The Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Wednesday 22 April 2026 discussed the draft Council Plan for 2026-2030, focusing on its alignment with existing council policies and priorities. The committee also reviewed the Home to School Transport Consultation feedback, noting significant public opposition to proposed changes that would remove or narrow support for vulnerable pupils. Additionally, an update was provided on the new Warwickshire Business Growth Service, designed to support local businesses following changes in funding.

Council Plan 2026-2030

The committee reviewed the draft Council Plan for 2026-2030, a document outlining the council's strategic direction under the theme of 'Recalibrating Warwickshire'. Councillor Jonathan Chilvers, Leader of the Green Group, raised concerns about the plan's compatibility with existing council commitments, particularly regarding the climate emergency. He noted that a statement suggesting a review of previous net-zero commitments, with a view to replacing them, appeared contrary to the council's unanimous declaration of a climate emergency in the previous summer. Councillor Chilvers proposed a recommendation to Cabinet that the committee strongly recommends that Cabinet address this, and to note their concerns that the administration's actions might not align with the council's declared will. This recommendation was carried.

Further discussion on the Council Plan focused on the reduction of inequality. Councillor Chilvers expressed surprise that this was not a stronger strand within the proposed plan, despite the reform administration's stated aims. Officers highlighted that creating opportunities was included, with pilots in deprived areas like Lillington, Manchester, and Camp Hill. The committee proposed a recommendation to Cabinet to consider how the plan better reflects strategies to reduce income inequalities across the county. This recommendation was also carried.

Finally, Councillor Chilvers addressed the transport section of the plan, referencing the Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4) hierarchy which prioritises walking, cycling, and then public transport over motoring. He felt this hierarchy was not adequately reflected in the draft plan, which contained significant discussion on motoring but limited mention of cycling and walking, particularly regarding safer walking to school. A recommendation was proposed and carried for Cabinet to consider stronger inclusion of walking and a better reflection of the LTP4's transport hierarchy in the Council Plan.

Home to School Transport Consultation Feedback

The committee considered feedback from a consultation on proposed changes to the Home to School and College Transport Policy. David Ayton-Hill, Director of Transport and Economy, presented the findings, noting that the consultation, which ran from November 2025 to January 2026, received 623 responses. The feedback was mixed, with strong opposition to proposals that would remove or narrow support affecting SEND pupils, respite settings, managed moves, catchment schools, and walking routes. The strongest agreement was for proposals that formalised or clarified support around illness and exclusions.

Councillor Chilvers noted that some proposals, such as removing transport for nursery-age SEND children, were non-statutory and faced strong disagreement from respondents. He also highlighted concerns about the removal of catchment areas from eligibility criteria, with 53.1% disagreeing with this change. Councillor Stan Carvell questioned the apparent higher response rate from the south of the county compared to the north, and whether this reflected higher transport provision in the south. He also raised the possibility of means-testing for SEND pupils' transport, suggesting it might be considered for families who are more affluent.

The committee formally proposed a recommendation back to Cabinet that the committee strongly recommends Cabinet address concerns regarding the compatibility of the Council Plan with current council decisions, particularly regarding the climate emergency and the LTP4.

Economic Development Update

Isobel Woods, Head of Economy and Skills, presented an update on economic development, noting a slight rise in Warwickshire's unemployment rate to 4.4%, mirroring national trends. She highlighted the launch of the new Warwickshire Business Growth Service (WBGS), a single gateway for businesses seeking support, which has been established due to reduced funding and changes with the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub. The WBGS will offer a digital front door, telephone support, and initial triage, funded by the council's own resources and a DBT Growth Hub grant. The service will focus on key priority sectors: advanced manufacturing and automotive, digital creative and gaming, the rural economy, and the visitor economy.

David Ayton-Hill, Director of Transport and Economy, also provided an update on government policy developments relevant to transport services, including the Schools and SEND White Paper, which proposes strengthening mainstream SEND provision and potentially reducing the need for long-distance transport to specialist schools. Proposals to introduce new powers on pavement parking and obstructive parking were also mentioned, with welcomed earlier introduction of powers to address obstructive parking around schools.

Infrastructure Funding Statement 2024/25

Graham Palmer presented the Infrastructure Funding Statement for 2024/25. He reported that in the financial year, £10 million in new Section 106 agreements was secured, over £36 million was received, and over £21 million was spent on infrastructure projects. Councillor Jonathan Chilvers raised concerns about the lagginess of Section 106 agreements, citing the Harbury Lane scheme as an example where infrastructure was delivered long after homes were inhabited. He questioned the transparency of these agreements and suggested a way to reduce the gap between money secured and scheme delivery. Mr Palmer stated that all Section 106 agreements are publicly available, and he would look into including more general information on how agreements are negotiated in future reports. Councillor Chilvers also inquired about biodiversity funding, noting a significant amount (£5 million) held, and suggested increasing the scale of its disbursement. Mr Palmer explained that the spending period for biodiversity offsetting contributions is 30 years, and the ecology team plans spending over this period.

Councillor Chilvers also raised concerns about education contributions, noting a dramatic increase in requests, potentially impacting development viability. Mr Palmer explained that education contribution requests are based on school capacity, forecasted pupil generation, and DfE cost per pupil, which is updated annually. He clarified that these requests are not directly linked to the cessation of central government grant funding.

HS2 Update

Steve Smith, Director of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, provided an update on HS2 construction in Warwickshire. He noted that the project is at a peak of activity, leading to increased road closures as offline infrastructure is tied into the road network. Diversions are causing local disruption and noise. Weekend closures on the M42 and M6 are anticipated over the summer, with more details to be communicated after the election period. HS2 is also addressing issues in North Warwickshire related to spoil heaps and foul odours.

Councillor Chilvers questioned the difficulty in recovering funds for highway damage claims from HS2, with Steve Smith confirming that some responses had been received, but the process was lengthy. Councillor Chilvers also asked for a breakdown of claims and success rates, which officers agreed to circulate. Councillor Lorraine Grocott asked about the remaining balance of the £8 million HS2 Road Safety Fund and how it would be allocated. Steve Smith confirmed that all £8.045 million had been allocated and was now a matter of delivery. He also agreed to supply a list of completed cycling projects funded by the scheme.

Work Programme and Any Other Business

The committee agreed that the work programme was up-to-date. In 'Any Other Business', Richard Fenwick, Director of Highways, reported early warnings from highways contractors regarding the financial impacts of the war in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz on oil prices and material costs. He reassured members that conversations were being held with suppliers to identify mitigations. Councillor Chilvers suggested securing materials now at current prices to avoid future cost increases, a point acknowledged by officers.

The meeting concluded with thanks to officers, the public, committee members, and new portfolio holders for their contributions throughout the year.