This week in Worcestershire:

Police and Crime Commissioner Faces Scrutiny Over PCSO Changes and Budget Overspend

The West Mercia Police and Crime Panel met to discuss a range of issues, including proposed changes to Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) working hours and a £6.5 million budget overspend. The West Mercia Police and Crime Panel meeting revealed tensions between panel members and Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Campion over transparency and collaboration.

• John Campion addressed what he called misinformation circulating about changes to PCSO hours, stating there would be no reduction in hours, only an adjustment to when they are on duty.
• Councillor Paul Davis sought clarification on whether the number of PCSOs was being cut and whether their hours were being reduced. John Campion stated that the numbers of PCSOs in our state-enabled teams are not changing, and that it is the hours to which we will see them on duty that is being altered.
• Councillor Vivienne Parry raised concerns about the PCC's commitment to reinforcing the balance sheet, given a £6.5 million overspend in 2024/25. She asked whether the budget would ever be right, given inherent risks of overspend. John Campion responded that budgets are frameworks, and that Shropshire Council themselves had seen an outturn and overspend of over £30 million.
• Lay member Jocelyn Anderson asked about violence against women and girls, noting a shortfall in clients coming forward to advocacy and ISPA services. She asked what steps were being taken to improve performance rates, given that only 11% of all rape offences continued and 10% of domestic abuse offences. John Campion acknowledged the complexity of the issue, citing societal factors and issues within the criminal justice system.
• Councillor Jon Tandy expressed shock at the them and us dynamic of the meeting, advocating for more partnership and joint working. He requested to be included on the weekly briefing that goes to police. John Campion responded that the briefing is an internal communication, but that councillors can sign up to Neighbourhood Matters for local policing updates.

The meeting highlighted the challenges in balancing budget constraints with maintaining effective policing services and addressing complex social issues. The panel's scrutiny underscores the importance of transparency and collaboration in ensuring accountability and public safety.

Local Government Reform Sparks Debate Over Consultation and Financial Viability

The Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board (OSPB) met to discuss local government reform in Worcestershire, receiving an update on the strategic business case for a single unitary authority. The Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board meeting revealed concerns about the consultation process, financial implications, and the potential impact on different areas of the county.

• Some councillors criticised the methodology used in a survey conducted by the district councils, arguing that it may have been confusing and did not provide enough information on the potential options or the impact on services or finances.
• Concerns were raised that the LGR process could be a county takeover, with district services being absorbed into a larger organisation.
• Councillor Karen May, Chair of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, challenged the assertion that the indices of deprivation[^14] were more prevalent in the north of the county than in the south.
• Phil Rook, Chief Financial Officer, reminded the board that Worcestershire County Council was the only upper tier council in receipt of Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) and that any future council structure would need to demonstrate financial viability to the government.
• The board agreed to write to the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive to ask for the administration's position on local government reorganisation as soon as possible, to urge that the public consultation is done quickly and as early as possible in September, and to explore all practical ways of ensuring all members receive a copy of the consultation proposal before it goes out.

The discussion highlights the complexities of local government reform and the need for careful consideration of the potential impacts on residents, services, and finances. The board's scrutiny aims to ensure that the process is transparent, inclusive, and results in a sustainable and effective local government structure for Worcestershire.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Show Progress, Waiting Times Remain a Concern

The Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board also received an update on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), highlighting progress in implementing recommendations from a 2023 scrutiny report.

• A new search tool has been procured for integration into the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust website, with a planned go-live date of 18 August 2025.
• A new service, named 'Melo', went live on 1 April 2025, to offer an innovative, flexible, timely and integrated outcome-focused service that is available to all children and young people aged 0-25 years and their families.
• There are 14 children waiting for a CAMHS assessment at the end of June 2025 with an average wait of 9 weeks.
• The average wait for ongoing treatment is 37 weeks in Worcestershire.

While the update showed positive developments, the board discussed the need to address waiting times for CAMHS assessments and treatment and the impact of quicker diagnoses on the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school transport budget.

Other Matters

• The Appointments Etc Panel met to elect a chair and vice-chair, and to discuss the appointment of an Assistant Director for Child Protection and Through Care. No video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings:

• Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday 30 July 2025.
• Standards and Ethics Committee on Monday 28 July 2025.

This week in Worcestershire:

Internal Audit Raises Concerns About Governance and Risk Management

Worcestershire County Council's framework of governance, risk management, and internal control needs improvement, according to the Chief Internal Auditor's Annual Audit Opinion. The Audit and Governance Committee is scheduled to review the report on 18 July 2025, which highlights significant gaps, weaknesses, or non-compliance in the areas audited.

• Six audits were reported as 'needs improvement' assurance outcomes.
• The council's risk register includes 140 total risks, with three corporate risks flagged as red and 15 rated amber.
• The committee will also discuss the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which creates a new offence of failure to prevent fraud, coming into effect on 1 September 2025.

This assessment raises serious questions about the council's ability to effectively manage risks and achieve its objectives. The committee's review will be crucial in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring accountability.

Streetscape Design Guide Sparks Debate Over Climate Change and Resident Input

Worcestershire County Council's Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel discussed the Streetscape Design Guide (SDG), a document that sets out requirements for developers proposing developments that will impact the highway and transport infrastructure¹. While the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel delegated the decision to the Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport, Councillor Karl Perks, the discussion revealed concerns about climate change and public consultation.

• Councillor Matt Jenkins raised concerns about the guide being out of date due to climate change, and Head of Planning and Transport Planning Emily Barker responded that there is a need for standardisation, but that the guide can be reviewed chapter by chapter.
• Councillor Perks expressed concern that the public response to the consultation was low.
• Councillor Emma Kearsey raised concerns about how the guide aligns with Witchaven's design code, and Emily Barker assured her that they had worked extensively with Witchaven and made tweaks to both the design code and the streetscape design guide to ensure they meet the needs of both.

The debate highlights the challenges in balancing the need for standardisation with the urgency of addressing climate change and ensuring meaningful public engagement in planning decisions.

Digital Divide Persists as Mobile Coverage Concerns Surface

The Economy Overview and Scrutiny Panel met to discuss digital infrastructure and connectivity in Worcestershire, revealing concerns about mobile coverage and the accuracy of coverage maps.

• Anecdotal evidence suggests that the coverage and performance of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) EE, O2, Three and Vodafone is not as good as they claim, or as reported by Ofcom, the telecoms regulator.
• A survey of residents, businesses, and visitors revealed a wave of frustration and anger with the performance of the mobile networks in Worcestershire.
• The council is lobbying the Government and the Regulator to improve the accuracy of coverage maps and seeking meetings with the MNOs to highlight areas of poor coverage.

These findings underscore the importance of reliable mobile connectivity in everyday life and the need for accurate information to inform consumer choices. The council's efforts to address these concerns could help bridge the digital divide and improve access to essential services.

Other Matters

• The Cabinet is scheduled to discuss secondary school place planning, options for the future of County Hall, and the delivery of electric vehicle charge points on 17 July 2025. Also to be discussed is the Treasury Management Annual Report 2024/25.
• The Adult Care and Well Being Overview and Scrutiny Panel were scheduled to discuss residential replacement care for adults with learning disabilities, performance and budget monitoring, and the panel's work programme on 16 July 2025.
• The Audit and Governance Committee is scheduled to meet on Friday, 18 July 2025, to discuss the annual report of the committee's chair, internal audit reports, risk management, treasury management, and a training plan for the upcoming year. The meeting was also scheduled to cover the committee's work programme.
• The Corporate and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting scheduled for Wednesday 16 July 2025 was postponed.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings:

• West Mercia Police and Crime Panel on Monday 21 July 2025.
• Appointments Etc Panel on Wednesday 23 July 2025.
• Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board on Thursday 24 July 2025.
• Standards and Ethics Committee on Monday 28 July 2025.
• Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday 30 July 2025.

This week in Worcestershire:

County Hall's Future in the Balance as Council Considers Education Use

Worcestershire County Council is weighing options for the future of County Hall, including the possibility of using part of the site for secondary education. The Cabinet is scheduled to discuss a report on 17 July 2025 that outlines proposals for the site's future, following a declaration that it is surplus to the council's current needs.

• The council is considering relocating the IT data center to Pershore Civic Centre, subject to agreement by the Wychavon Executive Board.
• Paper records currently stored in County Hall's basement and the Record Office building could be moved to the loft space in Wildwood.
• The council is exploring the potential for a new secondary school building on the site, which could still allow for residential development as part of a mixed-use project.

The decision on County Hall's future could have significant implications for education provision in the area, as well as the council's finances. The council aims to save £1 million annually by decommissioning and vacating the site.

School Place Shortage Looms in Worcester, Malvern Schools Could Expand

Worcester is facing a potential shortage of secondary school places, and the council is considering temporary expansions at schools in Malvern to address the immediate need. The Cabinet is scheduled to discuss the issue on 17 July 2025, with forecasts suggesting a need for 90 additional places by September 2026 and 45 more by September 2027.

• Feasibility studies have been conducted at six secondary schools in Worcester and Malvern to assess expansion options.
• Creating permanent places by September 2026 is not feasible due to the time required for school expansions.
• Dyson Perrins CofE Academy and The Chase in Malvern could temporarily accommodate additional pupils.

The council is also grappling with the rising costs of a new secondary school on the Newtown Road site, which could jeopardize the affordability of the entire education capital program. The council is considering using the County Hall site for additional secondary education provision as an alternative.

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Expansion Planned

Worcestershire County Council is planning to expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, particularly for residents without off-street parking. The Cabinet is scheduled to discuss the program on 17 July 2025, as part of the council's commitment to addressing climate change and improving air quality.

• The council has secured £624,000 of Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Capability funding and about £3.5 million in capital funding for EV charging infrastructure.
• Around 30% of households in Worcestershire do not have off-street parking, making access to public charge points crucial.
• The council is working with Midlands Connect and other local authorities to develop a commercially viable offering for charge point delivery.

The expansion of EV charging infrastructure could make owning an electric vehicle more accessible for residents without private driveways, supporting the transition to cleaner transportation. The government is prohibiting the sale of new petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid cars from 2035.

Adult Care Relocation Sparks Concerns

Worcestershire County Council is considering relocating residential replacement care services for adults with learning disabilities from Worth Crescent and Pershore Short Breaks to Greenhill Lodge in Worcester. The Adult Care and Well Being Overview and Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to discuss the proposal on 16 July 2025, following a public consultation.

• A draft Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Adult Social Care Decision Paper recommends approving the relocation and consulting on moving day services provision at Worcester Resource Centre into Greenhill Lodge.
• The consultation raised concerns about how individuals would manage the change, potential loss of staff, and transport arrangements.
• SpeakEasy N.O.W., an advocacy group, highlighted the importance of staff familiarity, maintaining friendships, and involving individuals in choices about the new building.

The relocation could impact vulnerable adults who rely on these services, and the council is being urged to manage the transition sensitively and address concerns about continuity of care.

Digital Connectivity and Infrastructure

The Economy Overview and Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 15 July 2025, to discuss digital infrastructure and connectivity in Worcestershire, including both broadband and mobile connectivity.

• The panel will discuss the results of the River Severn Partnership (RSP) Advanced Wireless Innovation Region funded Mobile Connectivity Assessment activity.
• The panel will receive an update on the c.£41 million Project Gigabit contract between Building Digital UK (BDUK) and Openreach.
• The panel will also discuss the council's Corporate Plan target for 90% of homes and businesses in Worcestershire to have access to gigabit-capable broadband by 2027.

Other Matters

• The Audit and Governance Committee is scheduled to meet on Friday, 18 July 2025, to discuss risk management, internal audit, and treasury management.
• The West Mercia Police and Crime Panel is scheduled to meet on Monday, 21 July 2025, to discuss the Police and Crime Commissioner's annual report, police performance, and budget metrics.
• The Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to meet on Monday, 14 July 2025, to discuss the Streetscape Design Guide, performance and budget monitoring, and the panel's work programme.
• The Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 24 July 2025.
• The Corporate and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting scheduled for Wednesday 16 July 2025 was postponed.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings:

• Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Monday 14 July 2025.
• Economy Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Tuesday 15 July 2025.
• Adult Care and Well Being Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Wednesday 16 July 2025.
• Cabinet on Thursday 17 July 2025.
• Audit and Governance Committee on Friday 18 July 2025.
• West Mercia Police and Crime Panel on Monday 21 July 2025.
• Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board on Thursday 24 July 2025.

This week in Worcestershire:

Quarry Plan Sparks Environmental Concerns in Ripple

The Planning and Regulatory Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss a controversial proposal for a sand and gravel quarry at Ripple East, Worcestershire. While the meeting was held, no video was provided. The application by CEMEX UK Operations Ltd seeks to extract approximately 475,000 tonnes of sand and gravel over three years, raising concerns about traffic, noise, and environmental impact.

• The proposed quarry is intended as a satellite extension to Ryall House Farm Quarry, ensuring a continuous supply of materials.
• Extraction would occur in three phases, with restoration to agriculture and nature conservation.
• Ripple Parish Council recommended refusal due to adverse impacts on the local highway network, residential amenity, heritage assets, and agricultural land.
• Twyning Town Council also objected, citing adverse impacts on amenity, health, and cumulative impact.
• Councillor Martin Allen requested a report detailing the total Carbon Dioxide emissions that would be produced during the lifetime of the proposed mineral extraction including all stages of the development and decommissioning, and an economic assessment on the impact of the proposal on local businesses including The Railway Inn, Puckrup Hall Hotel / golf club and the soft fruit glass house.

The proposal highlights the tension between economic development and environmental protection, with local residents and councils voicing strong objections to the quarry's potential impact on their communities. The decision could set a precedent for future mineral extraction projects in the region.

SEND Services Face Scrutiny Over Waiting Lists and Co-Production

The Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Panel met to discuss the progress against the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Local Area Partnership Priority Action and Improvement Plan, and the performance and budget monitoring for 2024/25. The Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Panel requested updates on the CAMHS deep dive, co-production, waiting lists, and the Mello on-site provision. The panel also agreed to add home to school transport to the work program, and to schedule it in a timely manner to feed into the budget process.

• Two members of the public raised concerns about the loss of short breaks at Chadsgrove Specialist School and the quality audit of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• The panel heard that waiting lists for neurodiverse assessments remain a significant concern, despite efforts to improve timeliness.
• Councillor Stephen Foster, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Education and Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities, referred to the financial challenges facing the council, including a £604 million debt and a rising high-needs deficit.
• Hazel Shaw, co-chair of the Worcestershire Parent Care Forum, said that the critical question was whether the council would listen to what the children and young people told them.

The discussion underscores the ongoing challenges in providing adequate support for children and families with SEND, particularly in the face of financial constraints and increasing demand. The panel's scrutiny aims to ensure that the council is taking effective action to address these issues and improve outcomes for vulnerable children.

Other Matters

• The Economy Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting scheduled for Wednesday 02 July 2025 was postponed.
• The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education meeting scheduled for Thursday 03 July 2025 was postponed.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings:

• Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Monday 14 July 2025.
• Economy Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Tuesday 15 July 2025.
• Adult Care and Well Being Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Wednesday 16 July 2025.
• Cabinet on Thursday 17 July 2025.
• Audit and Governance Committee on Friday 18 July 2025.
• Council on Thursday 10 July 2025.
• Corporate Parenting Board on Tuesday 08 July 2025.