This week in Warwickshire:

Adult Skills Funding Powers Devolved to Council: £7.6 Million Boost for Local Learners

Warwickshire County Council is now directly responsible for managing a significant pot of funding for adult education, following the formal acceptance of devolved powers. Councillor George Finch, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Children & Families, made the urgent decision on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, to accept the devolution of the Adult Skills Fund, estimated at £7.6 million annually. This move is part of the council's Level 2 Devolution Deal with the government, agreed in March 2024, and ensures that local priorities can shape adult learning opportunities.

The fund covers essential qualifications like English and maths up to Level 2, first full qualifications for 19-23 year olds, and digital skills. It also supports traineeships, community learning, and assistance for those facing barriers to education. The decision was fast-tracked due to a government deadline of 15 January 2026 for the council to provide its consent to the draft regulations.

Councillor Jan Matecki, Chair of the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, supported the urgency, stating that delaying the decision would have jeopardised the securing of these devolved powers and funding. The council's Chief Executive, Monica Fogarty, has been authorised to finalise the regulations, which are expected to be laid before Parliament in February 2026. This devolution aligns with the council's commitment to improving skills and opportunities for residents, a key pledge in its manifesto.

The full details of the decision and supporting documentation can be found in the Public reports pack, the Accepting the devolution of Adult Skills Funding to Warwickshire County Council report, and the SIGNED Consent to Urgency form. The minutes of the meeting confirm the resolved decision.

£1.5 Million Secured for Skills Bootcamps to Boost Local Employment

Warwickshire residents are set to benefit from enhanced job prospects thanks to £1.5 million in grant funding secured from the Department for Education for Skills Bootcamps. Councillor Rob Howard, Portfolio Holder for Economy, approved the acceptance of this funding on Thursday, 15 January 2026. The funding, awarded under Section 14 of the Education Act 2002, will support approximately 420 learners in gaining vital skills for key sectors of the local economy.

The decision was made urgently due to a tight 10-day deadline for acceptance, which did not allow for standard procedures. Councillor Howard emphasised that failing to accept the funding would be detrimental to the people of Warwickshire. The Chair of the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Yousef Dahmash, provided written consent for the urgency.

Skills Bootcamps offer intensive, employer-led training in high-demand sectors such as digital, manufacturing, construction, health, and sustainable industries. These programmes are designed to be flexible and accessible to adults aged 19 and over, including those looking to change careers or return to work. The funding, available from April 2026 to September 2027, with a potential extension, aims to equip residents with job-ready skills and address local skills shortages. A significant portion of the funding, at least £400,000, is earmarked for construction sector bootcamps as part of a wider government package.

This initiative directly supports the council's commitment to economic growth and employment opportunities for its residents.

Read more about the decision.

Rail Collaboration Agreement to Formalise Public Ownership

A new collaboration agreement between West Midlands Rail Limited (WMRL) and the Department for Transport (DfT) was considered by Councillor George Finch, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Children & Families, on Tuesday, 13 January 2026. This agreement is crucial for formalising the relationship as rail operations move into public ownership. The existing agreement was set to expire on 31 January 2026, making the timely endorsement of the new agreement essential.

WMRL operates as the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE), and changes to its relationship with the DfT require approval from the WMRL Board. The new agreement is necessary because the current one is tied to the expiring West Midlands National Rail Contract. It will align with a new Services Agreement between the DfT and the public sector entity that will operate West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway.

Key provisions carried forward from the existing agreement include:

• A management structure between WMRE and DfT officials.
• Shared responsibilities in managing the Services Agreement.
• WMRE's role in specifying and negotiating the operator's budget and outputs.
• WMRE's ability to make changes and retain benefits for local rail network reinvestment, including fare adjustments.
• An annual funding of £500,000 for WMRE from the DfT.

The report highlighted that this agreement elevates WMRE from a stakeholder to a client, empowering it to influence the rail industry and ensure better delivery for passengers. Without it, WMRE would lose its ability to hold the industry accountable, and central government funding would be at risk. The financial risk to the council remains unchanged, with its annual contribution of £14,500 expected to be funded from existing budgets.

Read more about the decision.

Other Matters

• Schools Funding Formulas and Recovery Plan: The Schools Forum met on Thursday, 15 January 2026, to discuss proposed funding formulas for schools and early years for the 2026-27 academic year. Discussions also covered the allocation of the Pupil Growth Fund and an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Recovery Plan. The forum considered an overall increase in the Schools Block DSG allocation of 5.2%, amounting to £522.589 million, and proposed hourly rates for early years provision. The forum was also asked to approve the allocation of £2.889 million to the Pupil Growth Fund for 2026-27 to support school place expansion. An update on the DSG Recovery Plan highlighted the confirmed transfer of 0.5% of Schools Block funding to the High Needs Block for 2026-27. Read more about the meeting.
• Public Health and Safeguarding Focus: The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, to discuss the Director of Public Health's annual report on the impact of social media on young people, titled Growing Up Online. The report identified misinformation, loneliness, and commercial determinants of health as key harms. The Board also reviewed its governance and membership, and received annual reports from the Warwickshire Safeguarding Children Partnership and the Warwickshire Safeguarding Adults Board. Updates were also provided on the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment work programme, the Better Care Fund, and the Coventry & Warwickshire Health Protection Strategy. Read more about the meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• Corporate Parenting Panel (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91136) - Thursday 22 January 2026: Review of the Children in Care Annual Report, fostering recruitment, and updates from the Voice, Influence & Change Team.
• Cabinet (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/92854) - Tuesday 27 January 2026: Topics to be confirmed.
• Warwickshire Local Pension Board (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/92864) - Thursday 29 January 2026: Topics to be confirmed.
• Appointments Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/92872) - Thursday 29 January 2026: Topics to be confirmed.
• Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/92881) - Friday 30 January 2026: Topics to be confirmed.

This week in Warwickshire:

Parking Charges Under Fire: Council Defends Fee Hikes Amidst Resident and Business Concerns

Warwickshire County Council's decision to increase on-street parking charges in Leamington, Warwick, Kenilworth, and Stratford-upon-Avon from April 2026 has sparked significant debate. The move, aimed at generating an additional £0.248 million and aligning with the council's financial strategy, has drawn criticism from local businesses and residents who fear it will deter shoppers and harm town centres.

The Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, to discuss a call-in regarding these proposed increases. Councillors raised concerns that the 50% hike in the 15-minute parking charge, from £0.30 to £0.45, disproportionately affects short-stay visitors and businesses in the south of the county, particularly when compared to charges in Rugby.

Councillor Jan Matecki, who initiated the call-in, argued that the increase contradicts Department for Transport guidance to encourage high turnover in town centres. He stated, If you're going to make it the same cost pro rata, then you're not discouraging anybody going around because it's the same cost. And what this does is it damages the businesses in the south of the county because this only applies to the Stratford District and Warwick District Council areas. Concerns were also raised about the accuracy of information presented to the Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, Councillor Jennifer Warren, when the decision was initially made.

Councillor Lorraine Grocott echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for equitable policies across the county, especially in light of local government reorganisation. She highlighted the impact on vulnerable residents, with Councillor Senthil Karadiar using the example of an elderly person needing to collect medication, for whom even a small increase can be significant.

Councillor Warren defended the decision, explaining that the aim was to align the 15-minute charge with other bands, representing a consistent 3p per minute. She stated, No, it doesn't bring a lot of revenue in, but I think it's important to say that we need to bring in additional revenue into this council.

Following extensive discussion, the committee recommended three proposals to Councillor Warren for reconsideration:

• Limit the 15-minute charge increase to 35p, with any necessary revenue generation shifted to the one-and-a-half-hour and two-hour charges.
• Introduce a 10-minute free parking period.
• Engage with local businesses affected by the 15-minute charge increase on any future increases.

The committee's recommendations were carried unanimously and will be formally presented to Councillor Warren for her consideration.

Read more about the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

School Place Planning Under Scrutiny: Concerns Over Falling Birth Rates and Housing Development

The Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday, 06 January 2026, to address a call-in concerning the Annual Education Sufficiency Update. Councillors raised significant concerns that the council's strategy for forecasting school places may not adequately account for falling birth rates and a slowing housing market, potentially leading to an oversupply of places and undermining the viability of existing primary schools.

The call-in, lodged by Councillors Keith Kondakor, Jonathan Chilvers, Nicki Scott, and Senthil Karadiar, highlighted that projections were based on assumptions of significant population growth that are no longer accurate. Councillor Kondakor warned of a massive crisis in our primary schools coming, because they will not have enough pupils. He pointed to a significant drop in birth rates and a drastic reduction in child migration as key factors that the current strategy fails to adequately address.

Officers from Warwickshire County Council, including Nigel Minns, Executive Director for Children and Young People, explained the methodology used for forecasting school places, which aligns with Department for Education guidance. They acknowledged the complexities of balancing supply and demand, particularly in areas with significant housing development.

Councillor Jennifer McAllister raised specific local issues in North Leamington, where parents are struggling to secure places at North Leamington School, despite overall figures suggesting capacity. This highlighted concerns about the broad planning areas used for secondary schools.

The committee resolved to make three recommendations to Cabinet:

1. Increased sensitivity analysis in data and projections at a local level: This would involve exploring different scenarios for migration and housing build-out to provide a more nuanced understanding of future school place needs.
2. District and borough area sufficiency workshops for members: These workshops would allow for more detailed examination of local data and circumstances, fostering a better understanding of specific area needs.
3. Re-evaluation of planning areas, particularly at secondary school level: This recommendation aims to ensure that planning areas are appropriately defined to reflect local demand and provision.

These recommendations were unanimously approved by the committee and will be sent to Cabinet for consideration.

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

Council Joins Bid to Support Armed Forces Community

Councillor Michael Bannister, Portfolio Holder for Customer and Localities, approved the council's participation in the VALOUR consortium bid on Friday, 09 January 2026. This urgent decision was made due to an impending bid deadline and aims to improve the coordination of care and support for veterans across the West Midlands.

The VALOUR programme, led by the Office for Veterans' Affairs, is a national initiative with £27 million allocated over three years to fund place-based Recognised Centres (VRCs). Warwickshire's involvement, as part of a consortium led by the Veterans Contact Point (VCP) charity, is seen as a crucial step in fulfilling the council's commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

The council will not incur additional funding costs, as the VCP will be the legal entity for the bid and will deliver the services if successful. The council already provides the VCP building in Nuneaton at a peppercorn rent. This collaboration is expected to strengthen support for the Armed Forces community in Warwickshire and the wider region.

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

Other Matters

• Kingsbury Water Park Fishery Fees: Councillor Darren Cheshire, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Heritage and Culture, approved updated fees and charges for the Kingsbury Water Park Fishery for the 2026/27 financial year. These changes aim to increase revenue and streamline operations, with projected income rising to £70,000. The decision was made on Tuesday, 06 January 2026. Read more about the decision.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91158) - Tuesday 13 January 2026: Consideration of a new collaboration agreement for West Midlands Rail.
• Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91176) - Tuesday 13 January 2026: Topics to be confirmed.
• Health and Wellbeing Board (http://opencouncil.network/maps/search/Health+and+Wellbeing+Board+Warwickshire+Council/) - Wednesday 14 January 2026: Director of Public Health's annual report, safeguarding updates, and governance review.
• Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91731) - Thursday 15 January 2026: Topics to be confirmed.
• Schools Forum (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91214) - Thursday 15 January 2026: Topics to be confirmed.
• Corporate Parenting Panel (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91136) - Thursday 22 January 2026: Updates on children's homes and mental health support.

This week in Warwickshire:

School Road Safety Measures Proposed Amidst Concerns Over Child Poverty and Education Access

Warwickshire County Council convened this week to discuss a range of critical issues, including school road safety, child poverty, and access to education. The County Council meeting saw councillors debate motions aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable children and families, while also addressing financial challenges and governance matters.

Protecting Pupils: Calls for Safer Routes to School

A joint motion from Councillor Nicki Scott, Green Party, and Councillor Scott Cameron, Reform UK, urged the council to explore measures to enhance road safety for pupils. The motion highlighted the need for:

• School crossing patrols outside all educational establishments where needed.
• Funding for safe crossings and traffic calming measures near new schools.
• Developer contributions for safe crossings near schools for developments larger than 8 dwellings.
• 20mph limits or advisory speed limits near schools during peak times.
• Collaboration with the Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership to explore the further introduction of average speed cameras.

This motion reflects growing concerns about the safety of children traveling to and from school, particularly in light of increasing traffic and development in the county.

Education Access at Risk? Concerns Over Walking Distance Changes

A Conservative motion, proposed by Councillor Jan Matecki, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group, and seconded by Councillor Adrian Warwick, Leader of the Conservative Group, expressed concern over a letter sent by Councillor George Finch, Leader of the Council, to the Secretary of State for Education. The letter requested delegated authority to change the statutory walking distance required for children to qualify for free school transport.

The motion sought to reaffirm the council's commitment to safeguarding children's access to education and ensuring no child is disadvantaged due to geography or financial constraints. It also requested that Councillor Finch withdraw the letter.

This motion underscores the importance of ensuring that all children, regardless of their location or financial circumstances, have access to quality education.

Tackling Child Poverty: A Call for a Comprehensive Strategy

A Liberal Democrat motion, proposed by Councillor Jerry Roodhouse, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, and seconded by Councillor Jennifer McAllister, called for the development of a comprehensive Warwickshire Child Poverty Reduction Strategy (2026–2030) with measurable targets. The motion also proposed the establishment of a cross-party Child Poverty Commission and the requirement of an annual Child Poverty Impact Assessment on all major council decisions and budget proposals.

This motion reflects the growing recognition of the need to address child poverty in Warwickshire and to ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive.

Waste Partnership Grapples with Recycling Rates and Fly-Tipping Surge

The Warwickshire Waste Partnership met to discuss waste management performance, updates to national waste strategies, food waste collection plans, and fly-tipping. The meeting highlighted both progress and challenges in the county's efforts to manage waste and promote sustainability.

Recycling Rates Dip, Landfill Use Rises

The Partnership reviewed waste management performance data for the first and second quarters of 2025/26. The data revealed a mixed picture, with a modest increase in the recycling/reuse rate but a significant decrease in the composting rate. The landfill rate also saw an increase, raising concerns about the county's progress towards its waste reduction goals.

Key findings from the report:

• The recycling/reuse rate saw a modest increase of 275 tonnes (0.9% up).
• The composting rate saw a significant decrease of 5,940 tonnes (13.8% down).
• The recycling, composting, and reuse rate saw a decrease of 5,665 tonnes (7.8% down).
• The landfill rate saw an increase of 1,370 tonnes (18.3% up).

Fly-Tipping on the Rise

The agenda included a verbal report on fly-tipping, an issue that has been a growing concern in Warwickshire. At the last meeting, Rachel Savage, Waste and Transport Manager at Rugby Borough Council (RBC), reported a rise in large-scale fly-tipping, often involving building waste.

The Partnership's efforts to combat fly-tipping are crucial to protecting the environment and ensuring that Warwickshire remains a clean and attractive place to live.

Other Matters

• The County Council approved the Annual Governance Statement 2024/25, which provides assurance of the way the council meets the highest standards required of public office.
• The County Council approved additions to the capital programme for schemes at Whitestone Infant School, Chetwynd Junior School and Avon Valley School.
• The County Council approved the addition of £2,110,400 to the Capital Programme for 2025/2026 for highway improvements at the C11 Higham Lane/Peake Avenue junction in Nuneaton.
• The County Council approved the Youth Justice Plan 2526 for 2025/2026.
• The County Council approved the appointment of Mr Prodromos Mavridis to the Panel of Independent Persons required by the Localism Act 2011, from the date of the council meeting to 30 September 2029. The Localism Act 2011 is an Act of Parliament that shifts power away from central government and towards local authorities and communities.
• The County Council was presented with the External Auditor's Annual Audit Report 2024/25, which includes a commentary on the council's arrangements for securing value for money.
• The County Council was asked to approve the Warwickshire County Council Statement of Accounts 2024/25.
• The County Council was asked to approve the Warwickshire Pension Fund Accounts 2024/25.
• The County Council was asked to note the approach taken to assessing and establishing the value for money of walking and cycling schemes with internal or external funding.
• The Warwickshire Waste Partnership received updates from North Warwickshire Borough Council (NWBC), Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council, Rugby Borough Council, Warwick District Council (WDC), Stratford-on-Avon District Council (SDC), and Warwickshire County Council.

This week in Warwickshire:

Parking Charge Hike Sparks Concern for Shoppers and Businesses

Warwickshire County Council is proposing an increase to on-street parking charges in Leamington, Warwick, Kenilworth and Stratford Upon Avon from April 2026, a move designed to generate an additional £0.248m in revenue and align with the council's Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The decision, made during a Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions meeting, has raised concerns about the potential impact on local businesses and shoppers.

The Proposed Increases:

The proposed increases are:

Department for Transport Guidance

The council cited guidance from the Department for Transport (DfT), which recommends that on-street pay and display pricing should support short-stay use in high-demand areas. The council argues that higher prices encourage longer-stay visitors to use off-street car parks, reducing traffic and improving air quality.

Reinvesting Surplus Parking Income

The council has stated that any surplus generated from parking income must be reinvested into transport-related purposes, including highways maintenance, traffic management, and sustainable mobility initiatives, in accordance with Section 55 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

Potential Impact

While the council aims to boost revenue and manage traffic, critics worry that the increased charges could deter shoppers and negatively impact local businesses, particularly in town centres already struggling with economic challenges.

SEND Provision Boost for Warwickshire Schools

Warwickshire County Council is set to expand its support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) by establishing new Resourced Provisions at Binley Woods Primary School and Brownsover Community School. The decision, made during a Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions meeting, will see consultations launched to create spaces for up to ten primary-aged pupils at Binley Woods and eight at Brownsover, both with a focus on communication and interaction (C&I) needs.

What are Resourced Provisions?

Resourced Provisions are dedicated areas within mainstream schools that provide specialist support for children with additional needs. This allows children to access mainstream education while receiving tailored assistance.

Addressing Growing Demand

The council has a statutory duty under section 14 of the Education Act 1996 to ensure sufficient school places are available, including specialist provision for pupils with SEND. The council aims to ensure that there is sufficient representation of Resourced Provision across all local area schools' consortium networks, providing more opportunities for children to access quality education within their communities.

Admissions Process

Admissions to the Resourced Provisions will be managed separately from the mainstream school, through the council's specialist admissions panel.

County-Wide Ambition

The council aims to develop different types of Resourced Provision across all areas of the county. There are currently 39 established Resourced Provisions across primary and secondary schools in Warwickshire.

Pension Fund Considers Climate Risks and Councillor Access

The Staff and Pensions Committee and the Pension Fund Investment Sub-Committee met to discuss a range of issues related to the Warwickshire Pension Fund, including regulatory updates, governance, and investment strategy. Key topics included the Fund's response to a consultation on Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) improvements and the integration of climate-related financial risks into investment decisions.

LGPS Consultation: Councillors and Outsourcing

The Staff and Pensions Committee considered the Fund's response to the government's consultation on LGPS improvements, which includes proposals to allow councillors to join the scheme and to strengthen protections for outsourced staff. The Fund's response largely welcomes the proposals, while raising concerns about funding sources for councillor contributions and the potential for academies to move administering authorities based on lower contribution rates.

Climate Risk Integration

The Pension Fund Investment Sub-Committee was scheduled to review the Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) Report, which outlines the fund's approach to identifying, assessing, and managing climate-related risks and opportunities within its investment portfolio. This includes assessing the carbon footprint of investments and engaging with companies to improve their climate performance.

Other Pension Fund Matters

The Staff and Pensions Committee also discussed the Fund's governance action plan, pension administration performance, and employers joining and leaving the scheme.

Active Travel Schemes Get Green Light

Warwickshire County Council is set to enhance walking and cycling infrastructure in Binley Woods and Leamington Spa thanks to government grant funding. The decision, made during a Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions meeting, will see £250,000 allocated to a new cycle route in Binley Woods and £143,177 to improve walking and cycling facilities in Leamington Spa.

A428 Rugby Road Cycle Route

The Binley Woods scheme involves creating a 0.25km cycle route adjacent to the A428 Rugby Road, connecting the village to cycling infrastructure at the A46 Binley junction and the emerging Coventry cycling network.

Tachbrook Road Enhancements

The Leamington Spa scheme will improve the existing 0.9km footway/cycle track along Tachbrook Road, connecting south Leamington Spa to the railway station and town centre.

Active Travel Fund

The funding comes from round five of the Active Travel Fund (ATF), which supports infrastructure projects that encourage walking, wheeling, and cycling.

Council Budget Faces Extremely Challenging Context

Warwickshire County Council's cabinet discussed the upcoming 2026/27 budget and the 2026-31 Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) at a recent Cabinet meeting. The report pack notes that the context for the 2026/27 MTFS refresh is extremely challenging due to increasing costs and demand for statutory services like adult social care, children's social care, home to school transport and SEND.

Council Tax Increase Proposed

The report pack includes a recommendation to authorise Corporate Board to begin preparatory work necessary to deliver the budget options, before the final council decision on 5 February 2026. The report pack also outlines Corporate Board's proposed budget strategy, which includes taking the maximum 4.99% Council Tax increase allowed in 2026/27 and each year thereafter.

Education Capital Programme

The cabinet also considered a report recommending proposals for allocating resources in the Education (Schools) Capital Programme to specific projects at a number of schools located throughout the county.

Other Matters Discussed

The cabinet also discussed a plan to get Warwickshire working, procuring supported lodgings for young people, and the strategic risk management framework.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• County Council (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/89949) - Tuesday 16 December 2025: Annual governance statement, additions to the education capital programme, and motions on school road safety and child poverty.
• Warwickshire Waste Partnership (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/89953) - Wednesday 17 December 2025: Waste management performance, updates to national waste strategies, food waste collection plans, and fly-tipping.