The Warwickshire County Council meeting on Tuesday 17 March 2026 saw the approval of a £2.149 million refurbishment of the Pears Centre, a vital investment in children and families' services. The council also endorsed the Director of Public Health's report on the online experiences of young people and adopted a new Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2026-2031. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a motion of no confidence in the Leader, Councillor George Finch, which was ultimately defeated.

Pears Centre Refurbishment Approved

The council has approved an additional £2,149,000 to be added to the capital programme for the refurbishment of the Pears Centre. This investment, funded from the Capital Investment Fund, will transform vacant bungalows into a multi-use delivery space. The refurbished centre will include a contact centre, office space, a training centre, and alternative education facilities. One bungalow will be demolished to create additional parking. The project also includes the installation of solar panels, which are expected to offset utility costs and provide ongoing revenue reductions, with a payback period of approximately six to seven years. This refurbishment is seen as a practical and sensible investment in the Children and Families Service, aiming to bring vacant buildings back into use, improve support for vulnerable children, and create better facilities in the north of the county. Councillor Shaw, who moved the recommendation, highlighted that this aligns with the council's new property strategy, focusing on using existing assets to improve service delivery. The project is expected to achieve a full payback within six to seven years.

Director of Public Health Report on Growing Up Online Endorsed

The council has endorsed the 2025 Annual Report of the Director of Public Health, titled Growing Up Online. The report highlights the realities of growing up in the digital age, focusing on the positive and negative impacts of social media on young people's well-being. It notes that while the online world offers opportunities for learning, creativity, and social connection, it also presents significant risks, including cyberbullying, exposure to unrealistic body image ideals, misinformation, and harmful content. The report reveals that one in three 13- and 14-year-olds spend more than four hours a day online, with platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp, and gaming sites increasingly being used for grooming and radicalisation. The report sets out nine recommendations grouped into five key areas: encouraging parents to sign up to the Parent Pact, supporting families with the Cyber Safe Warwickshire checklist, strengthening pathways between schools and youth services, promoting Safer Internet Day 2026 with a focus on AI safety, and urging all partners to use social media responsibly and be alert to health misinformation tactics. Councillor Sonko-Wilport, who presented the report, highlighted the positive momentum already seen, with 170 additional parents signing up to the Parent Pact since January.

New Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy Adopted

Warwickshire County Council has adopted its new Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2026-2031. The strategy, which will be formally adopted by the Health and Wellbeing Board in May, focuses on the long-term well-being of residents and aims to support everyone in Warwickshire to live a healthy, connected, and fulfilling life. It is grounded in evidence, prioritises prevention, and recognises that improving health and wellbeing is a shared responsibility. The strategy outlines three key priorities: creating the conditions for good mental health and wellbeing, with a focus on children and young people; tackling the factors that cause poverty and drive inequalities; and supporting people to move more and eat well. The strategy has been developed with a place-based approach, considering local needs and strengths, and will be translated into detailed delivery plans by Warwickshire's three Health and Wellbeing Place Partnerships. Councillor Sonko, who presented the strategy, thanked all partners, officers, and residents who contributed to its development.

Motion of No Confidence in Leader Defeated

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Green Group's motion to remove Councillor George Finch from the office of Leader of the Council. The motion, which cited concerns about Councillor Finch's actions and behaviour as leader, including alleged attacks on officers and partner institutions, and overriding the democratic will of the council, was debated extensively. Councillor Chilvers, moving the motion, argued that Councillor Finch had fallen short of the standards expected of a leader, undermining the council and Warwickshire as a whole. He highlighted specific incidents, including alleged comments like boots on necks and overriding council votes on issues such as the 10-mile walk-to-school letter and the climate emergency.

The motion was met with strong opposition from members of the Reform UK group and the Conservative group. Councillor Finch, in his defence, stated that the motion was a political stunt by opposition parties who could not accept the democratic outcome of the May 2025 elections, where Reform UK became the largest party. He argued that his administration had provided steady, competent, and responsible leadership, passing a budget with one of the lowest council tax increases and protecting services. Many councillors spoke in the debate, with arguments focusing on Councillor Finch's leadership style, his perceived divisiveness, and the need for stability within the council.

Ultimately, the motion of no confidence was defeated with 26 votes in favour and 27 against, with two abstentions.

Support for Warwickshire Farmers Motion Approved

The council has approved a motion brought forward by Councillor Scott Cameron of the Restore Britain Group, which aims to support Warwickshire farmers, sustainable shooting, and conservation. The motion recognises the significant contribution of farming to Warwickshire's economy and food security, and the importance of protecting productive farmland from mass development. It also highlights the role of farming and gamekeeping apprenticeships in encouraging young people into rural careers and the cultural heritage of shooting, which contributes to conservation and the rural economy. The council resolved to establish a cross-party Member working group to support farmers and the rural economy, with recommendations to Cabinet covering areas such as using the rural support fund, engaging with rural communities, endorsing farmers' markets, promoting the Farm to Fork initiative, and exploring the impact of deer on road traffic collisions. An amendment from the Liberal Democrats, seeking to broaden the motion's scope beyond shooting, was defeated.

Liberal Democrat Motion on Year of Reading Approved

The council has unanimously approved the Liberal Democrat Group's motion to support the National Year of Reading in 2026. The motion acknowledges the benefits of reading for educational attainment, wellbeing, social inclusion, and economic outcomes, while noting the decline in reading for pleasure. The council commits to working with libraries, schools, community groups, and businesses to promote reading across Warwickshire. It also requests the Leader to make an official pledge online, encouraging councillors and staff to participate in activities throughout the year. Councillor Grocott, moving the motion, highlighted the importance of reading for life chances and the positive impact of libraries, noting that Warwickshire's library service already has a substantial programme planned. Councillor Bannister, Portfolio Holder for Customer and Localities, confirmed the council's strong support for libraries and detailed the extensive work already underway and planned, including award-winning initiatives like the Book Bingo programme.

Reform UK Motion Championing Farming in Warwickshire Approved

The council has unanimously approved the Reform UK Group's motion to champion farming in Warwickshire. The motion recognises farming as the backbone of the county's economy, providing jobs and food security, and acknowledges the impact of inheritance tax changes on the industry. It also highlights the unifying role of farming across Warwickshire's rural areas and the dedication of the National Farmers' Union. The council resolves to establish a cross-party Member working group to support farmers and the rural economy. This group will make recommendations to Cabinet on utilising the rural support fund, engaging with rural communities, endorsing farmers' markets, and promoting the Farm to Fork initiative. An amendment from the Liberal Democrats, which sought to broaden the motion's scope, was accepted as friendly, and a further amendment from the Conservatives regarding heating oil prices was also incorporated.

Conservative Group Motion on Potholes Approved

The council has unanimously approved the Conservative Group's motion to End the Pothole Pandemic. The motion notes the council's Amber rating for road conditions and the public's dissatisfaction, despite the council performing relatively well against peer authorities in pothole repair. It recognises the impact of exceptional weather and increased traffic on road conditions, and criticises the current administration for not yet meeting the scale of the challenge. The council resolves to review the pothole repair process and report back with a plan to improve road conditions, conduct an urgent audit of junctions between local authority roads and motorways, and call on the Leader to write to National Highways regarding necessary repairs. Councillor Warwick, moving the motion, praised the highways team for their work despite difficult circumstances. Councillor Finch, Leader of the Council, stated he would support the motion, noting that the council was still operating under the previous administration's contract for highways maintenance.

External Investigation into Confidential Information Leak Commissioned

In a late addition to the agenda, the council has agreed to commission an external investigation into the release of confidential information regarding a Member Code of Conduct investigation. The Conservative Group proposed this procedural motion, citing concerns about transparency and public confidence, and arguing that an external investigation would be more appropriate than an internal one. The motion was accepted by the chamber.

Member Question Time Addressed Key Local Issues

During Member Question Time, several important local issues were raised. Councillor Holland asked Councillor Shaw about options for the Barrack Street office block in Warwick, seeking to end the squandering of taxpayers' money on a building we haven't used for six years. Councillor Shaw agreed to arrange a meeting to discuss this. Councillor Richard Dickson questioned Councillor Finch (answered by Councillor Bannister) about actions taken regarding the Civil Society Covenant, with a supplementary question about meeting with the covenant's chair, Kate Lee. Councillor Jennifer McAllister raised concerns with Councillor Jennifer Warren about the coordination of roadworks and utility company engagement, particularly regarding newly resurfaced roads being dug up soon afterwards. Councillor McAllister also raised the issue of the Barrack Street office block redevelopment. Councillor Condor-Core questioned Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko about the closure of Whitestone Medical Centre and the scrapping of plans for a new centre in Wellington, expressing concern about future capacity and the lack of public consultation. Councillor Condor-Core also raised the issue of street lighting repairs in Oaston Road tunnels with Councillor Warren. Councillor Cameron questioned Councillor Warren about her attendance at a parish council meeting regarding traffic lights in Furlongley, and later raised concerns about road surface conditions on Coleshill High Street and Maxstoke Lane due to HS2 and increased traffic. Councillor Edwards also raised concerns about lorries using roads with weight restrictions and the need for better enforcement. Councillor Bold raised issues with the online pothole reporting system and the communication of roadworks. Councillor Warren responded to these points, assuring councillors that planned works were managed through the national street manager permitting system and that she would check her diary for the Furlongley meeting. She also confirmed that the council was working with utility companies and that the pothole reporting system and communication of roadworks were being reviewed. Councillor Briggs was questioned about school admissions for Griffin Primary School, and Councillor Warren was asked about the financial risks associated with the developer Vistry. Councillor Chilvers questioned Councillor Warren about financial responsibility for overspends on the Avon Mill project.

Meeting Adjourned for Lunch and Resumed

The meeting was adjourned for lunch at 1.06 pm and reconvened at 2.02 pm. Following the budget debate, which saw the Reform UK budget defeated and a collaborative amendment from the Liberal Democrats and Green Groups also defeated, a further amendment was presented by Councillor Shaw, proposing a 4.44% council tax increase and the retention of youth grant funding. This amendment was subsequently approved. The council then proceeded to approve the Treasury Management Strategy and Investment Strategy.

Climate Emergency Cross-Party Group Update Approved

The council has endorsed the report of the Climate Emergency Cross-Party Working Group, agreeing that its recommendations on Natural Capital and Biodiversity, Waste and Recycling, and the Economy be submitted to Cabinet for consideration. The Group has reviewed the impact of climate change on the council and residents, conducting 'deep dive' sessions on these three areas. Recommendations include increasing engagement with local councils for tree planting, expanding commercial offers at country parks while ensuring accessibility, and continuing to develop Natural Capital markets and Biodiversity Net Gain. For Waste and Recycling, the council will review the communications strategy and prepare for forthcoming national reforms. In terms of the Economy, the council will explore enhanced support for SMEs in accessing funding and investigate a renewable energy collective purchasing model for SMEs. The Group will continue its work, with a future focus on flood risk management.

Motions on Farming, Reading, and Potholes Approved

Several motions were debated and approved during the meeting. The Restore Britain Group motion supporting Warwickshire farmers, sustainable shooting, and conservation was approved. The Liberal Democrat Group motion on the Year of Reading 2026 was also unanimously approved, with the council committing to supporting the national campaign. The Reform UK Group motion championing farming in Warwickshire was approved, establishing a cross-party Member working group. Finally, the Conservative Group motion to End the Pothole Pandemic was unanimously approved, with the council resolving to review pothole repair processes, audit junctions, and call on the Leader to write to National Highways.

Urgent Business: External Investigation into Information Leak

The council has agreed to commission an external investigation into the release of confidential information regarding a Member Code of Conduct investigation. This procedural motion, brought forward by the Conservative Group, was accepted by the chamber. Councillor Warwick, seconding the motion, stated that while there would be a cost involved, it was a necessary expense for transparency and public confidence.

Meeting Extended to Address Member Questions

The council agreed to extend the meeting beyond its scheduled six-hour limit to address Member Questions, as per Standing Order 28.7. This decision was made by a show of hands, with those in favour of continuing outnumbering those against. The meeting then proceeded to Member Question Time, where councillors raised issues concerning the Barrack Street office block, the Civil Society Covenant, roadworks coordination, mobile library services, medical centre closures, street lighting, developer financial challenges, school admissions, road conditions, and the Avon Mill project.

Council Tax Increase Approved

Following extensive debate and several defeated amendments, the council has approved a 4.44% increase in council tax, along with the retention of youth grant funding. This decision came after the initial Reform UK budget proposal was defeated, and a collaborative amendment from the Liberal Democrats and Green Groups, which proposed a 4.8% council tax rise, also failed to gain sufficient support. The approved budget aims to balance lower council tax increases with the management of key risks, particularly around SEND, and represents a compromise following a lengthy budget debate. Councillor Shaw, presenting the revised proposal, stated it balanced short-term pressures with medium-term financial sustainability.