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Weekly updates
Warwickshire Faces £158m Deficit: Austerity Measures Loom?
This week in Warwickshire:
Council Faces £158 Million Deficit: Austerity Measures Loom
Warwickshire County Council is grappling with a projected £158 million deficit in its Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block, raising concerns about potential cuts to essential services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The issue was discussed at the Audit and Standards Committee, where external auditors highlighted the severity of the financial strain.
Auditors Flag Significant Weakness
Grant Thornton, the council's external auditors, identified the DSG deficit as a significant weakness
in the council's value for money arrangements. While acknowledging the council's robust management of the situation, auditors emphasized that the funding model itself is the core problem.
Cash Flow Concerns
The deficit is not just an accounting issue; it has a real impact on the council's cash flow. The council's cash and investment balances have already decreased by £56 million, and further reductions are expected.
Proposed Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Change
To mitigate the financial strain, the council is proposing changes to its Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) policy, which dictates how it repays debt. The proposed changes, endorsed by the Audit and Standards Committee, would reduce the amount set aside for debt repayment in the short term, freeing up funds for other priorities.
What is MRP?
The minimum revenue provision (MRP) is the amount the council sets aside each year to repay its debt. Under current regulations, local authorities have flexibility in how they calculate MRP, providing the amount is 'prudent'.
Potential Impact on Services
The council has not yet announced specific cuts, but the scale of the deficit suggests that difficult decisions will be necessary. Services for vulnerable children and families could be at risk.
Read more about the Audit and Standards Committee meeting.
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Faces Hurdles Despite Funding Boost
Warwickshire County Council is making strides in expanding electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, but challenges remain in ensuring equitable access and overcoming grid constraints. The Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee received an update on the progress of EV infrastructure in Warwickshire, highlighting both successes and ongoing concerns.
Funding Secured, but Gaps Persist
The council has secured £3.295 million in capital funding through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund to deliver on-street residential chargepoints. However, significant disparities exist across the county, with Nuneaton and Bedworth lagging behind in chargepoint provision.
Grid Constraints and Pavement Channels
The rollout of rapid chargers is also facing challenges due to grid constraints. The council is exploring innovative solutions like pavement channels to enable residents without off-street parking to charge their EVs at home, but funding for these projects is limited.
The Role of the Council
Committee members discussed the council's role in EV infrastructure development, with some suggesting a focus on areas where the private sector is not adequately serving residents.
Read more about the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.
Home-to-School Transport Faces Scrutiny Amid Rising Costs
Warwickshire County Council's home-to-school transport policy is under review as the council seeks to address unsustainable costs. The issue was a major topic of discussion at the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee, with concerns raised about the potential impact on vulnerable children and families.
Consultation and Concerns
A consultation on proposed changes to the policy is underway, but some councillors expressed frustration that the consultation was launched without prior discussion with the wider council.
Key Questions Raised:
- What are the key challenges with the current mileage limits?
- What are the potential savings associated with the proposed changes?
- How will the council ensure that vulnerable children are not negatively impacted?
A Call for Collaboration
Some councillors urged the council to work collaboratively with all members to find solutions that are both financially sustainable and equitable.
Read more about the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting. Read more about the Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.
Other Matters
- Data Breaches: The Audit and Standards Committee discussed an increase in data breaches, primarily due to staff errors. The council is providing bespoke training to address the issue.
- Annual Governance Report: The Audit and Standards Committee reviewed the Annual Governance Report, which outlines the council's governance arrangements.
- Strategic Risk Management Framework: The Audit and Standards Committee discussed the updated Strategic Risk Management Framework, which sets out the council's approach to risk management.
- Economic Development: The Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee received an update on economic development activity in Warwickshire, noting a rise in the unemployment rate.
- Waste Sites: The Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee heard that the booking system has been suspended on all nine of Warwickshire's waste sites for a six-month pilot.
- School Keep Clear Project: The Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed the school keep clear project, which aims to improve road safety around schools.
- School Outcomes Report: The Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee received the School Outcomes Report, highlighting both successes and areas for improvement.
- Annual Governance Statement: The Audit and Standards Committee considered the Annual Governance Statement 2024/25, which provides assurance on the effectiveness of the council's systems of internal control.
Upcoming Meetings
Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:
- Staff and Pensions Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88949) - Monday 08 December 2025
- Pension Fund Investment Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88954) - Monday 08 December 2025
- Cabinet (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88960) - Thursday 11 December 2025
- Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88962) - Friday 12 December 2025
HS2 Roads, Hate Crime Rise, Gluten-Free Prescriptions at Risk
This week in Warwickshire:
Council Approves Road Safety Improvements Amid HS2 Disruption
Warwickshire County Council has allocated the final £3.3 million from the HS2 Road Safety Fund to road improvement schemes in areas affected by the high-speed rail project. The decision, approved by Councillor Stephen Shaw, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, aims to mitigate the impact of HS2 construction and leave a legacy of road safety improvements.
Where the Money Will Go:
- A446 Birmingham Road, Coleshill Junction: A significant £2.5 million will enhance an existing project to reduce accidents and increase capacity at this busy junction near Coleshill. The improvements include toucan crossings1 and footway upgrades.
- Fosse Way Lighting: £0.5 million will ensure the retention of temporary lighting installed by HS2 along the Fosse Way, providing a long-term safety benefit.
- Small-Scale Schemes: The remaining £0.3 million will fund investigations into smaller road safety projects along the HS2 route, with a deadline of December 2026 for allocation.
Why This Matters:
The HS2 Road Safety Fund aims to compensate communities for the disruption caused by the construction project. Failure to allocate the funds by the end of 2026 could result in key road improvements being delayed or not implemented.
Environmental Benefits:
The council anticipates that many of the schemes will lead to lower speeds and improved facilities for modal shift2, reducing fuel consumption, air and noise pollution, and encouraging walking and cycling.
Police and Crime Panel Examines Victims' Strategy and Hate Crime Response
The Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel convened to discuss key issues including the Police and Crime Commissioner's (PCC) Victims' Strategy 2025-29 and the county's readiness to respond to hate crime.
Victims' Strategy: Ensuring Support for All
The Victims' Strategy aims to ensure that anyone affected by crime or anti-social behaviour in Warwickshire receives the support they need, regardless of whether they report the incident to the police or their background.
The strategy builds upon commitments outlined in the PCC's Police and Crime Plan 2025-29 ('A Safer Warwickshire for All') and focuses on:
- Providing support to all victims, regardless of reporting status or protected characteristics.
- Ensuring a proportionate, timely, and effective response to victims who report crime.
- Creating a seamless criminal justice system that prioritizes victims and witnesses.
- Continuously improving services based on victim feedback.
The PCC has committed to holding the Chief Constable accountable for improving investigations, ensuring compliance with the Victims' Code, and supporting victims of abuse and exploitation.
Hate Crime: Addressing Rising Incidents
The Panel also discussed a review of hate crime, focusing on readiness to respond to events and collaboration with partners like the Equality & Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP).
Key points from the discussion:
- Hate crime is increasing across the country, driven by prejudice against race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
- In Warwickshire, hate crime offences increased by 6% in August 2025, driven by incidents in the north of the county.
- The Warwickshire Hate Crime Partnership brings together a range of organisations with responsibilities for community safety, including Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire Police, and local councils.
- Warwickshire Police have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling all forms of hate crime and continue to promote clear definitions and offer multiple reporting routes.
The Panel also received updates on local government reform, the Police and Crime Commissioner's report, and the Panel's work programme.
NHS Prioritisation Plan Could End Gluten-Free Prescriptions
The Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed a proposal from the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) to decommission gluten-free (GF) prescribing for adults and children diagnosed with coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis.
Financial Pressures Drive Review:
Faced with financial pressures, the ICB is reviewing its services to ensure resources are used effectively. Currently, the ICB spends £240,000 per year on prescriptions of GF foods, limited to bread and mixes.
Engagement Findings:
A survey conducted by the ICB revealed concerns about:
- Affordability: The increased cost of GF foods, estimated to be 35% more expensive than standard equivalents.
- Dietary Adherence: Reduced adherence to a GF diet, especially among lower-income households.
- Product Availability and Quality: The availability and quality of GF products in retail settings.
- Health Inequalities: Potential impacts on Core20PLUS5 populations3 and inconsistencies in prescribing practices.
Committee Input Sought:
The committee is asked to review the ICB's proposal and engagement report and determine whether the information is sufficient to proceed with the proposed service change, or whether further public engagement is required.
The committee also received the Quarter 2 Integrated Performance Report 2025/26 and discussed direct payments to service users.
Other Matters
- Children's Homes: The Corporate Parenting Panel received verbal updates on each of Warwickshire's Children's Homes, and endorsed a proposal to deliver 'same day, short stay' home/s for up to 4 children (8-18yr) under current ICH earmarked Capital Investment, and a proposal for a pilot mental health home through development of an existing 1 bed home (Beechwood) into a short-term home for children with mental health needs in conjunction with West Midlands CAMHS Provider Collaborative.[^4] [^4]: CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. These services support children and young people with mental health difficulties.
- Resourcing to Risk: The Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee received an update on the Resourcing to Risk programme for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service (WFRS), and heard that the programme is largely on track, with improvements seen in response times and resource availability.
Upcoming Meetings
Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:
- Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88062) - Wednesday 03 December 2025
- Audit and Standards Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87218) - Tuesday 25 November 2025: The council's financial statements, risk management framework, and audit reports.
- Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87217) - Tuesday 25 November 2025: Updates from cabinet portfolio holders, the work of the Corporate Parenting Panel, performance reports, post-16 education, Ofsted inspections, school outcomes, and family hubs.
- Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87219) - Wednesday 26 November 2025: Economic development, electric vehicle infrastructure, and the council's performance against its strategic priorities.
- Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88837) - Monday 01 December 2025
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A toucan crossing is a type of pedestrian crossing that also allows cyclists to cross. ↩
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Modal shift refers to a change in the means of transport used, with a focus on moving from private car use to walking, cycling, or public transport. ↩
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Core20PLUS5 is an NHS England approach to reduce health inequalities. The 'Core20' represents the 20% most deprived of the national population, and 'PLUS5' represents five specific clinical areas: children and young people, maternity, mental health, severe mental illness, and learning disability and/or autism. ↩
Warwickshire Schools Face Funding Cuts Amid SEND Budget Strain
This week in Warwickshire:
Schools Face Funding Cuts as Council Seeks to Plug High Needs Budget Gap
Warwickshire County Council is seeking permission from the Secretary of State to transfer £2.484 million from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block1 to alleviate financial pressures on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services. The decision, made by Councillor George Finch, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Children & Families, comes amid rising demand for SEND support and increasing costs, but could mean budget cuts for mainstream schools.
Schools Forum Divided
The council consulted with schools, and while the Schools Forum supported the transfer in principle, they voted against it if it would reduce the hard
National Funding Formula (NFF) allocations to schools. The forum also requested that any application to the Department for Education (DfE) include a note supporting the council's SEND and Inclusion strategy.
Impact on Schools
Modelling suggests that 171 of 236 schools would be impacted by the 0.5% transfer, resulting in an average cost of £7,464 for primary schools and £45,793 for secondary schools. Despite this, the council points to school balances (reserves) of approximately £57.5 million as of March 2025 (for maintained schools) and September 2024 (for academies).
Why the Urgency?
The council cites tight deadlines for the consultation, Schools Forum meeting, and submission to the Secretary of State as reasons for the urgent decision. Failure to secure the transfer could force the council to reduce non-statutory services to schools, further impacting the council's financial sustainability.
SEND Pressures Mount
The number of children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) has risen dramatically, from 4,299 in January 2020 to 6,868 in January 2025. The top three primary needs are Autism (38%), Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs (25%), and Speech, Language and Communication Needs (18%). The council hopes to use the transferred funding to create additional places in Specialist Resourced Provision (RP), which it says is more cost-effective than independent specialist provision.
Deficit and Statutory Override
The council's current cumulative deficit is £77.913 million and is forecast to increase to £157.874 million by 31 March 2026. The council is relying on the government's statutory override,
a temporary accounting mechanism that allows local authorities to exclude DSG deficits from their general fund balances.
School Admission Changes Proposed, Consultation to Launch
Warwickshire County Council is proposing changes to school admission arrangements, coordinated schemes, and in-year admissions processes for the 2027/2028 academic year. Councillor Wayne Briggs, Portfolio Holder for Education, has approved a six-week consultation to gather feedback on the proposed adjustments.
Key Changes on the Table:
- Children of Staff: Including children of staff at a school in the oversubscription criteria for all community or voluntary controlled schools2.
- Pupil Premium Eligibility: Ensuring that for junior school applications, children must be eligible for pupil premium3 or service premium at the time of application, aligning the criteria with those for primary and infant schools.
- Priority Area Amendments: Modifying the priority areas for Lighthorne Heath Primary School, Shottery St Andrews CE Primary School and Bishopton Primary School in South Warwickshire.
- Published Admission Number (PAN) Reduction: Decreasing the PAN for Thomas Jolyffe Primary School and Water Orton Primary School to reflect forecast data and support stability and budget planning.
Priority Area Changes Explained
The proposed changes to priority areas at Bishopton, Shottery St Andrews and Lighthorne Heath Primary Schools are due to the relocation of Shottery St Andrews and Lighthorne Heath Primary Schools because of building developments. The current priority areas do not include the site of the new school or the housing development they are being built to serve. The proposed changes to the priority areas for Shottery St Andrews and Bishopton Primary Schools would expand into an area currently solely served by Holy Trinity CE Primary School, creating a shared area. The proposed change to the priority area for Lighthorne Heath Primary School would expand into an area currently solely served by Harbury Primary School, creating a shared area.
PAN Reductions: Addressing Surplus Capacity
The proposed changes to the PANs at Thomas Jolyffe and Water Orton Primary Schools reflect forecast surplus capacity across the planning areas. For Water Orton Primary School, the report notes that the biggest impact to the schools in the area is the impact of HS2 works4.
Coordinated Scheme and In-Year Process Changes
Proposed changes to the Coordinated Scheme include requiring parents to send completed Supplementary Forms directly to the school they are applying for, and preventing applicants from attaching evidence of future house moves/relocations to the UK to the section which asks for acceptable proof of address. Similar restrictions are proposed for the Coordinated In-Year Process.
Council Grapples with Financial Pressures, Approves Active Travel Schemes
The Warwickshire County Council Cabinet reviewed the council's financial performance, approved active travel schemes, and received updates on treasury management activity. The Cabinet meeting highlighted ongoing financial pressures in social care and SEND, but also progress on active travel initiatives.
Financial Monitoring: Overspend Driven by DSG Deficit
The Cabinet reviewed the council's financial performance, noting a forecast net service spend of £3.659m, which would be funded from reserves. The report also highlighted a forecast delivery of £15.610m in savings for 2025-26, but a shortfall against the target. The largest financial risk remains the annual and cumulative Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block deficit. The government has extended the DSG Statutory Override to 31 March 2028.
Active Travel Fund: Investing in Sustainable Transport
The Cabinet approved recommendations to progress delivery of three schemes funded by the Active Travel Fund (round 5). This included authorising the Executive Director for Communities to enter into a sub-grant agreement with Sustrans, the owner of the Lias Line, for improvements to a section of the traffic-free greenway between Oxford Road and Birdingbury Road, Rugby, to the value of £322,710.
Treasury Management: Investment and Debt Repayment
The Cabinet received an update on treasury management activity, noting that total treasury investments stood at £251.5m at the end of the six months, reflecting a £33.7m decrease since the start of the financial year. In October 2025, the Threadneedle Social Bond Fund holding was liquidated and the proceeds were used to repay £36.7m of Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) debt.
Integrated Performance: Mixed Results
The Cabinet considered the Quarter 2 Integrated Performance Report 2025/26, noting that 65.7% of Key Business Measures (KBMs)5 are classified as delivering or achieved, a reduction from Quarter 1. Challenging areas include Education, Health and Care Plans completion, costs associated with Home to School Transport, levels of staff sickness, and delivery of Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) savings.
Upcoming Meetings
Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:
- Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87043) - Friday 21 November 2025: HS2 Road Safety Fund allocation and a debt write off report.
- Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86321) - Friday 21 November 2025: Direct payments, the National Oversight Framework, the Prioritisation Programme and the Quarter 2 Integrated Performance Report 2025/26.
- Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87217) - Tuesday 25 November 2025
- Audit and Standards Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87218) - Tuesday 25 November 2025
- Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87219) - Wednesday 26 November 2025
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The Schools Block and High Needs Block are both parts of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), a ring-fenced grant from central government to local authorities to fund education. The Schools Block is used to fund mainstream schools, while the High Needs Block is used to fund special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services. ↩
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Community schools are state-funded schools controlled by the local authority. Voluntary controlled schools are state-funded schools where a religious organisation or foundation has some representation in the school's governance. ↩
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Pupil premium is additional funding given to schools to support disadvantaged pupils and close the attainment gap between them and their peers. ↩
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High Speed Two (HS2) is a planned high-speed railway in the United Kingdom, with the first phase under construction between London and Birmingham. ↩
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Key Business Measures (KBMs) are a set of metrics used to track and assess the performance of various aspects of Warwickshire Council's operations. ↩
Warwickshire Council Considers Unitary Authority Plan
This week in Warwickshire:
Unitary Council Plan Sparks Community Concerns Over Local Representation
Warwickshire County Council's cabinet has voted to submit a proposal for a single unitary authority to the government, despite concerns that it could lead to a loss of local understanding and representation. The decision, made at a recent Cabinet meeting, has ignited debate about the future of local government in the county.
The Stakes: Streamlining or Centralizing?
The move towards a unitary authority aims to streamline services and save money, with Councillor Stephen Shaw, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, claiming it would deliver £18.7 million per year in recurring annual benefits. However, critics fear that a single, centralized council would be too remote from local communities.
Councillor Bode raised concerns that a single unitary council would be incredibly remote from the community, referencing a survey that highlighted residents' fears about the loss of local understanding and representation.
People Above Politics
Councillor George Finch, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Children & Families, responded to these concerns by emphasizing the importance of putting people above politics
and prioritizing the needs of residents.
It's not about us in this room. It's not about what tie we wear, what politics we all say. It's about those residents out there. And that's what we are prioritising.
What Happens Next?
The proposal will be submitted to the government by 28 November 2025. The government will then consider the proposal and decide whether to approve it. If approved, the new unitary authority could be in place by 2027.
Firefighter Pension Scheme Faces Challenges in Meeting Performance Targets
The Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Local Pension Board of the Firefighters' Pension Scheme met to discuss various issues, including pension administration, governance, and risk management. According to the meeting report, the West Yorkshire Pension Fund (WYPF), which administers the scheme, had achieved 100% of its key performance indicators with the exception of pension estimates, which were delayed due to the volume of requests, and deferred benefits set up on leaving, which were behind schedule due to high volumes of work, although the statutory requirements had been met.
Age Discrimination Remedy Progress
The board also received an update on the age discrimination remedy1, with active members receiving their Annual Benefit Statement (ABS) remedial service statements (RSS) for 2024 and 2025. However, pensioners affected would continue to be processed manually, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing this complex issue.
Governance Action Plan
Officers have created an action plan in relation to the recent governance review for the Firefighters' Pension Schemes against the Pension Regulator's Code of Practice, with an aim to complete all actions by 31 August 2026. 63 actions were needed to ensure 100% compliance.
Public Footpath Diversion in Middleton Sparks Debate Over Privacy vs. Access
The Regulatory Committee considered a proposal to divert public footpath T9 in Middleton under section 119 of the Highways Act 1980. The Regulatory Committee ultimately voted to support the diversion and authorise the Executive Director for Communities to submit the order to the Secretary of State for confirmation.
Privacy vs. Public Access
The applicant wishes to divert the footpath to give them more privacy and a feeling of security. The existing route runs through the landowner's garden, leading to concerns about intrusion and awkwardness for both residents and walkers.
Objections and Support
While the Middleton Parish Council and some members of the public support the diversion, citing benefits such as removing an unsafe embankment and a stile, the Open Spaces Society and others object, raising concerns about the impact on public access and the potential for increased road walking.
What's Next?
The Secretary of State will now appoint an inspector to either hold a hearing, deal with the matter through written representations or hold an inquiry.
Schools Forum Discusses Funding and Budget for 2026-27
The Schools Forum met to discuss school funding for the 2026-27 financial year. The forum reviewed the schools funding block, voting and actions from the last meeting, and the forward plan.
School Funding Block 2026-27
The Schools Forum discussed the schools funding block for the 2026-27 financial year. The report pack included a Schools Funding Block report that contains information about the funding formula that Warwickshire Council uses to allocate money to schools.
The report pack also included Appendix A WCC 2026-27 School Budget Consultation FINALpdf, which is the consultation document for the proposed school budget for 2026-27. The consultation document sets out the council's proposals for changes to the way that schools are funded, and seeks feedback from schools and other stakeholders.
Upcoming Meetings
Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:
- Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86022) - Friday 14 November 2025
- Corporate Parenting Panel (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86313) - Monday 17 November 2025
- Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86314) - Thursday 20 November 2025
- Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86317) - Thursday 20 November 2025
- Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86321) - Friday 21 November 2025
- Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87043) - Friday 21 November 2025
- Cabinet (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85363) - Thursday 13 November 2025
- Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85366) - Friday 14 November 2025
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The age discrimination remedy, also known as the McCloud remedy, addresses the discrimination found in the 2015 changes to public sector pension schemes. The changes were found to have discriminated against younger members. ↩
Warwickshire School Closure? Unitary Authority Talks & More
This week in Warwickshire:
Great Alne Primary School Faces Potential Closure
Councillor Wayne Briggs, Portfolio Holder for Education, was scheduled to decide on whether to launch a consultation regarding the potential closure of Great Alne Primary School. The decision was treated as urgent, with consent from Councillor Yousef Dahmash, Chair of the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Key Factors Behind the Proposal:
- Declining Enrollment: Pupil numbers have plummeted from approximately 100 in 2020/21 to a mere 21 in October 2025.
- Financial Strain: The school's cumulative deficit is projected to escalate from £246,915 (as of March 31, 2025) to £496,001 by March 2027.
- Sufficient Capacity Elsewhere: The council asserts that there are enough primary school places in the Alcester and Studley vicinity to accommodate Great Alne pupils, with vacancies in schools located one to five miles away.
- Requires Improvement Rating: The school's Ofsted rating was raised from 'inadequate' in January 2023 to 'requires improvement' in July 2025, following investment from Warwickshire County Council.
Consultation Process:
If approved, the consultation would run from November 3, 2025, to December 12, 2025, engaging parents, staff, the governing body, relevant District and Parish Councils, and other local stakeholders.
Rural School Closure Presumption:
The report pack quoted guidance from the Department for Education, which states that decision makers should adopt a presumption against the closure of rural schools, clarifying that:
[t]his does not mean that a rural school will never close, but that the case for closure should be strong and clearly in the best interests of educational provision in the area.
Equality Impact Assessment:
An Equality Impact Assessment1 is planned as part of the statutory process.
The decision and potential closure of Great Alne Primary School could have significant implications for the local community, particularly for families who rely on the school for their children's education and for the village itself, as the school is an important community hub.
Upcoming Meetings
Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:
- Cabinet (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/84570) - Thursday 06 November 2025: Discussion of full proposals for unitary local government in Warwickshire.
- Schools Forum (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86032) - Wednesday 05 November 2025
- Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Local Pension Board of the Firefighters' Pension Scheme (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/84566) - Monday 03 November 2025: Governance and policy updates, firefighter pension administration, risk review, the forward plan, and the Fire and Rescue Pension Board Chair's annual report.
- Regulatory Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/84568) - Tuesday 04 November 2025: A proposed diversion of public footpath T9 in Middleton, and a review of delegated decisions made since the last meeting.
- Cabinet (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85363) - Thursday 13 November 2025
- Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86022) - Friday 14 November 2025
- Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85366) - Friday 14 November 2025
-
An Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process used to assess the potential impact of a proposed policy or project on different groups of people, particularly those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. ↩
Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 3 December 2025 2.00 pm
The Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee are scheduled to meet to discuss the County Councillors' Grant Fund, performance against the council plan, treasury management and an update on the Voice of Warwickshire residents' panel.
Regulatory Committee - Tuesday 2 December 2025 10.30 am
This meeting has been cancelled.
Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions - Monday 1 December 2025 10.00 am
Councillor Stephen Shaw, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, approved the addition of £3.3 million from the HS2 Road Safety Fund to the Capital Programme. This funding will be allocated to specific road safety schemes, including improvements to the A446 Birmingham Road, Coleshill Junction, lighting along the Fosse Way, and small-scale capital projects. The decision ensures that Warwickshire County Council meets the deadline set by HS2 for allocating the funds.
Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 26 November 2025 2.00 pm
The Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 26 November 2025 to discuss economic development, electric vehicle infrastructure, and the council's performance against its strategic priorities. The committee will also review its work programme and hear updates from council directors. The meeting is open to the public and will be broadcast online.
Audit and Standards Committee - Tuesday 25 November 2025 2.00 pm
The Audit and Standards Committee of Warwickshire County Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 25 November 2025 to discuss a range of topics including the council's financial statements, risk management framework, and audit reports. The committee will also review the proposed minimum revenue provision policy and the annual governance statement.
Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 25 November 2025 10.00 am
The Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee are scheduled to discuss a range of issues at their meeting on 25 November. These include updates from cabinet portfolio holders, the work of the Corporate Parenting Panel, performance reports, post-16 education, Ofsted inspections, school outcomes, and family hubs. The committee will also review its work programme and items on the forward plan.
Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Friday 21 November 2025 10.00 am
The Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee are scheduled to discuss the prioritisation of NHS services, including a review of gluten-free prescribing, and to review the latest integrated performance report. They will also discuss direct payments to service users.
Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions - Friday 21 November 2025 1.00 pm
In a meeting on Friday 21 November 2025, Warwickshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, Councillor Stephen Shaw, deferred a decision on the HS2 Road Safety Fund and approved a debt write-off report. The meeting also included a resolution to exclude the public while discussing confidential information.
Additional meeting, Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 20 November 2025 11.00 am
The Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss updates on the Wheat Street development in Nuneaton and the Resourcing to Risk programme for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service (WFRS). The committee reviewed the financial aspects of the Wheat Street development, and heard that the Resourcing to Risk programme is largely on track, with improvements seen in response times and resource availability.
Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel - Thursday 20 November 2025 2.00 pm
The Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday 20 November 2025 to discuss the Police and Crime Commissioner's report, the Victims' Strategy, hate crime, and local government reform. The Panel will also review its work programme and discuss future meeting dates.
Staff and Pensions Committee - Monday 8 December 2025 10.00 am
Pension Fund Investment Sub-Committee - Monday 8 December 2025 12.00 pm
Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions - Friday 12 December 2025 12.00 pm
Warwickshire Waste Partnership - Wednesday 17 December 2025 2.00 pm