The Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions meeting scheduled for Tuesday 21 April 2026 was set to discuss the Warwickshire County Council's potential involvement in the national School Rebuilding Programme. The report pack indicated that a decision was recommended regarding the submission of an expression of interest for this programme.

School Rebuilding Programme

The meeting was scheduled to consider the Warwickshire County Council's participation in the Department for Education's national School Rebuilding Programme. This programme aims to undertake major rebuilding and refurbishment projects at school and sixth-form college buildings across England, with buildings prioritised based on their condition. The criteria for prioritisation include specific construction types requiring replacement, the highest condition needs identified through the condition data collection (CDC) programme, severe and urgent condition needs, and risks that could cause significant harm to pupils or staff.

The report pack indicated a recommendation for the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, Councillor Stephen Shaw, to approve the submission of an expression of interest to the Department for Education. It also proposed authorising the Executive Director for Resources, Rob Powell, in consultation with the Executive Director for Children and Young People, Johnny Kyriacou, to finalise and submit this expression of interest. Furthermore, the recommendation included authorising Rob Powell to enter into any necessary agreements to receive potential funding awarded through the programme.

The report highlighted that Warwickshire County Council has 106 maintained schools, representing 42% of the school estate in the county. Officers in Property and Education were to review condition surveys to identify schools potentially meeting the programme's criteria, with the Headteachers and Governing Bodies of relevant schools to be informed of any submissions. It was noted that as 'Responsible Bodies' must submit their own nominations, the Council could only nominate its own schools, while voluntary aided schools or academy trusts would need to make their own submissions. The deadline for submissions to the Department for Education was Thursday 23 April 2026.

The report stated there were no financial implications for Warwickshire County Council in submitting the expression of interest, as any selected works would be fully funded, commissioned, and managed by the Department for Education. Similarly, environmental considerations and adherence to the 2021 Building Regulations for any selected projects would be the responsibility of the Department for Education.

The decision was considered urgent due to the complexity of the capital build projects and the need for multiple stakeholders to approve nominations, making it impossible to meet the usual publication requirements. The report cited Standing Order 18, which defines urgency where delay would seriously prejudice the council or the public interest, and stated that failure to meet submission timescales would limit funding for school capital works. The Chair of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Andy Crump, had reportedly granted consent for the urgent decision.