The Cabinet of Warwickshire Council met on Thursday 16 October 2025 to discuss several key issues, including a significant highways improvement scheme in Nuneaton, proposed changes to the Home to School Transport policy, the tendering of Healthy Lifestyle Services, and the endorsement of the Warwickshire Community Safety Agreement.

S278 Developer Funded Scheme - C11 Higham Lane / Peake Avenue, Nuneaton - Middle Junction 4 Arms Roundabout

Cabinet recommended to Council the addition of £2,110,400 to the Capital Programme for 2025/2026 for highway improvements at the C11 Higham Lane/Peake Avenue junction in Nuneaton. This scheme, funded by the developer, is a condition of planning consent granted in May 2022 for a large mixed-use development at Top Farm. Councillor Keith Kondakor, the local member, raised concerns about the increased size of the proposed roundabout, arguing it was inappropriate for the location and that residents had not had sufficient opportunity to comment on the scale of the development. He requested a deferral to allow for further resident consultation and reconsideration of the roundabout's size. Councillor Jennifer Warren, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, acknowledged these concerns and agreed to explore options with officers before the decision is taken to Council.

Home to School Transport Policy Consultation

Cabinet agreed to undertake a public consultation on proposed changes to Warwickshire County Council's Children's and Young People's Travel Assistance policy, formerly known as the Home to School Transport policy. Councillor Jennifer Warren highlighted that this was a significant area of expenditure, with costs rising substantially in recent years, and that the service currently transports over 10,000 students daily. The proposed changes aim to align the policy with updated statutory guidance from the Department for Education, clarify wording, and ensure the service operates more efficiently. Councillor George Finch, Leader of the Council, emphasised that children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) would remain at the forefront of considerations and that the consultation was crucial to gather views from all stakeholders. Councillor Jennifer McAllister raised questions regarding the potential impact on SEND nursery-age children and the clarity of the consultation document, particularly concerning compulsory school age and the assessment of safe walking routes. Officers confirmed that the consultation would include specific questions on each proposed policy change and that all feedback would be considered.

Approval to Tender - Healthy Lifestyle Services (including health checks)

Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, presented a report seeking approval to commence a procurement process for a redesigned Healthy Lifestyle Service. The current contract, Fitter Futures Warwickshire, is due to end in June 2026, and a service review indicated that improvements could be made to its integrated delivery. The proposed new service will focus on a Health Coach model, combining elements such as adult weight management, physical activity, and smoking cessation, with NHS Health Checks being procured separately and directly from primary care providers to improve uptake and efficiency. Councillor Sam Jones raised concerns about the lack of specific focus on alcohol misuse within the proposals, citing a study on drug harms. Councillor Sonko assured that lifestyle assessments, including alcohol and drug use, would be covered within the health checks and agreed to investigate further provisions for alcoholism. She also explained that the new approach aimed to cut out intermediaries, leading to greater efficiency and potential savings, with an anticipated Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) saving of £95,000 from 2026/27.

Warwickshire Community Safety Agreement 2025-29

Councillor Dale Bridgewater, Portfolio Holder for Fire & Rescue and Community Safety, presented the Warwickshire Community Safety Agreement 2025-29 for endorsement. He explained that the agreement is a legal requirement under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and sets out how partner agencies will collaborate to address community safety priorities. The draft agreement was developed by the Safer Warwickshire Partnership Board and is based on strategic assessments conducted throughout 2024-25. Councillor Sarah Boad inquired about the progress of the Crime Awareness and Prevention Programme announced by the Leader. Councillor Finch stated that work was ongoing with officers and more details would be shared soon, highlighting the importance of collaboration with partners like Neighbourhood Watch and Safeline. Councillor John Holland raised the importance of enhancing the role of Town and Parish Councils and reducing overlaps in community safety provision. Councillor Kondakor commented on the rise in hate crime and issues in town centres, questioning why some preventative measures were not funded by the Police budget. Cabinet endorsed the agreement for approval by the full Council.