The Cabinet of Warwickshire Council met on Thursday 4 September 2025, approving a new Flag Policy, allocating funds for Artificial Intelligence projects, and agreeing to proceed with land acquisition for road improvements in Nuneaton. The meeting also addressed financial monitoring, education capital programmes, and the re-procurement of a dementia information and advice service.

Developing a Programme of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Projects

Cabinet approved the allocation of up to £730,000 from the Council's Revenue Investment Fund to explore and deliver Artificial Intelligence (AI) projects. The decision aims to enhance service delivery through the ethical and secure introduction of AI tools. Councillor Michael Bannister, Portfolio Holder for Customer and Localities, highlighted that the Council should be at the forefront of innovation, acknowledging public anxieties about AI but stressing the need for careful guidance. The approved programme will see the Executive Director for Resources develop a prioritised pipeline of AI activity, with individual projects requiring approval before funding is drawn down. All projects are expected to deliver financial savings contributing to the Medium-Term Financial Strategy. Concerns were raised by councillors regarding accountability, transparency, and the potential for job losses, with assurances given that a cross-party working group would be considered and that the focus was on efficiency rather than cuts.

Wheat Street/ Leicester Road Nuneaton – Compulsory Purchase Order

A decision was made to authorise the Executive Director for Resources to acquire land, either by agreement or through a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), for the construction of Wheat Street and Leicester Road in Nuneaton. This acquisition is a crucial step in Nuneaton's integrated transport strategy, aimed at improving pedestrian facilities, enhancing accessibility, and optimising traffic flow. The Leader of the Council, Councillor George Finch, emphasised the importance of this work for the north of the county, noting that Nuneaton has historically lacked investment. The acquisition is contingent on planning permission being granted and funding being secured. Councillor Keith Kondakor raised concerns about the ongoing delays and suggested excluding the Wheat Street section, but the Leader referred to a previous Cabinet decision from 2020.

Flag Policy

Cabinet approved the introduction of a formal Flag Policy for Warwickshire County Council buildings. The policy dictates that the Union flag, the Cross of St George, and the County flag will be flown as standard. During Armed Forces week, the Armed Forces Covenant flag will replace the Warwickshire County Flag. Councillor Michael Bannister, Portfolio Holder for Customer and Localities, stated that the policy provides a clear and fair mechanism for other organisations to apply to the Chairman to have their flags flown, ensuring no single group dominates public space. The policy aims to restore respect for national and county symbols and promote unity. Some councillors expressed concerns about the political nature of the Chairman's role in decision-making and requested greater accountability and transparency, with Councillor Jerry Roodhouse suggesting that any decisions made by the Chairman be published in an open letter.

Additions to the Education Capital Programme 2025/26

Several schemes were approved for addition to the Education Capital Programme for 2025/26, totalling £0.700 million. These additions will provide additional Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Early Years capacity. Specifically, £0.093 million will fund a scheme at St Gabriel’s CofE Academy in Rugby, funded by developer contributions and High Needs Provision Capital Allocations. Other approved schemes include additions at Little Stars Nursery in Atherstone, Anker Bridge Nursery in Polesworth, Wellingtons Day Nursery in Rugby, and The Griffin Primary School in Rugby. Councillor Wayne Briggs, Portfolio Holder for Education, presented the report, highlighting that these additions are crucial for meeting the Council's Education Sufficiency duty.

Better Care Fund Plan 2025/26

Cabinet approved the proposed pooled contribution of £18.669 million to the Better Care Fund Plan for 2025/26, known as the Better Together programme plan. This decision allows Warwickshire County Council to enter into a section 75 agreement with the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board for the delivery of the plan. The Council will continue to act as the pooled budget holder. Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, introduced the report, emphasising the fund's role in enabling health and social care delivery. Councillor Jerry Roodhouse raised concerns about the lack of an inflationary increase and its impact on services, particularly for residents in Rugby, but Councillor Sonko indicated that future Health and Wellbeing Board presentations might offer some assurance.

Approval to Tender - Dementia Information and Advice Service

Cabinet approved the commencement of a procurement process for a new Dementia Information and Advice Service. The current contract for the service, previously known as the Dementia Navigator Service, is due to expire on 31 March 2026. Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, explained that the re-procurement aims to ensure the service continues to deliver good outcomes within the available budget, funded by the Better Care Grant. The new contract, expected to last five years, will provide a local team of specialist Dementia Advisors to support individuals and their families affected by dementia, enabling them to remain independent and reducing the need for input from other health services.

Proposed Partnership Funding Contribution to Shipston Link

A £0.100 million partnership contribution was approved for Shipston Link to support the procurement of a new, fully accessible minibus. This funding, drawn from the Warwickshire Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) Capital Funding for 2025-26, represents a 50% contribution towards the vehicle's cost. Councillor Jennifer Warren, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, presented the report, highlighting that the organisation's current minibus has travelled over 125,000 miles, leading to increasing maintenance costs. Without this funding, the service, which is vital for elderly residents in rural locations, could become unreliable and uneconomic to operate, potentially leading to social isolation and difficulties accessing essential services.

Developer Funded Section 278 - D1915 B4113 Pickards Way Wilson Lane LILO and B4113 Longford Road Roundabout, Exhall Coventry

Cabinet recommended to the Council the addition of £6,411,400 to the Capital Programme for 2025/2026 for highway improvements at the B4113 Pickard’s Way / Wilsons Lane Left In Left Out (LILO) Junction and Longford Road Roundabout in Exhall, Coventry. These improvements are funded by the developer and are necessary to enable planning consent for new dwellings and commercial floor space in Exhall to be implemented. The report, presented by Councillor Stephen Shaw on behalf of Councillor Jennifer Warren, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, noted that the Council could face legal challenges if the works were not undertaken. Councillor Keith Kondakor expressed concerns about road safety and requested that road safety audits be carried out.

Quarter 1 Integrated Performance Report 2025/26

The Cabinet reviewed the Quarter 1 Integrated Performance Report for 2025/26, which summarises organisational performance from April to June 2025 against the Council Plan's strategic priorities. Councillor Michael Bannister, Portfolio Holder for Customer and Localities, highlighted areas of good performance, including Waste Management and Recycling, the Fire & Rescue Service, and Digital Connectivity. However, the report also identified Key Performance Issues such as data on Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs), increased Home to School Transport costs, and delays in Digital Transformation programmes. The report noted the government's consultation on a new Local Government Outcomes Framework, with officers working on a consultation response and plans to update the framework for 2026/27. The report was referred to Overview and Scrutiny Committees for detailed consideration.

2025-26 Financial monitoring - Forecast position at Quarter 1

The Council's financial performance at Quarter 1 of 2025/26 was reviewed, with a forecast net service spend of £1.642m, which would need to be funded from reserves. Councillor Stephen Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, reported that while 90% of the £22m savings target was forecast to be delivered, challenges remained in Home to School Transport and Children and Families. The report also detailed a forecast controllable capital spend of £219.738m and approved a movement of £60.830m in the capital programme spend from 2025/26 into future years. Discussions also touched upon the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) overspend and the ongoing wait for government guidance on SEND reform. A proposal for a cross-party letter to the government regarding financial pressures on local authorities was supported by the Leader.

Value for Money Programme

Cabinet approved the establishment of a Council Value for Money programme to support the refresh of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). This programme aims to identify opportunities for additional savings by utilising data and insights. Councillor Stephen Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, explained that the programme is not about cuts but about making services more efficient, potentially by bringing services in-house or reviewing contracts. A public consultation on budget priorities will commence to inform the setting of the budget and MTFS. Concerns were raised by councillors about potential cuts to non-statutory services and the impact on vulnerable residents. The Leader, Councillor George Finch, stated that the Council did not have money for luxuries and that many residents disagreed with the priorities set by the previous administration.