The Cabinet of Warwickshire Council met on Thursday 16 April 2026, approving the 2026-27 revenue budget, budget reduction plan, and capital programme, alongside adopting the Warwickshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy. The meeting also saw the decision to close Great Alne Primary School and the authorisation to commence procurement for the Crisis Resilience Fund.

2026-27 Service Budget Estimates

Cabinet approved the detailed 2026-27 revenue budget, the budget reduction plan, and the capital programme for each service. This includes allocating an additional £3.5 million to children's social care and £1.5 million to adult social care to address significant financial pressures anticipated for 2025-26 and 2026-27. The approval also covers movements between service revenue budgets since the budget was initially set on 17 February 2026. The decision to draw down funds from the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Reserve will be obtained from the Executive Director for Resources in consultation with the portfolio holder.

Councillor Warwick raised concerns about coping with additional in-year pressures due to inflation and interest rates, seeking assurance that the budget would be monitored tightly and that the council would be reactive. Councillor Shaw acknowledged that these pressures are national, not just specific to Warwickshire, and emphasised weekly monitoring with officers, value for money programmes, and contract reviews. He stated that while 100% savings year-on-year cannot be guaranteed, continuous monitoring and cabinet member oversight would be in place.

Councillor Cowher questioned confidence in achieving budget reductions and delivering the capital programme amidst inflationary pressures. Councillor Shaw expressed high confidence in achieving savings and finding more, with weekly cabinet discussions on potential actions. Regarding the capital programme, he assured that significant expenditures, such as the A46 project, are being closely monitored and are under control, with the A46 project expected to finish on time and potentially below budget.

Councillor Condicott noted that the 4.4% council tax rise provided more reserves than the initially considered 3.8%. He questioned the statement about the A46 project being under budget, as its specific budget was not detailed in the paperwork. He also suggested increasing income from street works, citing £75,000 extra expected from utility companies, and proposed bringing this work forward to generate income and avoid public inconvenience from prolonged roadworks. Councillor Condicott also suggested remodelling forecasts to account for higher interest rates, lower migration, and higher energy costs, which could impact growth and house building rates. Councillor Shaw responded that increased migration does not automatically equate to increased income, citing national figures of significant annual costs.

Councillor Stevens sought clarification on the impact of permanent and one-off transfers to address the funding gap on previous spending areas. He also questioned the adequacy of the £11 million allocated for LGR transition, specifically whether it accounted for potential redundancy costs or recruitment costs for unexpected staff departures. Councillor Shaw explained that the £11 million is based on a single unitary authority model, split 50-50 with the county council and boroughs/districts, and that a two-unitary model would require drawing from other reserves. He confirmed that redundancy costs were covered in reports by Deloitte and Warwickshire County Council (WCC) regarding one and two unitary models, and that a single unitary authority is considered the best option for financial stability.

Councillor Boad highlighted concerns about rising diesel costs impacting fire engines, council vehicles, and contractors, noting the fire service's six-month diesel reserve. Councillor Shaw acknowledged that fuel price increases are a national issue and that government intervention, such as reducing fuel duty, is needed. He stated that the council can do little about the pricing itself.

Councillor Feeney raised concerns about third-party payments, particularly for older people's care, and the potential for providers to hand back contracts if they cannot fund domiciliary care. Councillor Sonko acknowledged this as a risk and stated that commissioning teams are meeting with providers, describing the situation as watch this space. She also mentioned that contracts may include provisions for certain uplifts.

Councillor Dixon inquired about the timeline for setting the budget and formally agreeing the compensation event figure with the contractor for the A46 project, noting it had been over four months since it was discussed in a confidential session. Councillor Shaw stated that he and Jennifer would be discussing this, with no set dates yet, but updates would be provided.

The Performance Management Framework 2026/27

Cabinet was asked to review and comment on the Key Business Measures (KBMs) for the 2026-27 Performance Management Framework and agree them in principle. The framework will replace Warwickshire's outcomes measures with the national Local Outcomes Framework as government measures are released. The updated framework includes 98 KBMs, an increase from 66, with 28 new measures.

Councillor McAllister questioned the reported numbers of KBMs, stating they counted 92 in total, with discrepancies in existing, reworded, and new measures. Councillor Bannister defended the figures provided by officers and suggested that delaying the decision based on such minor discrepancies would be a waste of time. He asked Councillor McAllister to identify what was missing, to which Councillor McAllister responded that it was the council's responsibility to ensure accuracy.

Councillor Condicott raised concerns about the even distribution of performance measures across the county, citing electric charging points being concentrated in Warwick with few in Nuneaton. He also highlighted the absence of data on road traffic fatalities and serious injuries, suggesting this should be a primary measure for road safety schemes, noting Wales's 25% reduction in such incidents.

Councillor Stevens requested visibility on the benchmarks and targets against which performance would be measured. Councillor Bannister stated they would provide this information.

Councillor Feeney sought clarification on whether Warwickshire County Council is the collecting authority for lower-tier authorities regarding housing statistics, which are referenced in the document. Councillor Bannister confirmed that they are not. She also welcomed the inclusion of KBMs measuring outcomes for young children, recognising the importance of addressing disparities from an early stage.

Councillor Boad reiterated concerns about the numerical discrepancies and requested an explanation. Councillor Bannister acknowledged the point about geographically based data, such as electric charging points and pothole repairs, and agreed that specific data from different districts and boroughs would be important.

Councillor Curtis echoed the sentiment that the KBM for actual injuries and deaths on roads is missing, emphasizing that this is the most critical measure.

Councillor Dixon asked which KBMs would specifically enable the council to judge progress in addressing child poverty, following a council motion calling for a strategy. Councillor Bannister pointed to Happy, healthy and safe children on page 68 but acknowledged that a more detailed assessment of specific KBMs related to child poverty would be taken away.

Councillor Edwards raised the risk of focusing on KBMs rather than underlying problems, using road safety as an example. He questioned how qualitative information, such as public perception of danger, would be captured and used to explain value to taxpayers. Councillor Bannister assured that data would be examined more specifically to ensure effectiveness and avoid wasting resources.

Cabinet agreed to the recommendations.

Great Alne Primary School

Cabinet made the final decision to close Great Alne Primary School from 31 August 2026, subject to the revocation of the current Direct Academy Order. Councillor Wayne Briggs, Portfolio Holder for Education, acknowledged the significance of the decision and committed to supporting families in finding alternative school places, ensuring no child would be left without one. The decision was based on educational viability, financial sustainability, and local place sufficiency.

Councillor Norris argued that closing a local village primary school should be a last resort. He highlighted that other primary schools in the area are full, leaving Great Alne as the only school with spare capacity. He noted that the next closest school, Wilmcote, is six miles away, necessitating bussing children at council expense. Councillor Norris also pointed out that the school was full with over 100 children just four or five years ago and suggested that with requisite resources, it could regain that position. He also raised the unknown impact of the South Yorkshire local plan, which could include proposals for 6,500 new homes in Wilmcote, potentially increasing demand for school places. He requested a reprieve of one to two years for Great Alne to assess the local plan's impact and to boost the school's numbers, noting a recent positive Ofsted report.

Councillor Briggs responded that the decision was a last resort and that pupil numbers were falling before the low Ofsted rating. He stated that while the Ofsted grade had improved, other schools in the area had better ratings. Regarding the Stratford plan, he noted that any fruition could be years away due to planning and building delays, and that school resources might be better allocated elsewhere. He also explained that a decision needed to be made to provide support to the nine children and four teachers at the school.

Councillor Norris then asked for a commitment that the school site would be retained for educational or community use in Ulverstone. Councillor Briggs could not provide a commitment due to legal reasons and the lack of concrete plans for the site, stating that a decision on closure was needed before the process of exploring future use could begin.

Cabinet agreed to the recommendations.

Crisis Resilience Fund

Cabinet authorised the Executive Director for Resources, in consultation with Councillor Michael Bannister, to commence a procurement process for the Crisis Payment, Housing Payment, Resilience Services, and Community Coordination strands of the Crisis Resilience Fund (CRF) for the period 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029. The fund, which replaces the Household Support Fund, has a different criteria set by the government and is ring-fenced. Cabinet also authorised the Executive Director for Resources to finalise and submit the statutory delivery plan to the Department for Work and Pensions by 1 July, including annual updates, and to take all necessary steps to implement the CRF delivery model.

Councillor Jonathan Chilvers welcomed the emphasis on resilience and longer-term solutions but acknowledged the short timescale given by central government. He proposed setting aside a small amount of money for a grant process this year to enable local community groups to provide immediate support, such as warm hubs, before the tender process is completed. Councillor Bannister stated that past funded groups would be addressed, and if their activities fit the CRF strategy, they would be supported through the interim period until the June determination.

Councillor Warwick welcomed the commitment to fill the gap during the interim period and noted Warwickshire's identification as an oil-dependent county, which would receive additional grant funding. He highlighted the plight of households using oil for heating, who are not protected by price caps and are facing significantly increased bills. He expressed hope for agile use of the CRF funds to address this issue.

Councillor Stevens echoed Councillor Warwick's concerns about fuel oil dependency in rural areas and inquired if the council had plans for a collective buying scheme for heating oil for residents. Councillor Bannister confirmed that the fund is for residents and that a collective buying scheme is something that can be explored.

Councillor Dixon expressed concern that the tender process might favour larger national providers over local organisations with demonstrable local relationships and trust. He suggested that tender specifications should ensure weight is given to bidders with local connections. Councillor Bannister agreed, stating the intention to keep the process local and that organisations like Wekava and Citizens Advice Bureaux, which the council already supports financially, would have opportunities to receive more funding. He indicated that the monetary sector is seen as the best delivery model to maximise funds for those in need.

Councillor Curtis, representing a rural division, highlighted that the current fuel crisis affects households relying on bottled gas and solid fuel, not just oil. He requested that Cabinet be mindful of this broader issue. A small working party on this matter was mentioned, and the information would be passed on.

Councillor Condicott suggested that opportunities should be explored to help people transition to renewable heating systems, such as air source heat pumps, to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and avoid future price traps. Councillor Bannister noted the significant cost of renewable energy systems and the council's current financial constraints. Councillor Condicott clarified that he was suggesting loans and assistance rather than direct funding for such transitions. Councillor Edwards shared his experience of changing his bottled gas system, noting that the cost had decreased and could be recouped quickly with current oil prices.

Cabinet agreed to the recommendations.

Establishing a cross-party working group to review Councillors' Grant Fund priorities

Cabinet approved the establishment of a cross-party member working group to review the Councillor Grant Fund. Councillor Michael Bannister, Portfolio Holder for Customer and Localities, highlighted that the fund, which has £8,000 available per councillor, often receives more applications than available funds, leading to difficult decisions. He also noted the administrative costs associated with two annual application rounds and concerns about some organisations making multiple applications for large sums, which may have moved away from the fund's original purpose. The review will aim to ensure the fund remains fair, accessible, and delivers value for money.

Councillor Boad supported the review, acknowledging the challenges faced by new councillors in making decisions about organisations they may not know. She expressed a slight concern about a single round of funding, fearing it might force the money to be given to groups that might not be ideal if the funds are not fully allocated. She also noted that multiple bids from the same group can occur for various reasons, including specific project bids. She urged for the review to be conducted quickly to allow organisations to plan for summer applications.

Councillor Chilvers agreed with the need for minor administrative tweaks and supported moving to a single round of funding, with a limit on multiple applications. He advocated for a simple application form and a swift, efficient review process.

Councillor Warwick also supported the review, emphasizing the significant impact of relatively small grants from the fund in enabling communities to run warm hubs, purchase defibrillators, and support village halls. He welcomed the review and stressed that the scheme should remain in place, with ward councillors best placed to identify local needs.

Councillor Feeney welcomed the report and noted that a cumbersome grant form had been addressed previously. She rarely reaches a second round of funding due to demand outstripping supply. She commended the collaborative approach taken in Rugby, where councillors jointly fund projects, and suggested this model be considered. She also praised the work of officers in supporting this process.

Cabinet agreed to the recommendation.

Warwickshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy

Cabinet adopted the Warwickshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), which aims to reverse biodiversity loss, restore habitats, and strengthen the natural environment. Councillor Darren Cheshire, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Heritage and Culture, stated that the strategy provides a practical, locally grounded framework with benefits for both people and places. He highlighted that residents, organisations, and stakeholders were consulted, showing strong support for the strategy's priorities, including habitat restoration, species recovery, water resilience, improved green and blue spaces, and stronger community connections with nature. He also emphasised the risks of inaction, such as further environmental decline and missed funding opportunities.

Councillor Stevens sought clarification on the financial implications, specifically whether the £135,000 grant for 2025-26 had already been received. Councillor Cheshire confirmed it had been provided, but a similar grant for subsequent years was expected without a confirmed timescale.

Councillor Condicott expressed strong support for nature recovery across all of Warwickshire, not just in more affluent areas. He highlighted the significant development in Nuneaton and Bedworth and the impact on nature, particularly the River Anker, citing pollution from sewage, mink, and silt. He stressed the need for the strategy to include urban areas and for investment in individual areas, noting the lack of a country park in Nuneaton. He expressed a desire to see otters return to the River Anker.

Councillor Warwick welcomed the report and mentioned the River Anker running through his divisions. He expressed concern about proposed housing development near the river and welcomed the reopening of a wetland reserve in his village, crediting volunteers and officer David Lowe for his national recognition in nature recovery work. He invited the Leader to the wetland reopening.

Councillor Cheshire reiterated the importance of looking at rivers across Warwickshire, mentioning the cross-party working group's focus on cleaning up rivers and addressing flooding and pollutants.

Councillor Feeney echoed the need for action beyond green, leafy areas and commended the Borough Council's partnership with the University of Birmingham on a river champions scheme for the Avon, Swift, and Sal Brook to identify and remove pollutants.

Councillor Dixon welcomed the LNRS, noting its relevance for future local government structures. He raised concerns about the environmental damage caused by HS2 earthworks and inquired about the extent of HS2's and its contractors' engagement in formulating the strategy. Councillor Cheshire stated that HS2 had been part of the original conversation and that details of their participation would be obtained in writing.

Cabinet agreed to the recommendations.

Reports Containing Exempt or Confidential Information

The Cabinet resolved to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the remaining items on the agenda due to the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.