The Resources and Fire and Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Warwickshire County Council met on Wednesday 1 July 2026. The committee discussed a proposed review of library services and public open spaces, ultimately voting to recommend that the review be cross-party and have clearly defined terms of reference. The committee also reviewed the Treasury Management and Investment Outturn Report for 2526 and the year-end integrated performance report for the same period.

Review of Libraries and Public Open Spaces

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the proposed review of Warwickshire's library services and public open spaces. Numerous members of the public and councillors expressed concerns about the necessity and scope of the review, with many arguing that it was not evidence-based and could be a distraction from more pressing issues. Concerns were raised about the potential for political interference and the impact on the professional judgment of librarians.

Several recommendations were put forward by Councillor Brown, which were debated and voted upon:

• Recommendation 1: That the OSC ask the portfolio holder to cancel the proposed assurance review of Warwickshire libraries and other public spaces. This recommendation was defeated.
• Recommendation 2: In the event that any review proceeds, it should be limited to the statutory public library service, with references to other public spaces removed unless specific evidence of concern is identified and presented to the committee. This recommendation was carried.
• Recommendation 3: That any review be cross-party, rather than a Cabinet review, to examine policies and processes governing the selection, display, and withdrawal of stock and events in Warwickshire libraries and other public spaces, reporting its findings to the committee and making them available to the Cabinet. This recommendation was carried.
• Recommendation 4: Proposed by Councillor Feeney and seconded by Councillor Condicott, this recommendation called for the terms of reference for any review to be reconsidered and clearly spelled out. This recommendation was carried.

Councillor Bannister, the portfolio holder, defended the proposed review, stating that it was not about banning books but about ensuring policies and governance arrangements were sufficient. He emphasised that the review would be evidence-based and that professional library staff would be involved. He also addressed concerns about the scope, clarifying that the review would apply only to Warwickshire County Council libraries.

Treasury Management and Investment Outturn Report

Chris Norton, Head of Investments, Audit and Insurance, presented the Treasury Management and Non-Treasury Investment Financial Outturn Report for 2526. The report detailed the council's treasury activities, including managing cash and making investments. Treasury rates of return were noted as being slightly lower than the previous year but remained stable despite market volatility. Cash balances had reduced, partly due to a strategy to borrow internally and partly due to the SEND deficit. The report also highlighted drawdowns from the Property and Infrastructure Fund and the Local Communities Enterprise Fund.

Councillor Condicott raised concerns about the pace of housing development, noting that only £9 million of the £23 million available to the property development group had been lent. He advocated for greater efforts to lend out the remaining funds from the local community investment fund, highlighting its potential to create jobs and generate returns. Councillor Rob Rose cautioned against rushing to lend money, emphasising the importance of lending to the right businesses to avoid losses.

Councillor Feeney inquired about the stability of Educator, the council's wholly-owned catering subsidiary, in light of potential school meal reforms. Councillor Harris raised concerns about the proposed increase in external borrowing and its potential impact on revenue costs and the availability of funds for other areas. A minor typo in the name of a company in Table 6 of the report was also noted.

Year-End Integrated Performance Report

Mr. Cusack presented the year-end integrated performance report for 2526, providing a snapshot of performance across resources and fire and rescue services against the Council Plan and performance management framework. The report indicated improved performance throughout the year, with 86% of the Council Delivery Plan activity and 72% of key performance measures achieved or on track. Strengths were noted in fire and rescue, with improvements in response times and fire safety activity. However, challenges remained in elements of the capital programme and workforce pressures, such as sickness. Financially, the position was reported as stable, with an overall underspend and savings targets met.

Councillor Condicott questioned the data on road casualties, suggesting that a significant portion might be due to traffic passing through the county rather than local residents. Councillor Feeney inquired about the geographical distribution of fire appliance availability, and it was clarified that the pressure point was on-call nights, with recruitment efforts underway to address this. Councillor Sweeney raised concerns about the low percentage of the controllable capital programme delivered, and it was explained that this was due to planning delays and timing issues, with efforts underway to improve delivery.

Councillor Curtis highlighted cyber attack as the highest strategic risk and inquired about additional training for members. Councillor Vini expressed concern about the risk of a safe environment not being sustained.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed the work programme, noting standard items for future meetings, including the annual library performance report, the annual feedback report for 25-26, and Q1 integrated performance and treasury management update reports. Councillor Condicott suggested a briefing note on the fire service's summer performance, particularly regarding anti-arson efforts, to be provided twice a year.

The meeting concluded with a resolution to exclude the press and public from the remaining items on the agenda due to the potential disclosure of exempt information.