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Worcestershire Council: Governance Concerns, Digital Divide & More

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  • Councillor Matt Jenkins raised concerns about the guide being out of date due to climate change, and Head of Planning and Transport Planning Emily Barker responded that there is a need for standardisation, but that the guide can be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:

  1. The Streetscape Design Guide sets the standards and expectations for technical issues such as street hierarchy, space allocation, active travel and parking. ↩

Worcestershire: School Places, County Hall Future, EV Charging

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:

Worcs quarry plan sparks concern, SEND services scrutinised

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:

Worcs Council Overspend Sparks Row, Pension Fund Reviewed

This week in Worcestershire:

Irresponsible Spending Claims Spark Debate as Council Faces £6.2 Million Overspend

Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet met on Thursday to discuss the financial performance of 2024/25, but a comment about irresponsible spending by the previous administration ignited a fiery debate among councillors. The Cabinet ultimately endorsed the financial performance report, which revealed a £6.2 million overspend on a £433 million net revenue budget.

  • Councillor David Taylor, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for One Worcestershire, attributed the overspend to severe financial strain on social care services and home-to-school transport, blaming the previous administration's irresponsible spending.
  • Councillor Kent challenged this claim, demanding specific details of the alleged irresponsible spending, particularly in areas like adult and children's social care and home-to-school transport where overspends occurred.
  • Councillor Hardman defended the adult social care budget, arguing that the £3.7 million overspend was an outstanding performance given the difficulty in predicting service pressures.

Phil Rook, Chief Finance Officer, highlighted that the council delivered £27.6 million of its £37.2 million savings programme, but also expressed concern over the £98.2 million high needs deficit. The debate underscores the challenges the council faces in balancing its budget while meeting the needs of vulnerable residents.

Pension Fund Accounts and Stewardship Code Compliance Under Review

The Worcestershire Council Pension Committee convened on Tuesday to examine the unaudited annual accounts for the Worcestershire Pension Fund and the fund's compliance with the UK Stewardship Code. The Pensions Committee also discussed the fund's business plan and risk register.

  • The committee was expected to review the unaudited Pension Fund Annual Accounts for 2024/25, which showed net assets valued at £4.016 billion as of 31 March 2025.
  • The committee was also scheduled to review the fund's 2025 submission to the UK Stewardship Code1, which sets standards for responsible investment.
  • The committee was expected to review the Worcestershire Pension Fund Business Plan as of May 2025 and approve an AVC review to be undertaken.

The meeting agenda included updates on governance, training, and future planning, as well as confidential discussions on pension investments and valuations.

Independent Member Appointment Discussed Behind Closed Doors

The West Mercia Police and Crime Panel - Independent Member Appointment Panel met on Tuesday to discuss the appointment of a lay independent co-opted member. The West Mercia Police and Crime Panel - Independent Member Appointment Panel excluded the public and press from a portion of the meeting, citing the need to discuss exempt information relating to individuals.

  • The panel, consisting of Councillor Barry Durkin, Councillor Liz Harvey, and Councillor Vivienne Parry, were scheduled to discuss the appointment of a lay independent co-opted member of the West Mercia Police and Crime Panel.
  • The report pack included documentation pertaining to this appointment, spanning from pages 1 to 82.
  • The Local Government Act 1972 Schedule 12A, Part 1, paragraph 1, was cited as the reason for excluding the press and public from the discussions, as it was anticipated that exempt information relating to individuals would be disclosed.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings:

  1. The UK Stewardship Code 2020 sets standards for those managing money on behalf of UK savers and pensioners. ↩

Worcestershire Council Overspends, NHS Restructure & School Deficit

This week in Worcestershire:

Council Overspends by £6.2 Million, Schools Face £98.2 Million Deficit

Worcestershire County Council faces significant financial challenges, with a £6.2 million overspend against a £433.4 million budget for the year ended 31 March 2025. The Audit and Governance Committee met to discuss the draft annual financial statements, revealing pressures in adult and children's social care and home-to-school transport.

  • The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit has ballooned to £98.2 million, largely due to unfunded Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) demand.
  • External auditors will assess whether the council has a robust plan to address the DSG deficit.
  • The committee reviewed external audit plans, including an assessment of the council's transformation projects and internal audit provision.

These financial strains could lead to cuts in essential services, impacting vulnerable residents who rely on council support. The council's ability to manage its finances effectively is under scrutiny, with auditors planning additional risk-based procedures to assess the council's arrangements for implementing transformation projects and ensuring compliance with audit standards.

NHS Faces Restructure and Redundancies Amidst Service Demands

The Health and Wellbeing Board received an update on NHS reorganisations and priorities, revealing significant changes to integrated care board management.

  • The NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) faces a target to reduce management costs by 50%, potentially leading to 150 to 200 redundancies.
  • The ICB proposes sharing management and leadership capacity with Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board while keeping the two statutory bodies separate.
  • Key priorities for the coming year include reducing waiting times, improving cancer care, and addressing ambulance waits and emergency department treatment times.

Simon Trickett, Chief Executive of Everettshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board, acknowledged the challenges but emphasized that the transition would be managed safely and pragmatically. We want to continue that journey, that direction of travel. So, I won't be willing to compromise things that make a difference for patients to hit this target.

These changes raise concerns about potential gaps in service provision and the impact on patient care. The board also discussed the Joint Forward Plan, a rolling five-year plan, and the importance of co-production with patients and the public.

Community Safety Initiatives Highlighted, Prevent Strategy Under Scrutiny

The Health and Wellbeing Board also received a community safety update, highlighting successes in domestic abuse support, drug and alcohol services, and trading standards.

  • A new community-based domestic abuse service has been commissioned to improve access to support.
  • The number of people accessing drug and alcohol services has significantly increased, with improved continuity of care for individuals leaving prison.
  • Trading standards have reintroduced closure orders for shops selling illicit tobacco or engaging in underage sales.

However, Councillor Justin Bowen, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Children and Families, raised concerns about the Prevent strategy, suggesting a review to focus on evidence-based threats and avoid over-promoting phrases like an increase in right-wing threats. Andrew Boote, Head of Safer Communities, agreed to meet with Councillor Bowen to discuss the data and terminology used in the Prevent strategy.

Pension Fund Stewardship and Risk Management Reviewed

The Pension Board met to review its business plan, risk register, governance and compliance arrangements, training programme, and stewardship code submission.

  • The board noted the Stewardship Code application for the fund, which sets standards for responsible investment.
  • The board reviewed the Worcestershire Pension Fund Business Plan, including updates on administration, national LGPS frameworks, McCloud remedy, pensions dashboard programme, and valuation 2025.
  • The board reviewed the May 2025 Worcestershire Pension Fund Risk Register, which identified 21 risks, including those related to LGPS Central partnership, government requirements for asset pooling, asset returns and liability movements, and inflation.

Waste Credit Governance Committee Assesses Energy from Waste Plant

The Waste Credit Governance Committee received a technical update on the reporting requirements for the Energy from Waste (EFW) plant in Hartlebury.

  • The committee reviewed financial ratios related to the plant's ability to service its debt.
  • The committee reviewed the risks associated with the funding provided to Mercia Waste Management.
  • The committee noted and commented on the updated work plan for 2025/2026.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings:

Recent meetings
Appointments Etc Panel

Appointments Etc Panel - Wednesday, 23rd July, 2025 10.00 am

The Appointments Etc Panel of Worcestershire Council met on 23 July 2025 to elect a chair and vice-chair, and to discuss the appointment of an Assistant Director for Child Protection and Through Care.

July 23, 2025
West Mercia Police and Crime Panel

West Mercia Police and Crime Panel - Monday, 21st July, 2025 11.00 am

The West Mercia Police and Crime Panel met to discuss the Police and Crime Commissioner's activity and police performance, budget metrics, cybercrime, and the draft annual report. The panel also reviewed and updated its work programme for the coming year.

July 21, 2025
Audit and Governance Committee

Audit and Governance Committee - Friday, 18th July, 2025 10.30 am

The Audit and Governance Committee of Worcestershire Council scheduled a meeting 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.

July 18, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Thursday, 17th July, 2025 10.00 am

Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet met to discuss secondary school place planning, options for County Hall, electric vehicle charge points, and the Treasury Management Annual Report. The Cabinet agreed to increase places at schools in Malvern to meet demand in 2026 and 2027, and authorised a feasibility study into using the County Hall site for education. They also delegated authority to award contracts for electric vehicle charge point infrastructure and supported submitting a business case to the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). Finally, the Cabinet noted and agreed to refer the Treasury Management Annual Report to the full council.

July 17, 2025
Adult Care and Well Being Overview and Scrutiny Panel

Adult Care and Well Being Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Wednesday, 16th July, 2025 10.00 am

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.

July 16, 2025
Corporate and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel POSTPONED

Corporate and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Wednesday, 16th July, 2025 10.00 am,

This meeting has been postponed.

July 16, 2025
Economy Overview and Scrutiny Panel

Economy Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 2.00 pm

The Economy Overview and Scrutiny Panel were scheduled to meet on 15 July 2025 to discuss digital infrastructure and connectivity, performance and budget monitoring, and the panel's work programme. The panel was expected to receive updates on broadband and mobile connectivity, review performance and financial information for economy-related services, and consider potential amendments to its work programme. Cabinet Members with Responsibility (CMRs) and the Assistant Director for Economy were invited to address any queries from the panel.

July 15, 2025
Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel

Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Monday, 14th July, 2025 10.00 am

The Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel met to discuss the Streetscape Design Guide, performance and budget monitoring, and the work programme for the coming year. The panel discussed the Streetscape Design Guide at length, and agreed that the Cabinet Member should ensure that the design code for Wychavon is matched up with the Streetscape Design Guide. The panel also requested further information on training for public rights of way, and data on planning applications.

July 14, 2025
Corporate and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel

Corporate and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Friday, 11th July, 2025 10.00 am

The Corporate and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel were scheduled to meet to discuss options for County Hall, review performance and budget monitoring, and consider their work programme for the coming year.

July 11, 2025
Council

Council - Thursday, 10th July, 2025 10.00 am

The Worcestershire Council meeting included discussion of the Malvern Hills Bill, the revised capital programme, and a summary of decisions taken by the Audit and Governance Committee, the Pensions Committee, and the Planning and Regulatory Committee. Councillors were also scheduled to discuss several notices of motion and answer questions.

July 10, 2025
Upcoming meetings
Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board

Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board - Thursday, 24th July, 2025 10.00 am

July 24, 2025
Standards and Ethics Committee

Standards and Ethics Committee - Monday, 28th July, 2025 10.00 am

July 28, 2025
Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

+, Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 30th July, 2025 10.00 am

July 30, 2025