee approved the plan for the year ahead, with a high level of interest expressed in cyber security, requesting it be prioritised.

Schools Forum - Thursday 19 March 2026

The Schools Forum meeting, scheduled for Thursday 19 March 2026, was set to address the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budget for the upcoming academic year. John Orridge, Senior Accountant (Team Manager) – Education, was scheduled to present the proposed allocations for the Schools, High Needs, and Early Years blocks. The total DSG allocation for 2026/27 was projected to be £725.278 million, an increase of 7.0% from the previous year.

The meeting was also to review the DSG Monitoring Report for the 2025-26 academic year, highlighting a significant forecasted overspend of £69.937 million, primarily driven by the High Needs Block. An update on SEND reform and DSG deficit recovery was scheduled, focusing on the High Needs Stability Grant, contingent on the submission and approval of a Local SEND Reform Plan. The Forward Plan for future Schools Forum meetings was also to be presented, outlining provisional items for discussion.

County Council - Tuesday 17 March 2026

The Warwickshire County Council meeting on Tuesday 17 March 2026 saw the approval of a £2.149 million refurbishment of the Pears Centre, a vital investment in children and families' services. This investment will transform vacant bungalows into a multi-use delivery space, including a contact centre, office space, and training facilities. Councillor Shaw, who moved the recommendation, highlighted that this aligns with the council's new property strategy, focusing on using existing assets to improve service delivery.

The council also endorsed the 2025 Annual Report of the Director of Public Health, Growing Up Online, which highlights the realities of growing up in the digital age and the impact of social media on young people's well-being. Councillor Sonko-Wilport, who presented the report, noted the positive momentum already seen, with additional parents signing up to the Parent Pact.

Warwickshire County Council adopted its new Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2026-2031. The strategy, which will be formally adopted by the Health and Wellbeing Board in May, focuses on the long-term well-being of residents and outlines three key priorities: creating the conditions for good mental health and wellbeing, tackling factors that cause poverty and drive inequalities, and supporting people to move more and eat well.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a motion of no confidence in the Leader, Councillor George Finch, which was ultimately defeated with 26 votes in favour and 27 against. The council also approved motions supporting Warwickshire farmers, the National Year of Reading 2026, and a review of the pothole repair process. An external investigation into the release of confidential information regarding a Member Code of Conduct investigation was commissioned. Following extensive debate, the council approved a 4.44% increase in council tax.

Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions - Wednesday 18 March 2026

Councillor George Finch, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, and Councillor Jennifer Warren, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, approved the submission of the Draft Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) to the Department for Transport. This decision was made under urgency procedures due to a tight deadline for accessing consolidated transport funding. The LTDP outlines how approximately £214.5 million in capital and £19.9 million in revenue funding will be utilised across various transport modes, including highways maintenance, public transport, and active travel. Failure to submit the plan by the deadline of 20 March 2026 would have jeopardised the Council's access to this significant funding. The decision was deemed urgent as any delay would prejudice the Council and the public interest.

This week in Warwickshire:

Council Faces Crucial Budget Decisions: £27.7 Million in Cuts Planned as Council Tax Rises

Warwickshire County Council is set to make some of the most significant financial decisions in recent years, with the County Council meeting on Tuesday 17 February 2026 to approve the 2026/27 Budget and the 2026-31 Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The proposals paint a stark picture of financial pressures, with plans for £27.7 million in budget reductions in the upcoming year, rising to a staggering £100.3 million by 2031.

These cuts are being driven by increasing demand and costs in vital services, particularly Adult Social Care and Children's Social Care, alongside significant pressures in Home to School Transport and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision. The council is proposing a 3.89% council tax increase for 2026/27, made up of a 1.89% core increase and a 2% levy specifically for adult social care. This rise is presented as essential to fund rising costs and meet demand.

A major concern highlighted in the budget papers is the escalating deficit in SEND provision, projected to reach £327 million by March 2028. The council's reliance on a statutory override to manage this deficit underscores the severity of the situation. The budget also needs to account for the financial implications of potential Local Government Reorganisation.

The council is also set to review its Treasury Management Strategy and Investment Strategy for 2026/27, focusing on security, liquidity, and yield for its financial assets. A notable change proposed is the shift in the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) policy, moving from a 4% reducing balance method to an Asset Life (Equal Instalment) Method for repaying debt.

The 2026/27 Capital Budget outlines planned expenditure of £740.028 million over five years, with £278.508 million allocated for the upcoming year. This ambitious programme includes investments in school places (especially for SEND), children in care services, adult social care, flood defence, and business centres to drive economic growth.

The sheer scale of these financial decisions, particularly the planned cuts and council tax increase, will have a direct impact on the services residents rely on. The council's ability to manage these pressures while maintaining essential support for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and children, will be a key test of its financial stewardship.

Read more about the County Council meeting.

Pension Fund Gears Up for 2026/27 with Business Plan and Governance Review

The Warwickshire Pension Fund is preparing for the upcoming financial year with a focus on its Business Plan for 2026/27 and a thorough review of its governance arrangements. The Staff and Pensions Committee met on Monday 9 March 2026 to discuss these crucial elements, alongside updates on pension administration, regulatory matters, and employer contributions.

The proposed Warwickshire Pension Fund Business Plan for 2026/27 outlines the fund's strategic priorities and action plan. It acknowledges the growing scale and complexity of the fund, alongside increasing governance requirements. This plan is vital for ensuring the fund operates efficiently and effectively to deliver the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) in Warwickshire.

Furthermore, the committee reviewed the progress of the Our People Strategy Priorities for 2026/2027. This strategy aims to make Warwickshire a great place to work, focusing on workforce planning, talent development, and fostering a positive culture.

Updates were also provided on pension administration activity and performance, highlighting the increasing use of the Engage self-service portal by members. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for pensions administration were reviewed, with most meeting their targets. The committee also received an update on the Pension Fund Governance Action Plan, detailing progress on implementing recommendations from a review by AON. This includes work on establishing a single LGPS pension fund committee and creating a Senior LGPS Officer position.

Regulatory matters were also on the agenda, with a report on the Pension Fund Regulatory and Policy Report covering updates on the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and the audited Annual Report and Accounts for 2024/25. The committee also reviewed minutes from the Fire Local Pension Board and considered applications from employers wishing to join or leave the pension fund.

Read more about the Staff and Pensions Committee meeting.

Council Approves National Planning Policy Framework Response

Councillor George Finch, Leader of Warwickshire County Council and Portfolio Holder for Children & Families, approved the submission of the council's technical response to the December 2025 draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation. This decision was made during a Portfolio Holder Decisions meeting on Monday 9 March 2026.

The NPPF sets out the government's planning policies for England. The council's response, detailed in the WCC NPPF Consultation response, outlines the council's technical views on the proposed revisions. This ensures that Warwickshire's specific needs and considerations are taken into account as national planning policy is shaped. The decision was made without objection.

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

Other Matters

• Pension Fund Investment Strategy Under Review: The Pension Fund Investment Sub-Committee met on Monday 9 March 2026 to discuss a range of governance and investment matters. Key topics included a review of the Warwickshire Local Pension Board minutes, an update on the Pension Fund Governance Report, and consideration of the 2025 Valuation. The committee also reviewed the Investment Strategy Statement, which outlines the fund's approach to integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into its investment decisions. Updates on general activity, cashflow management, and the Border to Coast Pensions Partnership were also provided. Read more about the Pension Fund Investment Sub-Committee meeting.
• Levelling Up Fund and Housing Stock Management on Agenda: The Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions meeting on Friday 13 March 2026 was scheduled to discuss the proposed allocation of £10 million in funding for the Warwickshire Levelling Up Fund (LUF) Round 2. This fund aims to support projects driving economic growth and improving public services. The meeting was also set to review the council's approach to managing its housing stock, examining current strategies and performance to identify areas for improvement. Read more about the Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions meeting.