The Cabinet of Warwickshire Council met on Monday 11 May 2026. The meeting agenda included discussions on the Council Plan, additions to the Education Capital Programme, and the Better Care Fund Plan.

Recalibrating Warwickshire – Council Plan 2026-30

The Cabinet discussed the Council Plan 2026-30, titled Recalibrating Warwickshire, for onward consideration by the full Council. This plan outlines the strategic direction for the Council over the next four years, acknowledging anticipated changes with local government reorganisation. Councillor George Finch, Leader of the Council, stated the plan's aims to prioritise residents, scrutinise council spending, support those in need, and build stronger communities.

During the discussion, Councillor Jonathan Chilvers expressed concern that the plan did not sufficiently address climate change. Councillor Adrian Warwick raised questions about the low number of responses to the public engagement exercise for the plan. Councillor David Curtis noted the removal of Environment from the Vibrant Places, Safe Communities and Environment focus area without further consultation. Councillor Stephen Shaw, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, defended the plan, highlighting a focus on flood defence and energy bill reduction through various means, and a commitment to low tax, low spend.

Councillor Michael Bannister, Portfolio Holder for Customer and Localities, acknowledged the disappointing level of public engagement and stated the Council would explore ways to improve it. He also confirmed the plan's grounding in delivery, accountability, and value for money, with an emphasis on practical delivery and frontline services. Councillor George Cowcher questioned the financial statement's reliance on borrowing and council tax rises in contrast to the stated aim of improving services. Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, responded by highlighting the Council's commitment to transparency regarding financial situations and noted the Council had proposed the lowest council tax increase compared to other parties.

Additions to the Education Capital Programme 2026/2027

Cabinet considered several additions to the Education Capital Programme for 2026/2027, totalling £1.662 million. Councillor Wayne Briggs, Portfolio Holder for Education, presented proposals for disability access adaptations, safeguarding and security works, nursery provision at Burton Green C of E Academy, improvements at Bilton School, and increased places at Brook School.

Councillor Adrian Warwick welcomed the works, particularly those in Rugby, but raised concerns about traffic management at Brook School and questioned a perceived discrepancy in funding for accessibility works compared to the previous administration. Councillor Briggs committed to providing further detail. Councillor Lorraine Grocott asked about the fencing programme, including the number of schools to be addressed and the prioritisation methodology, and inquired about the ongoing revenue implications for new places at Ashlawn School. Councillor Briggs assured that traffic management is a standard consideration for new school projects and committed to investigating the revenue implications and funding sources for Ashlawn School.

Councillor Grocott also raised concerns about potential traffic disruption from increased places at Brook School and asked about the payback period for identified savings. Councillor Briggs agreed to provide further information. Councillor Grocott further questioned whether developers could reclaim funding before it was spent, to which Councillor Briggs stated he would investigate. Councillor Richard Dickson asked for clarification on the statement that new build elements will be fossil fuel free where possible, and Councillor Briggs explained this related to incorporating sustainable power sources like solar panels.

Better Care Fund Plan 2026/27

Cabinet considered the Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan for 2026/27 for recommendation to the Health and Wellbeing Board. Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, presented the report, outlining that the BCF is a critical enabler for managing adult social care demand, bringing significant funding to the council and Integrated Care Board (ICB). The plan largely rolls over existing schemes with technical budget adjustments for inflation.

Councillor Sarah Woodhouse noted the plan was coming to the Health and Wellbeing Board and sought assurances regarding Disabled Facility Grants (DFG) in Rugby, which appeared to be the lowest in Warwickshire according to the appendix. Councillor Sonko assured that she would investigate this matter and provide a report back.

Public Speaking

Ms. Lilia Polo-Richards addressed the Cabinet in support of the launch of an experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO) and statutory consultation for The Butts in Warwick. She spoke on behalf of residents affected by current traffic conditions and requested a clear commitment to timely progression into the statutory consultation and implementation stages. Councillor Jennifer Warren, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, acknowledged the issues and reassured residents that the Council remained committed to progressing the proposals in a lawful, practical, and evidenced-based manner.

Other Matters

The Cabinet noted the minutes of the previous meeting held on 16 April 2026. The meeting concluded with the exclusion of the public for items containing exempt or confidential information.