Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

Councillors John Cooke, Peter Gilbert, Marian Humphreys, Dale Keeling, Jack Kennaugh, Caroline Phillips, Ian Shenton, and Mejar Singh.

Councillor Tracey Drew declared an interest in item 8(1) on the agenda (Conservative Motion – Protecting British Family Farms and Preserving Rural Communities) due to her family background and parents’ landownership.

Councillor Christopher Kettle, an active farmer, declared an interest in item 8(1) on the agenda (Conservative Motion – Protecting British Family Farms and Preserving Rural Communities).

Councillor Peter Butlin declared an interest in item 8(1) on the agenda (Conservative Motion – Protecting British Family Farms and Preserving Rural Communities) as an ex-farmer with a number of family members involved in farming.

Councillor Jo Barker, coming from a farming background, declared an interest in item 8(1) on the agenda (Conservative Motion – Protecting British Family Farms and Preserving Rural Communities).

Councillor Heather Timms, a part-time farmer with family members also involved in farming, declared an interest in item 8(1) on the agenda (Conservative Motion – Protecting British Family Farms and Preserving Rural Communities).

Councillors Sarah Boad, Andy Crump, Sarah Feeney, John Holland, Sarah Millar, and Adrian Warwick declared an interest in item 4 on the agenda (Warwickshire Pension Fund Accounts 2023/24) due to their membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the meeting of Council held on 24 September 2024 were agreed as an accurate record for signing by the Chair.

(a)      Death of Former Councillor Don Jacques

The Chair announced the recent passing of former County Councillor Don Jacques, from the Conservative group, who had served as a Warwickshire County Councillor for Nuneaton St Nichols between 1993 and 1997.  The Chair stated that he had been honoured to attend the funeral and extended condolences to Mr Jacques’ family and friends.

Councillor Jeff Clarke spoke in tribute to Mr Jacques, recalling his service in the army and his career as a teacher, as well as his tenacity serving local residents as a politician.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse noted Mr Jacques had been known as “Mr Nuneaton” due to being the voice of his community and he expressed his condolences to the family.

Councillor Rob Tromans explained that Mr Jacques had been his role model, the first recipient of an aldermanship at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, and had been honoured with a BEM award.  He would be much missed.

Councillor Isobel Seccombe noted that Mr Jacques would be well-remembered and valued and that his contribution to politics had been the essence of public service; even in retirement he had been a part of his community.  

Councillor Sarah Feeney paid tributed to a pillar of his local community with an impressive record.  She suggested colleagues should follow Mr Jacques’ example and remembered him with gratitude.

(b)      Councillor Sarah Boad

The Chair informed Council that Councillor Sarah Boad had reached the milestone of serving on the County Council for 30 years.  Councillor Boad had been first elected to represent Leamington Crown division at a by-election in 1994, succeeding the late Tricia Wilson, and now represented Leamington North.

The Chair presented Councillor Sarah Boad with a certificate of long service.

Councillor Kate Rolfe applauded Councillor Boad’s achievement.

Councillor Sarah Feeney extended the Labour Group’s congratulations and gratitude for her service. 

Councillor Judy Falp reflected on the supportive relationship she had enjoyed with Councillor Boad and extended her congratulations.

Councillor Bill Gifford applauded Councillor Boad for her effectiveness as a local representative, considering her to be part of her community’s DNA.

Councillor Isobel Seccombe thanked Councillor Boad for her service.

Councillor Jonathan Chilvers thanked Councillor Boad for her approach and relentless championing of the causes close to her heart.

In response, Councillor Boad noted that her length of service extended to almost half her current age and reflected on the impact she had had since her election in 1994, commencing with preventing a Labour administration by winning the by-election (by 124 votes) and introducing baby-changing facilities at Shire Hall.  She reflected on the changing landscape of the council structure and the different financial perspective.

(c)      John Bridgeman

The Chair noted that John Bridgeman, Independent Member and longstanding Chair of the Audit & Standards Committee had retired following the last meeting of the Committee on 28 November 2025.  Noting his impressive CV, he extended best wishes to Mr Bridgeman in his future endeavours.

Councillor Bill Gifford shared his memories of working with Mr Bridgeman during the last 11.5  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1(4)

To receive any petitions submitted in accordance with the Council’s Petitions Scheme.

None.

To note any requests to speak on any item on the agenda in accordance with the Council’s Public Speaking Scheme (see note at end of the agenda).

Charles Goadby, a local farmer, was invited to speak in relation to the motion “Protecting British Family Farms and Preserving Rural Communities” (item 8.1).  Mr Goadby explained that he farmed in partnership with his brothers and father and described the history of the family business which had commenced in 1960 and, whilst it was a substantial business, they had reinvested everything into it with no other source of income or pension savings and with profit margins decreasing.  This meant when Mr Goadby Snr died, the family would be left with a large tax bill and forced to sell the land to pay the bill.  Mr Goadby informed Council that since the autumn statement, seven farmers had taken their lives and he feared his own father would join those statistics.  He believed that the changes would have the opposite effect to that planned, costing more than it would raise. He pointed to the lack of figures relating to business property relief on agriculture and questioned how a policy could be drawn up without a strong evidence base.  Mr Goadby considered the policy to be not just an attack on farming and food production but on local communities and questioned what value could be placed on the food on our plates and the service to businesses both directly and indirectly.

Adam Quinney, also a local farmer, was also invited to speak in relation to the motion “Protecting British Family Farms and Preserving Rural Communities” (item 8.1). Mr Quinney explained that the tax was unfair and whilst farmers were happy to pay their taxes, it was important for those setting policy to obtain their understanding of the business and structures from a professional source.  He advised that farming was a complex business involving multiple individuals, multiple landlords and the involvement of extended families and the change did not take account of this complexity and the choices that would now need to be made on a farmer’s death.  Mr Quinney noted his own children were now doubting their future in farming as they would not be able to invest sufficiently in the farm following the payment of the new level of inheritance tax. He therefore considered that the policy was self-defeating and he hoped the Council would support the farming community to allow ongoing investment in family businesses.

That Council

1.     Notes the Annual Audit Report of the External Auditors, attached to the report at Appendix A; and

2.     Requests that Audit and Standards Committee review the delivery of the management actions in response to the recommendations in the Annual  Audit Report.

Councillor Peter Butlin (Deputy Leader of the Council) moved the motion and introduced this report, noting the improved position since the previous year.  Councillor Christopher Kettle seconded the motion and commended the efforts of the finance team.

There being no questions or comments on the report, Councillor Butlin also thanked the finance team and looked ahead to the challenge of budget setting. 

Vote:

A vote was held. The recommendation was agreed unanimously.

Resolved:

That Council

1.         Notes the Annual Audit Report of the External Auditors, attached to the report at Appendix A; and

2.         Requests that Audit and Standards Committee review the delivery of the management actions in response to the recommendations in the Annual Audit Report.

That Council approves the Warwickshire County Council Statement of Accounts for 2023/24.

Councillor Peter Butlin (Deputy Leader of the Council) moved the motion and introduced this report, observing that it presented a comprehensive balance sheet.  Councillor Adrian Warwick seconded the motion and reserved his right to speak.

Councillor Andy Crump, noting his experience as an accountant in local government, thanked the Council’s finance officers and expressed his long-held view that local government accounting was overly complicated and in order to make the accounts understandable for the general public, the government would need to remove some of the associated bureaucracy. 

Councillor Adrian Warwick echoed thanks to the Finance team and applauded the recent appointments within the team which provided continuity and confidence.  He noted that local authorities were operating in a difficult environment, with more uncertainty following the publication of the English Devolution White Paper.  He was encouraged to see the results of some council projects but noted that change was needed in terms of the funding model in order for local authorities to meet increasing pressures.

Councillor Butlin noted comments that local government finance and accounting systems were complicated, but he welcomed the team’s efforts make them more accessible whilst working within the restrictions.  He congratulated those involved in delivering services and noted that the role of the authority was to balance the books, not make a profit.

Vote:

A vote was held. The recommendation was agreed unanimously.

Resolved:

That Council approves the Warwickshire County Council Statement of Accounts for 2023/24.

That Council approves the 2023/24 Warwickshire Pension Fund Statement of Accounts.

Councillor Christopher Kettle moved the recommendation set out in the report, particularly noting the challenging market conditions and investment challenges that had been faced to manage the portfolio in line with its mandate of paying the pensions of members and to bring the fund into surplus.  Councillor Kettle noted the government’s ‘Local Government Pension Schemes: Fit for the Future’ consultation and expressed the view that the Fund was managed by experts and should not be mandated to deliver investments for any purpose than for the benefit of its members. 

Councillor Bill Gifford seconded, also noting that the Fund was in a healthy position and expressing the view that the government could learn from local government pension schemes.

Councillor Sarah Millar thanked the Pension Fund Investment Sub-Committee members and the advisors. She also noted that the Fund was performing well and able to discharge its functions.  However, she challenged the views of Councillors Kettle and Gifford noting that the government was consulting on proposals and expressed her support for investing in projects at home and abroad that also allowed the Fund to meet its bottom line.

Councillor Kettle responded that the Fund Managers sought to generate returns to pay the pensions of the Fund members and that should be the Fund’s only mandate.  Whilst it was good to invest in opportunities in the UK, it should only be into projects that would deliver a return.  Councillor Kettle thanked the Team for their work.

Vote:

A vote was held. The recommendation was agreed unanimously.

Resolved:

That Council approves the 2023/24 Warwickshire Pension Fund Statement of Accounts.

That Council approves the 2023/24 Annual Governance Statement.

Councillor Yousef Dahmash, Portfolio Holder for Customer and Transformation, moved the motion and introduced this report, which presented the 2023/24 Annual Governance Statement for consideration by the Council.  The motion was seconded by Councillor Peter Butlin.  There were no questions or comments on the report.

Vote:

A vote was held. The recommendation was agreed unanimously.

Resolved:

That Council approves the 2023/24 Annual Governance Statement.

That Council

1.     Approves the appointment of Martyn Burke and Sandip Shergill as Independent Members of the Audit and Standards Committee; and

2.     Appoints Martyn Burke as the Chair of the Audit and Standards Committee.

Councillor Yousef Dahmash, Portfolio Holder for Customer and Transformation, introduced and moved this report and recommendation. Councillor Jo Barker seconded the motion and reserved her right to speak.

Councillor Bill Gifford shared his experience of sitting on the selection panel and his impressions of the successful candidates which he considered to be excellent choices. 

Councillor Sarah Feeney, who had also been a member of the selection panel, considered that the appointments offered an excellent balance of experience and enthusiasm and was happy to support the recommendations.

Councillor Barker strongly supported the selection panel’s recommendation to appoint two independent members which would provide an element of futureproofing.

Councillor Dahmash considered that the appointments would provide another level of robustness to the Audit & Standards Committee, and he had been reassured that the successful candidates were the right people for the role.

Vote:

A vote was held. The motion was agreed unanimously.

Resolved:

That Council

1.         Approves the appointment of Martyn Burke and Sandip Shergill as Independent Members of the Audit and Standards Committee; and

2.         Appoints Martyn Burke as the Chair of the Audit and Standards Committee.

That Council approves the addition of £3.7million to the Capital Programme in relation to the section 278 highways improvement scheme at the A452, Europa Way - Gallows Hill/Harbury Lane/Heathcote Lane Roundabout (The Asps 1D), which will be fully funded by developer contributions.

Councillor Jan Matecki, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, introduced and moved this report and recommendation. Councillor Parminder Singh Birdi seconded the motion and reserved his right to speak.

Councillor John Holland noted that development at this site had been opposed by local representatives due to the inability to produce an appropriate traffic management scheme, a decision which had been supported by the Planning Inspector but overturned by the Secretary of State.   He further noted that roundabouts presented challenges for pedestrians and, as the Local Transport Plan prioritised pedestrians, this scheme was contrary to that.  Councillor Holland did not support the recommendations.

Councillor Jonathan Chilvers also considered that the scheme was not in line with the Local Transport Plan 4, or its predecessor and did not believe this was the right scheme.  

Councillor Birdi noted that the scheme was located in his division where there had been a lot of new homes built and there needed to be a solution to the increase in traffic.  He welcomed the investment, considered that the scheme was reasonable in the circumstances and looked forward to working with the developers to deliver a scheme that worked for Warwick.

Councillor Matecki emphasised that, despite any reservations that had been expressed, there was a need to deal with the planning conditions that had been imposed.  The proposals included a ‘park and ride’ car park, a new footway and cycle way and crossing points to improve safety at the junction.

Vote:

A vote was held. The motion was agreed by a majority.

Resolved:

That Council approves the addition of £3.7million to the Capital Programme in relation to the section 278 highways improvement scheme at the A452, Europa Way - Gallows Hill/Harbury Lane/Heathcote Lane Roundabout (The Asps 1D), which will be fully funded by developer contributions.

To consider the following motions submitted by members in accordance with Standing Order 5:

This Council notes with concern the proposed changes to inheritance tax announced by the Government in the recent Autumn budget, which would see major changes to the Agricultural Property Relief (APR) regime.  

APR has been instrumental in allowing British family farms to remain intact across generations, supporting food security, sustaining rural communities, and aiding environmental stewardship.  

In Warwickshire this tax is estimated to impact over 1,700 family holdings, managing 144,400 hectares, leaving the average farming family with a tax bill of at least £240,000, which will force many to sell portions of their land or close entirely, paving the way for corporate ownership over family ownership.

The Council believes that this tax will have severe impacts for: 

1.     Food Security: British family farms are critical to ensuring a steady supply of homegrown food. The total income from farming in Warwickshire is estimated to be £57 million.

2.     Rural Community Stability: Family farms are the foundation of rural Britain, contributing to local jobs, schools, and essential services. In Warwickshire circa 4,800 work on farms with 1,000 being casual labour. 

3.     Environmental Stewardship: Farms cover approx 70% of the UK’s land, with family farms playing a leading role in nature recovery, biodiversity, and sustainable land management. Farmers in Warwickshire manage circa 6,500 hectares of farm woodland and help maintain approx 1,750 miles of public rights of way.  

This Council resolves to:  

1.     Write to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs expressing this Council’s opposition to the proposed changes to inheritance tax under the Agricultural Property Relief regime which would have a significant impact on Warwickshire’s family farms and expressing support for the introduction of an exemption for such farms

2.     Urge all Warwickshire County Councillors to stand with Britain’s family farms, to support our rural communities, and to protect the environment by voicing their concerns about the proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief and by signing such petitions as are available.

Proposer: Councillor Penny-Anne O’Donnell

Seconder: Councillor Isobel Seccombe

That Council: 

1.     Writes to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs expressing this Council’s opposition to the proposed changes to inheritance tax under the Agricultural Property Relief regime which would have a significant impact on Warwickshire’s family farms and expressing support for the introduction of an exemption for such farms; and

2.     Urges all Warwickshire County Councillors to stand with Britain’s family farms, to support our rural communities, and to protect the environment by voicing their concerns about the proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief and by signing such petitions as are available.

Councillor Penny-Anne O’Donnell moved the following motion, which was seconded by Councillor Isobel Seccombe who reserved her right to speak:

This Council notes with concern the proposed changes to inheritance tax announced by the Government in the recent Autumn budget, which would see major changes to the Agricultural Property Relief (APR) regime. 

APR has been instrumental in allowing British family farms to remain intact across generations, supporting food security, sustaining rural communities, and aiding environmental stewardship. 

In Warwickshire this tax is estimated to impact over 1,700 family holdings, managing 144,400 hectares, leaving the average farming family with a tax bill of at least £240,000, which will force many to sell portions of their land or close entirely, paving the way for corporate ownership over family ownership.

The Council believes that this tax will have severe impacts for:

1.      Food Security: British family farms are critical to ensuring a steady supply of homegrown food. The total income from farming in Warwickshire is estimated to be £57 million.

2.      Rural Community Stability: Family farms are the foundation of rural Britain, contributing to local jobs, schools, and essential services. In Warwickshire circa 4,800 work on farms with 1,000 being casual labour.

3.      Environmental Stewardship: Farms cover approx 70% of the UK’s land, with family farms playing a leading role in nature recovery, biodiversity, and sustainable land management. Farmers in Warwickshire manage circa 6,500 hectares of farm woodland and help maintain approx 1,750 miles of public rights of way. 

This Council resolves to: 

1.         Write to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs expressing this Council’s opposition to the proposed changes to inheritance tax under the Agricultural Property Relief regime which would have a significant impact on Warwickshire’s family farms and expressing support for the introduction of an exemption for such farms

2.         Urge all Warwickshire County Councillors to stand with Britain’s family farms, to support our rural communities, and to protect the environment by voicing their concerns about the proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief and by signing such petitions as are available.

In moving the Motion, Councillor O’Donnell thanked Mr Goadby and Mr Quinney for addressing the meeting during the Public Speaking session earlier on the agenda and also expressed gratitude to Nick Watt of the NFU for providing statistical information regarding the impact on Warwickshire Farmers and the regional economy. 

Debate:

During the course of the debate, several Members illustrated their support for the motion by reflecting on their own personal experience with farming and family farms, noting that farming was a poorly paid vocation and that the economics of farming was not simple.  Further comments were made as follows:

• Examples were given of farming families being asset rich but cash poor which, on the death of parents, it was claimed would leave children with a large inheritance tax bill and there would be little option but to close the farms to pay it resulting in loss of jobs.
• Farmers managed their land for future generations but  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8(1)

Council notes:

1.              Buses are the most accessible, affordable and sustainable mode of public transport;

2.              The £2 maximum single fare ticket has been fundamental to the success in growing the use of buses; 

3.              Buses are relied upon by many who don't have access to a car - to go to work and medical appointments;

4.              The work of the Bus Services Improvement Plan working group which has been in place since July 2021 and is working to improve bus services in Warwickshire;

5.              Warwickshire's successful 'Two Squid' campaign to encourage bus use via the £2 fare cap;

6.              The Government's decision to replace and increase the £2 cap on single fares from January 2025 to a £3 cap representing a 50% increase in one go.

This Council resolves that:

The Leader of the Council writes to the Prime Minister expressing the Council’s concern that the increase from £2 to £3 for a single capped fare will undermine Warwickshire's success in growing bus patronage, negatively impact disadvantaged groups in the County and have a negative effect on attempts to increase modal shift away from the car to the use of buses.

Proposer: Councillor Sarah Boad

Seconder: Councillor Jerry Roodhouse

That the Leader of the Council writes to the Prime Minister expressing the Council’s concern that the increase from £2 to £3 for a single capped fare will undermine Warwickshire's success in growing bus patronage, negatively impact disadvantaged groups in the County and have a negative effect on attempts to increase modal shift away from the car to the use of buses.

Councillor Sarah Boad moved the following motion:

Council notes:

1.         Buses are the most accessible, affordable and sustainable mode of public transport;

2.         The £2 maximum single fare ticket has been fundamental to the success in growing the use of buses;

3.         Buses are relied upon by many who don't have access to a car - to go to work and medical appointments;

4.         The work of the Bus Services Improvement Plan working group which has been in place since July 2021 and is working to improve bus services in Warwickshire;

5.         Warwickshire's successful 'Two Squid' campaign to encourage bus use via the £2 fare cap;

6.         The Government's decision to replace and increase the £2 cap on single fares from January 2025 to a £3 cap representing a 50% increase in one go.

This Council resolves that:

The Leader of the Council writes to the Prime Minister expressing the Council’s concern that the increase from £2 to £3 for a single capped fare will undermine Warwickshire's success in growing bus patronage, negatively impact disadvantaged groups in the County and have a negative effect on attempts to increase modal shift away from the car to the use of buses.

In moving the Motion, Councillor Boad talked about her passion for improving bus services and how usage had increased since the pandemic.   She wanted people to continue to use bus services but considered the 50% increase to the single fare and the fact that bus companies had to sign up to the scheme would have a detrimental impact on patronage. 

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse seconded the motion, thanking the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) Working Group for their work to improve bus patronage.  He considered that the Motion was aligned to the aims of the Local Transport Plan and modal shift.

Debate:

Some Members spoke in support of the Motion, making the following comments:

• The Motion was in the spirit of the Local Transport Plan;
• More investigation into bus franchising was encouraged although it was pointed out this was an issue for the Combined Authority;
• The bus fare cap made a difference to all travellers, particularly to pensioners who wanted to travel before 9am and car-less households who did not have a choice of transport, and the increase therefore felt like a further tax on the poorest in society;
• As a rural community, the impact of the increase on residents and the potential to exacerbate isolation was noted.

Conversely, there were also points made in opposition to the motion:

• Extra funding had been received from the government to support bus improvement which removed the need to write to the Prime Minister;
• Prior to the introduction of the cap, single bus fares on some routes were greater than the single fare cap and it therefore still made financial sense;

Councillor Boad thanked Members for the debate and, echoed comments regarding the limited transport options of some residents and the potential to alleviate isolation.  She expressed her view that it was important to take  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8(2)

This Council notes that the Government has announced an additional allocation of £8.9 million (comprising capital and revenue) to Warwickshire in support of the county’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Warwickshire County Council strongly believes that local bus services are vital to the wellbeing of residents across the county, particularly those who have no access to their own private transport.  Bus services are vital as a means to travel to work, school, appointments, shops and to meet friends and family. 

This Council resolves to:

1.     re-affirm its support for the delivery of improved local transport services with residents’ needs placed at the heart of decision making.

2.     bring forward for approval at the earliest opportunity a mechanism for guiding the use of BSIP revenue funding allocations towards maintaining and improving bus services and

3.     in so far as the grant conditions allow, seek to encourage activity that   

·       promotes the resident voice in route planning  

·       influences the market to provide bus routes that link with key sites such as hospitals given the changes to the way health services are managed; and 

·       encourages sector led research into passenger safety 

Proposer: Councillor Sarah Feeney

Seconder: Councillor Sarah Millar

The Motion was lost.

Councillor Sarah Feeney moved the following motion:

This Council notes that the Government has announced an additional allocation of £8.9 million (comprising capital and revenue) to Warwickshire in support of the county’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Warwickshire County Council strongly believes that local bus services are vital to the wellbeing of residents across the county, particularly those who have no access to their own private transport.  Bus services are vital as a means to travel to work, school, appointments, shops and to meet friends and family.

This Council resolves to:

1.         re-affirm its support for the delivery of improved local transport services with residents’ needs placed at the heart of decision making.

2.         bring forward for approval at the earliest opportunity a mechanism for guiding the use of BSIP revenue funding allocations towards maintaining and improving bus services and

3.               in so far as the grant conditions allow, seek to encourage activity that  

·       promotes the resident voice in route planning 

·       influences the market to provide bus routes that link with key sites such as hospitals given the changes to the way health services are managed; and

·       encourages sector led research into passenger safety

The Motion was seconded by Councillor Sarah Millar who commented on the need to improve bus usage, noting that patronage was around three quarters of the pre-pandemic level and even a small difference in patronage would have an impact on viability.

Debate:

Some Members considered that the Motion was already being fulfilled by the work of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) Working Group and further comments were made as follows:

• More work with public sector partners was needed to provide an integrated rail-bus service.
• Some local bus services were not reliable.
• Service user consultation had been undertaken as recently as 2021, the results of which had been shared with the BSIP Working Group. 
• The source of the funding was questioned in light of other government policies impacting winter fuel, adult social care grant funding and national insurance.

Councillor Feeney welcomed comments regarding bus-rail integration and stated she would have welcomed an amendment to this effect.  However, she was disappointed by the way the Motion had been received and stated that the Motion had been brought to celebrate the bus service and ensure that routes were safe and reaching the destinations residents needed.  She added that the BSIP Working Group was made up of a small number of councillors and she considered that the motion would have given voice to a wider section of the community.

Vote:

A recorded vote was held. The results were:

For (14):

Councillors Sarah Boad, Barbara Brown, Jonathan Chilvers, Jackie D’Arcy, Tracey Drew, Judy Falp, Sarah Feeney, Jenny Fradgley, Bill Gifford, John Holland, Sarah Millar, Will Roberts, Kate Rolfe, and Jerry Roodhouse

Against (33):

Councillors Jo Barker, Richard Baxter-Payne, Brett Beetham, Margaret Bell, Parminder Singh Birdi, Peter Butlin, Jeff Clarke, Andy Crump, Piers Daniell, Clare Golby, Brian Hammersley, Dave Humphreys, Andy Jenns, Kam Kaur, Justin Kerridge, Christopher Kettle, Sue  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8(3)

A period of up to 40 minutes is allocated for questions to the Leader, Cabinet Portfolio Holders and Chairs of Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

(a)  Councillor Judy Falp asked Councillor Sue Markham the following question:

Our schools know their children and families well. So, l have no objection to Early Help and from January Child in Need being delivered in schools.

BUT we cannot expect our already stretched school staff to deliver these or schools to find funding to deliver them. Can the Portfolio Holders reassure me, our families and our schools that trained professionals for example Social workers and Family Support workers will lead on this support in schools and that if funding is needed that it does not come out of school budgets.

Councillor Markham responded that schools were not being asked to take on any additional responsibilities.  The Families First for Children pillars focussed on four areas: family help, supporting families early, strengthening multi-agency partnerships and improving family decision making.  The Council’s focus in the Families First Pathfinder was about delivering locaility based family help teams on a multi agency basis.  Schools had a clear part to play in this but were not being asked to take on any additional work.  Indeed, the changes would mean there were county council funded roles that were education support in the locality family help teams along with multi-agency professionals like domestic abuse workers, and substance misuse workers, etc. The Council was also expanding the mental health early support framework by £100,000, which was a fund that lead professionals, including schools, who were providing early support and

intervention to children and young people could access.  Therefore, the support for schools would be expanded around the early support work that would be completed with them.

(b)  Councillor Sarah Millar asked Councillor Kam Kaur the following question:

Given the Director of Public Health's recommendation in the 2022 Annual report that the Health and Wellbeing Board explores the feasibility of free school meals because children are better able to learn if they have a full stomach, what communication or encouragement has the County Council had with schools in Warwickshire about the Government's free breakfast club, launching in April 2025, with open applications for up to 750 schools to join the "early adopter" roll out?

In response, Councillor Kaur advised that all schools with primary age children were eligible to apply and they were all contacted directly by the Department for Education regarding this opportunity.  The guidance made it clear that interested schools must apply directly and neither local authorities nor academy trusts could apply on their behalf.  The Council’s engagement with schools had indicated that they were aware of the Breakfast Club initiative and the opportunity to be involved in the early adopter rollout.  Some schools were known to have submitted an application.  The Council was not aware of how long the Early Adopter Trial would last before the funding was available to all schools or funded breakfast clubs that included meal provision.  To be sure that everyone was aware of the initiative, schools had been reminded of the opportunity in the latest ‘Heads Up’ newsletter.

(c)   Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To consider any other items that the Chair considers are urgent.

None.

To consider passing the following resolution:

‘That members of the public be excluded from the meeting for the items mentioned below on the grounds that their presence would involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972’.

Resolved:

That members of the public be excluded from the meeting for the remaining item of business on the grounds that their presence would involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of Part 1 of the Local Government Act 1972.

The recommendations as set out in the exempt report were agreed.

Councillor Jan Matecki, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, introduced this exempt report which provided an update on the A46 Stoneleigh Junction project.

Vote:

A vote was held. The recommendation was agreed by a majority.

Resolved:

The recommendations as set out in the exempt report were agreed.