This week in Lancashire:

Ending Corridor Care in Hospitals and Accelerating Devolution Take Centre Stage

Lancashire County Council's Full Council convened on Thursday, 16 July 2026, addressing critical issues that directly impact the health and future governance of the county. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a powerful motion condemning the practice of corridor care in hospitals and a debate on accelerating devolution for Lancashire. The council also unanimously pledged full cooperation with the statutory public inquiry into child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Urgent Action Demanded to End Corridor Care

A motion, initially proposed by Councillor Azhar Ali OBE, Leader of the Opposition, and amended through cross-party discussion, called for the urgent elimination of corridor care in Lancashire's hospitals. The practice, where patients are treated in corridors and waiting areas, was described as undignified, unsafe, and unacceptable.

Councillor Samara Barnes shared a deeply moving personal account of her mother's experience with corridor care at Royal Blackburn Hospital, which ultimately contributed to her death. She highlighted the trauma faced by both patients and staff in these conditions.

The council resolved to:

• Condemn corridor care with zero tolerance.
• Work with NHS partners through the Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board to develop an action plan to eliminate corridor care by November 2026, with quarterly progress reports.
• Arrange a cross-party meeting with Lancashire MPs to press for action.
• Write to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care demanding emergency funding, a long-term workforce plan, and reaffirming the NHS as a publicly funded and provided service.

An amendment, accepted by Councillor Ali, ensured that the motion focused on practical solutions through the Health and Wellbeing Board and removed a paragraph deemed to be adjudicating a national funding debate. Councillor John Potter, however, abstained from the vote, expressing disappointment that a clause reaffirming the NHS as a publicly provided service had been removed.

• What's at stake? The dignity, safety, and quality of care for thousands of Lancashire residents who rely on our hospitals. For vulnerable patients, being treated in a corridor can exacerbate existing health conditions and cause significant distress. For staff, it creates an impossible working environment.
• What's being discussed? The unacceptable practice of treating patients in hospital corridors due to capacity issues, workforce shortages, and funding pressures. The motion seeks concrete actions to address this scandal.
• What's the impact? The council's resolution aims to force immediate action from NHS trusts and the government to ensure patients receive care in appropriate clinical settings, improving patient outcomes and staff morale.

You can find more details about this discussion in the Full Council meeting documents.

Devolution Debate: Accelerating Lancashire's Future Powers

The council also debated and approved a motion, moved by Councillor Mark Clifford, to accelerate the devolution process for Lancashire. The motion calls on the government to take the necessary legislative and administrative steps to enable a Lancashire Mayoral Election in May 2027 and seeks a meeting with the relevant Secretary of State to pursue greater powers and funding for the county.

An amendment, accepted by Councillor Clifford, removed the specific call for a mayoral election in May 2027, citing concerns about introducing additional costs for residents without guaranteed benefits. The aim is to initiate discussions with the government about greater powers and funding for Lancashire. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE, Leader of the Opposition, stressed the need for money and powers, noting that Lancashire has been left behind compared to other regions.

• What's at stake? Lancashire's ability to secure greater control over its own future, including funding for local services, economic development, and infrastructure. Devolution could lead to more tailored policies that better reflect the county's specific needs and opportunities.
• What's being discussed? The process of devolution, the potential benefits of a directly elected mayor, and the need for increased powers and funding for Lancashire from central government.
• What's the impact? A successful devolution settlement could lead to significant investment in Lancashire, creating jobs, improving transport links, and boosting local economies. It could also mean more local accountability for strategic decisions.

Unanimous Support for Cooperation with Child Sexual Exploitation Inquiry

A motion, moved by Councillor Ellie Close, Champion for Combatting Sexual Exploitation and Violence Against Women and Girls, was unanimously approved, pledging Lancashire County Council's full cooperation with the statutory Public Inquiry into child sexual exploitation and abuse committed by grooming gangs. The motion emphasised the council's commitment to transparency and ensuring that the truth is uncovered, stating that Lancashire would never stand in the way of truth. An amendment proposed by Councillor Prof. Michael Lavalette, which sought to broaden the scope of the motion to include other forms of child sexual abuse, was defeated following a named vote. Councillor Close did not accept this amendment, citing its late submission and its perceived dilution of the motion's focus on grooming gangs.

• What's at stake? Ensuring that the truth about child sexual exploitation and abuse is uncovered and that lessons are learned to prevent future tragedies. This is about protecting the most vulnerable in our society and holding institutions accountable.
• What's being discussed? The council's commitment to fully cooperate with the statutory public inquiry into child sexual exploitation and abuse.
• What's the impact? This pledge of cooperation is vital for the inquiry's success, providing crucial evidence and testimony that can lead to systemic changes and greater protection for children.

Other Matters

The council also received reports from various committees, including the Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board, the Police and Crime Panel, the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority, and the Lancashire Combined County Authority. Decisions were made regarding the Child and Youth Justice Service Plan 2026/27, and the membership of the Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board was revised. The council also noted reports from the Employment Committee, Pension Fund Committee, and Political Governance Working Group.

This week in Lancashire:

Council Grapples with Budget Pressures and Future Reorganisation

Lancashire County Council's Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee met on Monday, 29 June 2026, to confront the challenging financial realities facing the authority. The committee delved into the council's financial outturn for 2025/26, which revealed a modest overspend, and began planning for the 2027/28 budget – the final one to be set by the current council before local government reorganisation.

Budget Framework for 2027/28: A Tightrope Walk

The committee discussed the framework for setting the 2027/28 budget, a process complicated by the impending local government reorganisation. Key pressures identified include rising demand and costs in adult and children's social care, ongoing inflationary pressures, and potential shortfalls in planned savings. The council's assumption of a 4.99% council tax increase may need revisiting, as current inflation figures are significantly lower.

Officers highlighted that the first quarter of the financial year is likely to show an overspend due to these pressures, though confidence was expressed in the organisation's ability to manage them. The potential for efficiencies through technology, such as AI, was also noted as a way to help manage caseloads.

Concerns were raised about the impact of global events, such as the war in the Gulf region, on financial volatility and interest rates. Officers confirmed that no assumptions were made on interest rates or conflict outcomes, but acknowledged the inherent uncertainty. The need for fundamental restructuring in adult social care was also recognised as a long-standing issue.

The committee also discussed the capital programme review, efficiency plan phase two, and investor-save proposals. The budget setting process will involve working with service directors and carrying out public consultation.

• What's at stake? The decisions made now will shape the council's financial health for years to come, impacting the services it can provide, especially for vulnerable groups. The looming local government reorganisation adds another layer of complexity, potentially affecting how resources are shared and managed.
• What's being discussed? The committee is scrutinising the council's budget-setting process, identifying financial pressures, and exploring potential savings and efficiencies. The impact of national and global events on local finances is also a key consideration.
• What's the impact? A robust budget is essential for maintaining vital services like social care, education, and transport. Any shortfalls could lead to difficult choices about service provision, potentially affecting waiting times for support or the scope of available assistance.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee meeting documents.

Financial Outturn for 2025/26: A Modest Overspend

The committee reviewed the county council's financial outturn for the 2025/26 financial year. A projected overspend of £2.992 million, representing 0.24% of the net revenue budget, was presented as a significant improvement on previous years, attributed to the administration's focus on financial discipline and in-year mitigations.

However, concerns were raised about substantial underspends in the capital programme, particularly the East Lancashire Levelling Up Fund, where only £5 million of £41.1 million was spent. Officers acknowledged delivery challenges, citing late funding and market capacity issues. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) overspend of £79 million was also highlighted as alarming, though a recovery plan has been submitted to the government.

The reliance on NHS income for ongoing costs in joint working arrangements was noted as a point of fragility. Questions were also raised about the absence of detail on job losses mentioned in the previous budget and the capital funding for SEND.

• What's at stake? While the overall overspend is modest, significant underspends in capital programmes, like the Levelling Up Fund, raise questions about the effective delivery of projects that could benefit communities. The DSG overspend and reliance on NHS income highlight potential future financial risks.
• What's being discussed? The committee is examining the council's financial performance for the past year, scrutinising both revenue and capital spending, and identifying areas of concern and improvement.
• What's the impact? Effective management of the capital programme is crucial for delivering infrastructure projects that benefit residents. Addressing the DSG overspend and ensuring stable income streams are vital for the long-term financial health of the council and the services it provides, particularly for children with SEND.

Council Priorities for 2026/27: Moving the Dial

The committee also discussed the council's priorities for the upcoming year, outlined in the Building a Better Lancashire: Moving the Dial on Our Priorities in 2026/27 document. The six key areas identified to move the dial are: SEND improvement, Adult Health and Wellbeing, transforming highways, civic pride, financial sustainability and service transformation, and local government reorganisation.

Concerns were raised about the budget for Civic Pride, with questions about how Lancashire-wide clean-up days and related activities would be funded if presented as cost-neutral. The committee was advised that a strategic reserve could be drawn upon, and existing resources would be re-engineered.

The committee's work programme for the upcoming year was also discussed, with suggestions to prioritise procurement and adult social care investment plans.

• What's at stake? These priorities reflect the council's commitment to improving key services and addressing significant challenges. The success of these initiatives will directly influence the quality of life for residents across Lancashire.
• What's being discussed? The committee is reviewing the council's strategic priorities for the next year, ensuring they are adequately resourced and aligned with the council's overall objectives.
• What's the impact? A clear focus on these priorities, such as SEND improvement and Adult Health and Wellbeing, is essential for ensuring that vulnerable residents receive the support they need. Financial sustainability is key to maintaining these services in the long term.

This week in Lancashire:

Combined County Authority Tackles Skills Funding and Bus Fares

The Lancashire Combined County Authority met on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, making key decisions on skills funding, bus fares, and the permanent establishment of a Chief Operating Officer role. The Authority approved the methodology for allocating £11.5 million in Post-16 Capacity Funds to colleges, aiming to address demographic growth and learner numbers. This funding is crucial for ensuring that educational institutions can accommodate an increasing number of 16 to 18-year-olds, directly impacting the future skills and opportunities available to young people across Lancashire.

The Authority also agreed to increase the evening and Sunday bus fare from £1 to £2, a move necessitated by a reduction in Local Authority Bus Grant funding. This decision will affect the cost of public transport for many residents, particularly those who rely on these services outside of peak hours. The Authority stated this increase is necessary to maintain services within the available budget.

In a move to strengthen its operational capacity, the Authority approved the permanent establishment of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) role, appointing the interim COO, Matthew Sidgreaves, to the permanent position. This decision aims to provide continuity and leadership as the Combined County Authority continues to grow and evolve.

The meeting also included updates on the Local Skills Improvement Plan, which aims to align post-16 training with local labour market needs, and the development of a unified transport identity for Lancashire. The Authority noted its financial outturn for 2025/26, which showed a revenue budget underspend of £699,000.

• What's at stake? The decisions on skills funding directly impact the future educational and employment prospects of young people in Lancashire. The bus fare increase affects the affordability of public transport for many residents. The establishment of a permanent COO role aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Combined County Authority's operations.
• What's being discussed? The Authority discussed the allocation of Post-16 Capacity Funds, the necessity of increasing bus fares due to funding changes, the permanent appointment of a Chief Operating Officer, and updates on skills development and transport strategy.
• What's the impact? These decisions will shape the educational landscape for young people, influence the cost of public transport, and strengthen the administrative backbone of the Lancashire Combined County Authority, ultimately aiming to support economic growth and connectivity across the region.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Lancashire Combined County Authority meeting documents.

Children's Home and Wastewater Facility Plans Move Forward

The Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee and the Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, and Thursday, 25 June 2026, respectively. While detailed minutes are still pending publication, the agendas indicate discussions on crucial services impacting residents.

The Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee likely reviewed matters related to the welfare and development of children and young people in Lancashire. This could include updates on services for looked-after children, early years provision, and educational attainment. Decisions in this area are vital for ensuring the safety, well-being, and future opportunities of the county's youngest residents, particularly those in vulnerable situations.

The Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee's agenda suggests a focus on issues that directly affect the daily lives and long-term prosperity of Lancashire. This could encompass planning applications for new developments, environmental protection strategies, and transport infrastructure projects. For instance, previous meetings have seen decisions on planning applications for children's homes and wastewater facilities, demonstrating the tangible impact of these committees on local communities.

• What's at stake? For children and families, decisions made by the Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee are paramount to ensuring adequate support and safeguarding. For all residents, the Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee's work impacts the quality of their local environment, their access to jobs and services, and the efficiency of their daily commutes.
• What's being discussed? While specific details are pending, these committees are expected to have reviewed progress on children's services, early years education, environmental initiatives, economic development strategies, and transport planning.
• What's the impact? The outcomes of these scrutiny committees will influence the provision of essential services, the development of local infrastructure, and the overall quality of life for people across Lancashire.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee meeting documents and the Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee meeting documents.

Company Member Cabinet Committee Reviews Key Company Relationships

The Company Member Cabinet Committee met on Thursday, 25 June 2026. While the full details of the meeting are pending publication, the agenda indicates a focus on the council's oversight of companies in which it holds a membership or shareholding.

The committee was scheduled to review its own constitution, membership, and terms of reference. This is a standard procedural step to ensure the committee operates effectively and in line with its purpose: to discharge the County Council's duties and manage relationships with companies wholly or partly owned by Lancashire County Council.

Updates were also expected on the Lancashire Urban Development Fund and Active Lancashire Limited. These discussions, held in private due to the disclosure of exempt information relating to financial or business affairs, are crucial for ensuring the responsible management of council investments and partnerships. Such oversight is vital for protecting public funds and ensuring that council-linked companies operate efficiently and in the best interests of the community.

• What's at stake? The council's involvement in companies means public funds are at risk. Effective oversight by the Company Member Cabinet Committee is essential to ensure these investments are sound, that companies are well-managed, and that they contribute positively to the local economy and community.
• What's being discussed? The committee likely reviewed the council's governance arrangements for its company interests and received updates on specific entities like the Lancashire Urban Development Fund and Active Lancashire Limited.
• What's the impact? The committee's work directly influences how council-linked companies are managed and how public money invested in them is utilised. This can have a significant impact on local economic development and the delivery of services through these partnerships.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Company Member Cabinet Committee meeting documents.

This week in Lancashire:

Pension Fund Navigates Financial Outturn and Audit Plans Amidst Governance Overhaul

The Pension Fund Committee met on Friday, 19 June 2026, to review the fund's financial performance for the 2025/26 year, discuss governance matters, and consider the appointment of an Independent Person. The meeting highlighted the complexities of managing a large pension fund, with discussions touching on investment returns, audit processes, and the evolving regulatory landscape.

Financial Outturn Shows Improvement Despite Investment Challenges

The committee reviewed the financial outturn for the Lancashire County Pension Fund for the year ending 31 March 2026. While actual expenditure exceeded income by approximately £82 million, this represented an improvement of around £19 million on the anticipated position. This was largely attributed to lower-than-expected investment returns, which in turn reduced investment management fees. Councillor Rick Edwards raised concerns about the precision of budget figures, questioning how variances were arrived at. Pete, Head of Fund, explained that budgets are estimates and factors like unexpected transfers can cause variances, assuring that efforts are made to be precise.

External Audit Plan Focuses on Key Risks

Grant Thornton, the external auditors, presented their audit plan for 2025/26. They identified three key risks: the potential for management override of controls, the valuation of Level 3 investments (assets with difficult-to-determine prices), and the valuation of directly held properties. The basic audit fee has increased slightly, with an additional allocation for testing related to last year's valuation. Councillor Edwards inquired about the tendering process for external auditors, and Gary Field, Section 151 Officer, clarified that this is typically managed nationally through the Public Sector Auditors Appointment (PSAA) process.

Governance Matters Highlight Fit for the Future Progress

Pete, Head of Fund, provided an update on governance, noting that Lancashire is almost leading the field in delivering the requirements of the Fit for the Future program. This includes formalising the role of a Senior LGPS Officer, a role he has been designated. A new risk related to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) was added to the risk register. The committee was also informed of an unrecoverable exit payment of £55,000 from an employer that went into administration, a liability that will be shared across other employers within the fund.

Training Plan Revised to Focus on Investment Strategy

The training plan for 2026/27 has been amended to include more workshops on the investment strategy statement, ensuring committee members are well-briefed for future decisions. Councillor Tom Pickup raised concerns about the potential opportunity cost of focusing on LGR work versus investment strategy, but Pete clarified that investments are managed by LPPI and the team's focus would be on administration.

Marian George Appointed Independent Person

The committee approved the appointment of Marian George as the Independent Person for the Lancashire County Pension Fund for a three-year term. Pete, Head of Fund, explained that this role is a requirement of the Fit for the Future program, and Marian George, currently an Independent Investment Advisor, was the unanimous recommendation of the procurement panel. Her appointment was proposed by Councillor Mark Clifford and seconded by Councillor David Whittington.

Responsible Investment and Investment Strategy Under Review

Updates were provided on responsible investment activity, noting an increase in green and brown exposure in the fund's portfolio due to valuation movements. LPPI maintained full voting coverage, supporting most management proposals. The committee also began reviewing the fund's Investment Strategy Statement, starting with its underpinning investment beliefs. Revisions include tidying up wording, emphasising the long-term nature of investments, and adding a new belief around the requirement for local investment. Councillor Tom Pickup and Councillor Michael Clifford discussed opportunities for social housing investments, with Chris from LPPI detailing current investments and challenges.

Pension Administration Performance Remains Strong

Pete, Head of Fund, and Joe Derbyshire, Chief Executive of Local Pensions Partnership Administration Ltd (LPPA), presented an update on pension administration performance. LPPA continues to meet its Service Level Agreement (SLA) targets, with 99.2% of casework completed within target timescales. However, the report highlighted that only 45.6% of retirement notifications were received on time from employers, impacting the ability to pay pensions within 30 days for a significant number of members. Joe Derbyshire outlined efforts to improve employer engagement and data quality.

• What's at stake? The decisions made by the Pension Fund Committee directly impact the financial security of thousands of current and future pensioners. Sound financial management, robust governance, and strategic investment decisions are crucial for ensuring the long-term solvency of the fund and the ability to meet its obligations. For employees, this means confidence in their retirement income. For employers, it means understanding their contribution responsibilities.
• What's being discussed? The committee reviewed the fund's financial performance, the external audit plan, governance improvements under the Fit for the Future program, training needs, and the appointment of key personnel. They also delved into responsible investment strategies and the administration of pension payments.
• What's the impact? The committee's oversight ensures that the pension fund is managed prudently, balancing investment growth with the need to protect members' retirement savings. The focus on governance and training aims to equip the committee with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions, while the administration update highlights the importance of timely information from employers to ensure members receive their pensions without delay.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Pension Fund Committee meeting documents.