The Warwickshire County Council has decided to support climate change emergency, improve local transport, and keep children in care close to home.

URL: https://democracy.warwickshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1055

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: (1)      Green Motion - Supporting Climate Change Emergency in Warwickshire   At a meeting of the Warwickshire County Council on Thursday 25 July 2019, Warwickshire County Council unanimously declared a climate change emergency.    This newly formed Council should move forward in a pragmatic manner, securing a greener future, promoting energy security whilst always considering the cost impact on consumers and business in Warwickshire.   This Council recognises:   1.     The declaration of the climate emergency by Warwickshire County Council on 25th July 2019 which was voted for unanimously. 2.     That scientific evidence clearly states climate change is happening and impacts the lives of Warwickshire residents including through increased risk of events such as flooding as highlighted by Warwickshire Fire Service. 3.     The importance of supporting the green economy which brings investment, jobs and skills to Warwickshire, and helps to reduce residents’ bills, helps make the UK a world leader in clean energy generation and contributes towards giving the UK sovereignty over its energy security.   This Council resolves to:   1.     Continue to recognise the climate emergency unanimously declared in 2019 by Warwickshire County Council; 2.     Continue to explore opportunities for flood protection schemes for residents and energy efficiency measures which save the Council, schools and residents money; 3.     Re-establish the climate cross-party working group to review and update the impact of climate change on the council and the residents of Warwickshire, reporting back no later than 6 months from its first meeting; 4.     Continue to explore constructing new Warwickshire County Council buildings to be carbon neutral; and 5.     To ensure that the supply of green energy hardware is not from sources using slave, child or exploitive labour.     (2)      Liberal Democrat Motion – Local Transport   This Council notes:   1.     The Government’s June 2025 Spending Review confirmed a £2.3 billion investment in local transport through the Local Transport Grant (LTG), of which, the funding for Warwickshire over the four year period 2026/27 to 2029/30 will total £66 million. 2.     The Government Spending Review 2025 states also that local leaders can choose to support schemes in line with local priorities for transport maintenance and enhancements, including improving public transport and making our streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. 3.     The announcement in the Spending Review of an extension in the £3 National Bus Fare Cap until March 2027 which will help reduce the cost of everyday journeys for working residents in all parts of Warwickshire.   This Council believes that practical action to encourage and enable more use of (i) public transport, by bus and train, and (ii) active travel schemes, through walking and cycling, will help residents in all parts of Warwickshire to improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing, boost local economic growth and reduce carbon emissions in Warwickshire.   This Council therefore reaffirms its commitment to:   1.     The Local Transport Plan (LTP4), approved by Full Council in July 2023, which prioritises active travel at the top of Warwickshire’s transport hierarchy; 2.     The Warwickshire Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), approved by Cabinet in February 2024; 3.     The Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and Warwickshire Enhanced Partnership (EP), approved by Cabinet in May 2024 for a two year period from 2024/25 to 2025/26 and the additional funding for 2025/26 approved by Cabinet in July 2025; 4.     The Warwickshire Rail Strategy 2019-2034, approved by Council in July 2020 which outlines service enhancements across the county’s rail network; and Requests the Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning to bring forward updated plans to the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee by no later than December 2025 setting out how Warwickshire’s LTG allocation will be utilised.     (3)      Labour Motion - Keeping Children in Care Close to Home   This Council recognises: ·       The importance of stability, continuity, and connection for children and young people in care. ·       That being placed far from home can disrupt education, friendships, cultural identity, and emotional wellbeing. ·       That proximity to family, friends, and familiar surroundings can significantly improve outcomes for children in care, including mental health, educational attainment, and long-term stability.  ·       That the Children Act 1989 and subsequent statutory guidance emphasise the duty of local authorities to place children within their local area wherever possible. ·       That national data shows a significant proportion of looked-after children are placed outside their home local authority, often due to placement shortages. ·       That children placed far from home are more likely to experience multiple placement moves, school disruption, and reduced contact with family.   This Council believes: ·       That every child in care deserves the opportunity to grow up in a setting that maintains their connection to their community and family, unless it is clearly not in their best interests. ·       That local authorities must be supported and resourced to develop sufficient, high-quality local placements to meet the needs of children in care.   This Council resolves to: 1.     Commit to a “Close to Home” principle, that works towards ensuring that children in care are placed as near as possible to their family, school, and community, unless safeguarding concerns, or specific needs dictate otherwise. 2.     Subject to available funding, review and seek to expand local placement capacity, including fostering, residential, and kinship care options, to reduce reliance on out-of-area placements.? Engage with all providers to encourage homes in Warwickshire. 3.     Continue to work collaboratively with regional partners to develop a shared placement strategy that prioritises proximity and continuity for children. 4.     Publish annual data on the number and proportion of children placed out of area, with a plan to reduce this over time. 5.     Involve children in care and care leavers in shaping placement policies and decisions, ensuring their voices and preferences are considered.  

Date of Decision: July 22, 2025