The Warwickshire County Council met to discuss a range of issues, including petitions relating to local concerns, funding for bus services, highway improvements, and a declaration of a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) emergency. Councillors also debated motions on highways and investment in walking and cycling infrastructure.

Petitions

Two petitions were presented to the council.

• Nuneaton Fire Station: Jodie Gosling, MP presented a petition signed by 1,700 residents who opposed fire reforms called Resource to Risk, citing concerns about response times and the lack of localised data. Councillor Dale Bridgewater, Portfolio Holder for Fire and Rescue, accepted the petition and said he would respond in writing.
• Church Lane Crossing, Corley: A petition was read on behalf of a resident requesting a formalised crossing place and dropped kerb on Church Lane, Corley, near the Corley Academy¹. Councillor Scott Cameron spoke in favour of the petition, emphasising the vulnerability of the students. Councillor Jennifer Warren responded, stating that the location was unlikely to meet the criteria for a puffin crossing², but officers would explore providing an informal crossing.

Warwickshire Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP)

The council approved the addition of £5.935 million in capital funding for 2025-26, received from the Department for Transport (DfT), for the delivery of prioritised capital measures from the Warwickshire Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and the Warwickshire Enhanced Partnership (EP) Scheme. Councillor Jennifer Warren, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, highlighted that the funding would support measures such as real-time information displays, bus priority measures, and bus stop improvements. Councillors discussed the importance of encouraging bus use, improving signage, and coordinating timetables. Councillor Keith Kondakor suggested integrating cycle racks at bus stops and promoting park and ride schemes. Councillor Jones raised concerns about the £3 bus fare cap, while Councillor Feeney emphasised the need for paper timetables for those not connected to the internet.

Highway Improvements - Section 278 Agreement

The council approved the addition of £6.4 million to the capital programme for highway improvements related to a development at B4113 Pickard's Way, Wilson's Lane, and Longford Road Roundabout, Exhall, Coventry. The scheme, Developer Funded Section 278 - B4113 Pickards Way Wilsons Lane Left In Left Out, includes a new signal junction and improvements to the Longford Road roundabout. Councillor Kondakor opposed the scheme due to a lack of cycle connectivity, while other councillors emphasised the benefits to Bedworth and the need to address congestion. Councillor Chilvers raised concerns about induced traffic³. Councillor Warren committed to reviewing the concerns raised about cycling provision.

Appointment of Independent Persons

The council approved the appointments set out in the Appointment of Independent Persons report to the Panel of Independent Persons required by the Localism Act 2011. Councillor Michael Bannister, Portfolio Holder for Customer and Localities, explained that the independent persons play an important role in supporting the monitoring officer when dealing with complaints against councillors. Councillors discussed the vetting process for new volunteers and the importance of diversity and inclusivity.

Notices of Motion

Highways

The council considered a motion regarding highways, but it was amended to remove the proposal for a short-term members working party. The amended motion Liberal Democrat Motion - Highways stated that the council would ensure progress in procuring key highways schemes, identify issues facing the capital programme, utilise Section 278 and 106 monies more speedily, establish future maintenance priorities, and ensure the highways function operates geographically holistically.

Investment in Warwickshire's Infrastructure

The council approved an amended motion on investment in Warwickshire's infrastructure. The amended motion Green Alteration stated that the council recognises the number of walking and cycle schemes across the county, some of which are externally funded or have had funds allocated from within the council, and that the council will bring forward a schedule of all those schemes and summarise the cost benefit analysis of each.

Child Services Referrals

The council discussed a motion regarding child services referrals. Councillor Sarah Feeney, Leader of the Labour Group, expressed concern about comments made by the Leader of the Council and sought reassurance that the council would not change its approach to child services referrals without due process and that members would not have access to operational case files. An amendment was proposed to extend the motion to all service referrals, but it was not approved. The original motion was then voted on, but it was lost.

Declaration of SEND Emergency

The council approved an amended motion declaring that the government's approach to SEND and home to school transport funding is an emergency for the sector. The amended motion Reform UK Amendment also included commitments to write to the Secretary of State for Education, engage meaningfully with families and professionals, consider prevention measures, review staffing, and ensure that the Warwickshire SEND and Inclusion Member Panel comprises members of all political groups.

Member Question Time

During question time, councillors raised issues about the impact of the cyber attack on JLR on Warwickshire, the Leamington Transformation Board, street lighting outages in Leamington Spa, HS2 road safety funding, 20 mph speed limits outside primary schools, electric vehicle pavement channels, road improvements around the Griff roundabout, and the use of AI in the council. Councillor Howard said that Warwickshire County Council officers are actively engaged in conversations that are happening locally, regionally and also nationally with regard to the ongoing situation at JLR with a particular focus on the supply chain and smaller companies who are being disproportionately affected and exploring with partners what support could be provided to help them through these difficult times.

Other Urgent Business

Councillor Richard Dixon raised the issue of the cyber attack on JLR and the need for partnership with local members of parliament.