The Warwickshire County Council Cabinet met on Thursday 15 October 2026, approving a revised Code of Corporate Governance and noting the findings of an assurance review into libraries and public spaces. The Cabinet also supported a new phase of children's homes development and approved the procurement for Microsoft 365 licences.

Code of Corporate Governance (Update)

The Cabinet approved a revised Code of Corporate Governance, which Councillor Michael Bannister, Portfolio Holder for Resources and Internal Affairs, explained would make the Council's existing governance arrangements clearer and strengthen the explanation of how interests, gifts, and hospitality are registered. The revised code also sets out the Council's approach to consultation and co-production, connects governance to the Council plan, and strengthens references to financial monitoring, risk management, and internal quality. Councillor Bannister stated that the recommendations had no direct financial or environmental implications. The Cabinet agreed to authorise the Executive Director for Resources to make administrative updates to the code, with more substantive changes requiring member approval.

Warwickshire County Council - Assurance review of policies and processes in libraries and other public spaces

Councillor Michael Bannister presented the findings of an assurance review into libraries and other public spaces, stating that the review confirmed a professionally run library service supported by our dedicated and knowledgeable staff. The review identified opportunities to strengthen written guidance, improve consistency, and give local needs a greater role in shaping libraries. Key recommendations included making children's spaces clearly identifiable, updating guidance on sensitive topics and the positioning of displays, and providing refresher training for staff. The review also recommended strengthening the approach through community profiles for each library and building on the library's connected calendar for a more locally driven approach. Councillor Bannister emphasised that the review was not intended to ban books or censor publications.

During the discussion, Councillor David Curtis questioned where the report stated that children were being indoctrinated, to which Councillor Bannister responded by referring to photographs within the report and the administration's belief that certain displays were not appropriate in children's areas or at library entrances. Councillor George Cowcher questioned the scale of the report given the perceived quality of the existing service, while Councillor Nicki Scott asked if the composition of the review team could be considered for future impartial reviews. Councillor Darren Cheshire raised concerns about the potential for political pressure groups to influence displays, while Councillor James Crocker asked for an estimate of the opportunity cost of producing the report. Councillor Bannister responded that the review had no direct costs beyond existing staff time and that the administration was focused on implementing guidance. The Cabinet agreed to note the findings and authorise officers to progress the recommendations.

Update on the Children's Homes Strategy and Homes for children sufficiency

Councillor Wayne Briggs, Portfolio Holder for Children, Families, Education & SEND, presented an update on the Children's Homes Strategy. He sought support for a new phase of Warwickshire County Council-run children's homes, proposing the development of four additional homes between 2026 and 2030. Councillor Briggs also sought authorisation for the Executive Director for Children & Young People to progress a detailed business case and development opportunities, and to write to the Minister for Children and Families seeking improvements to Ofsted registration processes and national action on profiteering in the children's residential care market.

Councillor James Crocker questioned the administration's plans to ameliorate the £7.551 million overspend on the Council's budget attributed to children's homes and asked about the geographical spread of new investment. Councillor Briggs confirmed that budget setting was ongoing and that building more homes was intended to bring costs down in the medium and long term. Councillor Nicki Scott asked about staffing for the new homes and whether they could be considered in new developments. Councillor Briggs acknowledged staffing challenges and stated that recruitment processes had begun, with a preference for internal recruitment. He also agreed that influencing new developments would be sensible. Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko highlighted the significant cost difference between care homes and foster homes, encouraging more people to foster. Councillor James Crocker also suggested exploring the possibility of building children's care homes as part of the Council's own developments to bring costs down. Councillor Wayne Briggs announced a foster care celebration event on 4 November to encourage new foster carers. Councillor George Cowcher supported the need for more capacity and building options, suggesting that planning policy could be used to ensure care homes were included in strategic sites. Councillor Briggs confirmed that there were no agency staff in the Council's care homes, aiming for consistency for the children. The Cabinet agreed to the recommendations.

Great Alne - proposals for site

Councillor Wayne Briggs presented proposals for the former Great Alne Primary School site. The recommendation was to approve its use for specialist education provision, creating 40 specialist places for primary-aged children with Autism, Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) and/or Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Councillor Briggs explained that this would address a significant strategic need within Warwickshire's SEND system and contribute to the Council's ambition to increase specialist provision. Councillor James Crocker asked about the funding from the High Needs Block Grant, the allocation of places, and whether this would be a standalone project. Councillor Briggs confirmed discussions were ongoing with the Department for Education regarding the delivery route and that the proposal responded to an identified gap in provision within the Stratford area. Councillor Stephen Shaw questioned why it would take three years to provide the 40 places, to which Councillor Briggs responded that staff needed to be trained to a certain level and that recruiting such staff was challenging. Councillor Nicki Scott asked why the school could not remain a mainstream school with added specialist provision and inquired about the projected impact on home-to-school transport costs. Councillor Briggs stated that the school closure was due to financial non-viability and declining pupil numbers, and that the impact on transport costs was expected to be negligible. Councillor David Dixon asked for an undertaking to hold quarterly public meetings with local residents to keep them informed. Councillor Briggs agreed to discuss this with the team. Councillor George Cowcher suggested considering having a classroom for local residents as well, to share on-costs. Councillor Briggs agreed to put this to the team as part of the business case. The Cabinet agreed to approve the use of the site and noted that a capital funding allocation request would be brought to Cabinet in December 2026.

Approval to proceed with Procurement - Renewal of Microsoft 365 Licences

Councillor Michael Bannister presented a report requesting approval to commence a procurement exercise for Microsoft 365 licences, as the current agreement expires on 31 May 2027. He explained that these licences provide essential tools for the Council's day-to-day work, collaboration, information management, and cybersecurity. The indicative cost is approximately £3 million per year, an increase of £375,000 per year, reflecting Microsoft's pricing changes. Councillor Bannister moved the recommendations to approve the commencement of the procurement exercise and authorise the Executive Director for Resources to award the contract.

Councillor George Cowcher expressed concerns about being trapped into buying licence fees and questioned the Council's reliance on Microsoft. Councillor Rob Howard echoed these concerns about the cost and the lack of choice, suggesting a review of alternative operating systems. Councillor Stephen Shaw stated his questions had been answered by his colleagues. The Cabinet agreed to the recommendations.

Reports Containing Exempt or Confidential Information

The Cabinet resolved to exclude the public from the meeting for the remaining items on the agenda, as their presence would involve the disclosure of exempt information.

Exempt Minutes of the previous meeting of Cabinet

The exempt minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 10 September 2026 were agreed as an accurate record.

HR and Payroll System Contract

The Cabinet resolved that the recommendations in the exempt report be agreed.

Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) - Site Specific Business Case

The Cabinet resolved that the recommendations in the exempt report be agreed.