The Warwickshire County Council meeting on Thursday 24 September 2026 saw councillors unanimously approve a motion supporting care leavers and a motion to adopt the Debate Not Hate campaign. A significant debate also took place regarding the role of the council in planning, which resulted in a motion being carried to review its approach to planning matters.

Improving Support for Care Leavers

The council unanimously approved a motion to improve support for care leavers, following the findings of the You really are on your own review. This review highlighted the critical transition period for young people leaving care at 18, with concerning statistics on their mortality rates and mental health. The motion commits the council to ensuring care leavers in custody are identified and supported, that support is provided to young parents whose children are removed, and that lessons are learned from the deaths of care-experienced young adults. It also mandates a review of local services' response to the national review's findings, including mental health, substance misuse, and accommodation support. The council will also work with care-experienced young people to establish a way to mark the lives of those who die and reaffirm its commitment to its role as a corporate parent.

Supporting the Debate Not Hate Campaign

In a unanimous decision, the council endorsed the Local Government Association's Debate Not Hate campaign. This campaign aims to combat the rise in abuse, harassment, and intimidation directed at elected members, candidates, and council officers. The motion commits Warwickshire County Council to upholding the highest standards of civility, protecting the wellbeing of its members and staff, and setting a positive example for public discourse. This includes formally endorsing the campaign, supporting refreshed member development on the Councillor Code of Conduct, upholding a zero-tolerance approach to abuse within council settings, reviewing and communicating local support systems for reporting abuse, and writing to local MPs to advocate for stronger protections and a national action plan.

The Role of Warwickshire County Council in Planning

A motion proposed by the Conservative Group concerning the role of Warwickshire County Council in planning was carried after extensive debate and amendments. The original motion noted concerns about mandatory housing targets imposed by the UK Government, the pressure on housing land supply, and the insufficient regard for infrastructure burdens in local plan processes. It called for the council to review its approach to planning matters to ensure clarity on the implications of planning applications for public services and infrastructure.

Several amendments were proposed and debated. An amendment from the Labour Group, which sought to add public health to the council's considerations, was lost. Amendments from the Liberal Democrats, Greens, and Restore Britain groups were accepted as friendly by the proposer, Councillor Adrian Warwick. However, a further amendment from Councillor McTally, which sought to revert the motion to its original wording regarding training, was carried.

Ultimately, the substantive motion, as amended, was carried by 45 votes to 3, with 3 abstentions. This means the council will write to district and borough councils regarding the cumulative pressures on services from local plan proposals, continue to develop its approach to infrastructure stress areas, and create a standardised format for planning responses. It also commits to providing plain-English summaries of technical consultation responses and writing to districts and boroughs to update them on these steps and seek further views.

Resetting Warwickshire's Environmental Priorities

A motion by the Reform Group to repeal Warwickshire County Council's climate emergency declaration and establish a new Environment Adaptation and Climate Resilience working group was carried after an amendment by Councillor Christopher Kettle was accepted. The original motion argued that previous Net Zero commitments were no longer economically sustainable and that the council should focus on practical environmental measures like flood resilience and energy efficiency, driven by cost-of-living concerns.

The amendment, which became the substantive motion, reaffirmed the council's commitment to protecting residents from climate change impacts but stressed that policies and targets should be reviewed for affordability and deliverability, focusing on practical outcomes. It also proposed dissolving the existing Climate Emergency Cross-Party Working Group and establishing a new Environment Adaptation and Climate Resilience working group. This new group will review existing climate commitments and develop a replacement plan, reporting back to Full Council. The motion was carried by 30 votes to 19, with no abstentions.

Single-sex spaces and inclusive language in public services

A motion by the Restore Britain Group, which sought to remove non-binary and gender-neutral language from NHS literature and facilities, review council-operated single-sex facilities for compliance with the Equality Act 2010, and review council policies on terminology, was debated extensively. An amendment proposed by the Liberal Democrats, which aimed to ensure a fair and proper approach by reviewing equality impact assessments and engaging with those with lived experience, was carried by 24 votes to 19, with 2 abstentions. However, when the substantive motion, as amended, was put to a vote, it was lost by 24 votes to 22, with 2 abstentions.

Youth Justice Plan 2026 to 2029

The council unanimously approved the Warwickshire Youth Justice Strategic Plan 2026-2029. This statutory plan outlines the partnership's priorities, including serious youth violence interventions, children's physical health, support for victims, and education, training, and employment for the 16+ cohort. The plan builds on previous progress, with a focus on prevention and diversion, and a reduction in re-offending rates. The report highlighted the service's commitment to a Child First approach, restorative practice, and trauma-informed care.

Constitution Update

The council approved amendments to its Constitution. These amendments update the powers of the Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding NHS service reconfigurations, allowing them to work with NHS England and the Integrated Care Board to resolve issues and make requests for ministerial intervention if local resolution fails. Additionally, the amendments update the legislation under which the Executive Director for Communities can exercise Trading Standards functions, incorporating new powers under the Tobaccos and Vapes Act 2026 and other recent legislation.

Member Question Time

During Member Question Time, several questions were raised. Councillor John Holland questioned Councillor Stephen Shaw about the consultation process for transport provisions within the Warwick District Council Local Plan. Councillor Jerry Roodhouse asked Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko about palliative and end-of-life care support in Rugby. Councillor Keith Kondakor questioned Councillor George Finch about comments made during a Cleaning up Britain event. Councillor Sarah Feeney inquired about the progress of GDPR and Freedom of Information requests, to which Councillor Michael Bannister provided a detailed written response. Councillor Scott Cameron questioned Councillor George Finch about the value of LGA membership, and Councillor Nicki Scott asked Councillors Wayne Briggs and Darren Cheshire about plans for solar panels on school buildings and Councillor Finch about council culture and staff morale. Councillor Ben Edwards asked Councillor Finch about progress on Coventry Airport development proposals, and Councillor Richard Dickson inquired about pothole claims. Councillor Jo Barker provided an update on the transition of the Public Health Nursing Contract.

Youth Justice Plan 2026 to 2029

The Warwickshire Youth Justice Strategic Plan 2026-2029 was unanimously approved. This statutory plan outlines the partnership's priorities, including serious youth violence interventions, children's physical health, support for victims, and education, training, and employment for the 16+ cohort. The plan builds on previous progress, with a focus on prevention and diversion, and a reduction in re-offending rates. The report highlighted the service's commitment to a Child First approach, restorative practice, and trauma-informed care.

Constitution Update

The council approved amendments to its Constitution. These amendments update the powers of the Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding NHS service reconfigurations, allowing them to work with NHS England and the Integrated Care Board to resolve issues and make requests for ministerial intervention if local resolution fails. Additionally, the amendments update the legislation under which the Executive Director for Communities can exercise Trading Standards functions, incorporating new powers under the Tobaccos and Vapes Act 2026 and other recent legislation.

Notices of Motion

Rainwater Harvesting: A motion proposed by Councillor Tracey Drew to include rainwater harvesting systems in new council buildings and properties, review existing estates, and write to the Minister of State for Housing and Planning regarding developer guidance was carried. An amendment from Councillor Christopher Kettle, which became the substantive motion, reaffirmed the council's commitment to protecting residents from climate change impacts while balancing this with economic realities and focusing on practical outcomes like flood resilience and energy efficiency. This was carried by 30 votes to 19.

Improving Support for Care Leavers: This motion was unanimously approved, committing the council to enhancing support for care leavers.

The Role of Warwickshire County Council in Planning: Following extensive debate and amendments, a motion was carried by 45 votes to 3, with 3 abstentions. This motion calls for the council to write to district and borough councils regarding the cumulative pressures on services from local plan proposals, continue developing its approach to infrastructure stress areas, create a standardised format for planning responses, and provide plain-English summaries of technical consultation responses.

Supporting the Debate Not Hate Campaign: This motion was unanimously approved, endorsing the LGA's campaign to combat abuse and intimidation against public officials.

Single-sex spaces and inclusive language in public services: A motion by the Restore Britain Group was debated. An amendment from the Liberal Democrats, aiming to strengthen the motion by focusing on equality impact assessments and lived experience, was carried by 24 votes to 19. However, the substantive motion, as amended, was subsequently lost by 24 votes to 22.

Member Question Time

During Member Question Time, councillors raised questions on various topics including:

• Warwick District Council Local Plan transport provisions: Councillor John Holland questioned Councillor Stephen Shaw about the consultation process for transport provisions within the Warwick District Council Local Plan.
• Palliative and end-of-life care in Rugby: Councillor Jerry Roodhouse asked Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko about the provision of psychological and emotional support for palliative and end-of-life care in Rugby.
• Cleaning up Britain event comments: Councillor Keith Kondakor questioned Councillor George Finch about comments made during a Cleaning up Britain event.
• GDPR and Freedom of Information requests: Councillor Sarah Feeney inquired about the progress of GDPR and Freedom of Information requests, to which Councillor Michael Bannister provided a detailed written response.
• LGA Membership: Councillor Scott Cameron questioned Councillor George Finch about the value of LGA membership and the council's representation.
• Solar panels on school buildings: Councillor Nicki Scott asked Councillors Wayne Briggs and Darren Cheshire about plans to accelerate the rollout of solar panels on school buildings.
• Council culture and staff morale: Councillor Nicki Scott asked Councillor George Finch about the impact of criticism on staff morale and retention.
• Coventry Airport development proposals: Councillor Ben Edwards asked Councillor George Finch about progress on proposals associated with Coventry Airport.
• Pothole claims and road conditions: Councillor Richard Dickson inquired about the council's response to pothole claims and the condition of Warwickshire's roads.
• Public Health Nursing Contract transition: Councillor Jo Barker asked Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko for an update on the transition of the Public Health Nursing Contract.

Councillor Finch also responded to a question regarding the Coventry Airport development proposals, and Councillor Bannister provided a written response to questions about GDPR and Freedom of Information requests. Councillor Sonko confirmed she would raise palliative care concerns with the Integrated Care Board. Councillor Finch rejected criticism regarding comments made at the Cleaning up Britain event. Councillor Briggs provided assurances on energy efficiency for new school buildings.

The meeting concluded with the exclusion of the public for the discussion of exempt information relating to the A426/A4071 Avon Mill/Hunters Lane Improvements, Rugby - Capital Investment Fund Allocation.