The Warwickshire County Council Cabinet met on Thursday 5 March 2026 to discuss and approve a new Council Plan, alongside significant investments in education and fire station facilities. Key decisions included the commencement of public engagement on the draft Council Plan 2026-30, the approval of additions to the Education Capital Programme to create new SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provision, and the allocation of funds for essential building alterations at Nuneaton and Rugby Fire Stations. The Cabinet also approved the Warwickshire Employment and Skills Strategy for 2026-2030.

Recalibrating Warwickshire - Council Plan 2026-30

Cabinet agreed to begin a public engagement process on the draft Council Plan for 2026-30, titled 'Recalibrating Warwickshire'. This plan outlines the Council's strategic direction and priorities for the next four years, reflecting the new administration's focus on residents, value for money, and practical environmental policies. The plan aims to improve services, build a better local government structure, and transform for the future. Key areas of focus include ensuring children are happy, healthy, and safe; supporting healthy, happy, and independent lives for adults; and providing educational opportunities, sufficient places, and SEND services. It also addresses economic growth, jobs, and skills, highways and transport, and vibrant places, safe communities, and the environment. The engagement period will last for four weeks, and the final plan will be presented to the full Council in May 2026.

Additions to the Education Capital Programme 2025/26

Cabinet approved the allocation of £0.321 million from the High Needs Provision Capital Allocation to establish new SEND resourced provision at three schools and increase capacity at another. This includes creating provision for up to 10 pupils with communication and interaction needs at Binley Woods Primary School, up to 8 pupils at Brownsover Community School, and up to 8 pupils at St. Oswald's CofE Primary Academy in Rugby. Additionally, two places will be added to the SEND resourced provision at Paddox Primary School in Rugby, increasing its capacity to 16. These additions aim to meet the growing demand for specialist educational support within the county.

Recommendations from Call in on Annual Education Sufficiency Update

Cabinet approved recommendations from the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the Annual Education Sufficiency Update. These recommendations include the production of sensitivity analysis data on forecasts at a local level, the organisation of District and Borough Area sufficiency workshops for elected Members, and the re-evaluation of planning areas, particularly at secondary school level. These actions are intended to provide a more nuanced understanding of school place demand and planning across the county.

Building Alterations, Nuneaton and Rugby Fire Stations

Approval was given to add £1.341 million to the capital programme, funded by the Capital Investment Fund, for building alterations at Nuneaton and Rugby Fire Stations. These essential upgrades are focused on improving staff welfare and safety, including creating individual rest areas, enhancing facilities for female firefighters, and implementing better decontamination procedures to reduce health risks for firefighters. The alterations aim to ensure the stations are fit for purpose and meet legal requirements.

Warwickshire Employment & Skills Strategy 2026-2030

Cabinet approved the Warwickshire Employment & Skills Strategy for 2026-2030. This strategy sets out the vision and priorities for developing employment and skills within the county, supported by devolved Adult Skills Funding and new government initiatives like WorkWell and Connect to Work. The strategy aims to build a future-ready workforce, create high-quality jobs, and ensure inclusive access to learning. It will be implemented through annual service plans developed in partnership with various stakeholders.

Public Speakers

During the public speaking session, Councillor Richard Dickson raised concerns about the ongoing delays and increased costs associated with the SEND facilities project at St. John's Primary School in Kenilworth. He requested a clear timetable, details of additional funding required, and a meeting with relevant parties to ensure the project's delivery.

Councillor Keith Kondakor spoke about the Annual Education Sufficiency Update, highlighting concerns about falling birth rates and the need for more accurate local-level forecasting and planning for school places, particularly in light of new housing developments.

A statement was read on behalf of Mr John Ridd, who was unable to attend. The statement raised issues concerning public safety in Nuneaton, the sewage crisis in the Pine Tree area of Bedworth, a lack of facilities at Bedworth Library, and the irony of the library being closed on World Book Day. Councillor George Finch, Leader of the Council, responded to these points, clarifying council tax increases and addressing the responsibilities of other authorities for some of the issues raised.