This week in Lancashire:

Council Faces Financial Pressures as Key Services Reviewed

Lancashire County Council's Cabinet met on Thursday, 3 September 2026, to address significant financial challenges and review the performance of vital services. The meeting highlighted a projected revenue overspend of £15.655 million, largely driven by increased demand and placement costs in adult and children's social care. Despite these pressures, the council approved a £10 million investment in road maintenance and a £4 million allocation for public realm improvements, demonstrating a commitment to infrastructure.

Social Care Demand Drives Financial Overspend

The Quarter 1 2026/27 Financial Monitoring Report revealed that the council is forecasting a revenue overspend of £15.655 million, equivalent to 1.18% of its net budget. The primary drivers for this overspend are the escalating costs within adult social care and children's social care. These pressures are attributed to increased demand for services and the rising cost of placements for vulnerable individuals.

Councillor Gina Dowding raised concerns about the impact of recent flooding in her area, questioning the effectiveness of drainage programmes despite reported progress. She also highlighted the alarming death rate among care leavers, urging a greater focus on this critical issue. In response, Councillor Simon Evans, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Families, announced the launch of a £0.5 million education-to-employment programme specifically targeting 160 care leavers.

The report also detailed a projected overspend of £15.88 million in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), predominantly due to high needs block costs. This reflects a national challenge, but the council is actively working on increasing local provision and improving outcomes for children and families.

• What's at stake? The financial health of the council directly impacts the services it can provide. An overspend in social care could mean longer waiting times for support, fewer resources for preventative services, and increased pressure on already stretched staff. For vulnerable residents, this could mean a reduction in the quality or availability of essential care.
• What's being discussed? The council's financial performance in the first quarter of the year, with a particular focus on the pressures within social care and education.
• What's the impact? The council must manage these financial pressures carefully to avoid impacting frontline services. The investment in road maintenance and public realm improvements shows a commitment to visible improvements, but the underlying financial challenges in social care require urgent attention to ensure the well-being of those most in need.

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

Children's Services Praised by Ofsted, Action Plan Approved

In a significant positive development, the Ofsted inspection of Lancashire Children's Services found that the council continues to deliver strong outcomes for children. Leadership and services for care leavers were judged as Outstanding, with children needing help and protection, and children in care, rated as Good. Key strengths identified included stable leadership, effective early help, strong safeguarding arrangements, and outstanding support for care leavers.

Areas for improvement were noted, including better recognition for young carers, greater consistency in safety planning, and stronger management oversight for children in unregistered settings and those subject to deprivation of liberty orders. These were identified as operational areas for improvement rather than systemic concerns.

The Cabinet voted to approve the Achieving Excellence Plan, developed in response to Ofsted's recommendations. This plan aims to address the identified areas for improvement and maintain the high standards of care.

• What's at stake? The quality of care and support provided to the county's most vulnerable children. Positive Ofsted ratings mean that children in care and those needing protection are receiving good or outstanding services, which is crucial for their safety and development.
• What's being discussed? The findings of a recent Ofsted inspection of children's services and the council's plan to address areas for improvement.
• What's the impact? The strong Ofsted report provides reassurance to residents that children's services are performing well. The approved action plan ensures that the council remains focused on continuous improvement, safeguarding the well-being of children and young people across Lancashire.

Joint Minerals and Waste Plan Moves to Public Consultation

The draft updated Joint Lancashire Minerals and Waste Local Plan was approved for public consultation. This plan sets out policies for mineral and waste development across Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen, and Blackpool. While the plan does not propose new sites for mineral or waste development, it will guide decisions on planning applications for these industries.

Councillor Gina Dowding raised concerns that the draft plan did not fully reflect recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), particularly regarding onshore oil and gas developments. She highlighted that the NPPF now advises against giving great weight to the economic benefits of such proposals and introduces a policy to refuse extraction except in defined circumstances, citing Lancashire's negative history with fracking. Councillor Joshua Roberts, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities, assured that this was a consultation and all feedback would be considered.

• What's at stake? The future of mineral extraction and waste management in Lancashire, which can have significant environmental and community impacts. A robust plan ensures that development is sustainable and protects the local environment.
• What's being discussed? A draft plan that will guide future planning decisions for minerals and waste. The consultation phase is crucial for gathering public and stakeholder input.
• What's the impact? The public consultation will allow residents and stakeholders to voice their opinions on the plan, potentially influencing policies related to quarrying, landfill, and recycling. Concerns about onshore oil and gas development highlight the need for careful consideration of environmental and community impacts.

Council to Cease Administration of Refugee Resettlement Schemes

In a significant decision, the Cabinet voted to cease the council's administration of refugee resettlement schemes by May 2027. Lancashire County Council has been the coordinating authority for these schemes since 2016, supporting 745 individuals. The decision was based on several factors, including housing pressures in Lancashire, the county council's lack of statutory housing duties, and the impending Local Government Reorganisation.

Councillor Matthew Salter argued for withdrawal, stating it would demonstrate a different approach and stand up for fairness for Lancashire residents, citing housing waiting lists. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE expressed surprise and concern, arguing that withdrawing would lead to a loss of core funding and potentially increase costs for taxpayers, as the council would still be obligated to provide services without the associated funding. He also highlighted that the scheme supports Afghan veterans and their families who have legally gained the right to remain in the UK.

Councillor Joshua Roberts, who proposed the cessation, emphasised that the funding is ring-fenced and cannot be used for other council priorities like roads or youth services. He also argued that a dedicated scheme for one group is unfair when other vulnerable groups may not receive the same level of coordinated support.

• What's at stake? The support and integration of refugees into Lancashire communities. For those fleeing persecution, the council's role has been crucial in providing a pathway to safety and stability.
• What's being discussed? The future of Lancashire's involvement in national refugee resettlement schemes. The decision to withdraw administration raises questions about the continuity of support for refugees.
• What's the impact? This decision means that a new provider will need to be found to administer these schemes, potentially impacting the support available to refugees. It also raises questions about the council's commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and the fairness of resource allocation.

Other Matters

The Cabinet also noted an urgent decision taken regarding Local Government Reorganisation.

This week in Lancashire:

Council Leadership and Senior Officer Roles Under Review

The Employment Committee met on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, to discuss the council's leadership structure and the responsibilities of senior officers. While the meeting's transcript is not yet available, the agenda indicates a review of the committee's own constitution and terms of reference, alongside discussions on changes to senior leadership roles.

Shaping the Council's Top Team

The committee was set to consider its constitution, membership, and terms of reference for the upcoming municipal year. This is a standard procedural step to ensure the committee operates effectively. County Councillor Stephen Atkinson was recommended to chair the committee, with County Councillor Simon Evans proposed as deputy chair. The committee's membership, comprising eight county councillors from various political groups, was agreed at the county council's Annual Meeting on 21 May 2026.

The terms of reference define the Employment Committee's crucial role in overseeing the appointment and dismissal of senior officers, including the Chief Executive, Executive Directors, the Monitoring Officer, and the Chief Financial Officer. The committee also has a remit to set policies on pension benefits and monitor the Statement of Ethical Standards for employees.

Confidential Discussions on Leadership Changes

A significant portion of the meeting was held in private to discuss Changes to Senior Leadership Responsibilities. This sensitive item was classified as exempt information under the Local Government Act 1972, meaning it was not open to the public. The reasons cited for this exemption typically relate to the protection of personal information or commercial confidentiality. These discussions are vital for ensuring the council has the right leadership in place to deliver services effectively, but the lack of public access means residents cannot directly scrutinise these important decisions.

• What's at stake? The effectiveness and efficiency of the council's senior leadership team directly impacts the delivery of all public services. Decisions made here can influence strategic direction, resource allocation, and ultimately, the quality of life for residents.
• What's being discussed? The committee's own operational rules and the roles and responsibilities of the council's most senior officers.
• What's the impact? Changes to senior leadership can lead to shifts in policy, service delivery, and the overall direction of the council. Ensuring robust governance and accountability in these appointments is paramount for public trust.

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

This week in Lancashire:

Pension Fund Governance and Audit Oversight Take Centre Stage

The Pension Shareholder Governance Committee met on Thursday, 30 July 2026, to establish its operational framework and review its holdings in key pension-related companies. Meanwhile, the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee convened on Monday, 27 July 2026, to scrutinise the council's financial statements, audit plans, and risk management processes.

Pension Shareholder Governance Committee: Establishing Frameworks and Approving Dividends

The Pension Shareholder Governance Committee met to formally establish its constitution, membership, and terms of reference. This new committee aims to provide robust governance for shareholder decisions concerning pension-related companies. A significant item on the agenda was the proposed payment of a £10 million dividend from Local Pensions Partnership Ltd (LPPL) to its shareholders, Lancashire County Pension Fund and the London Pensions Fund Authority. This dividend is contingent on the signing of the 2025/26 financial statements and confirmation that it will not negatively impact the Pension Fund. The committee also discussed the remuneration for the Chief Executive of LPPA for the upcoming financial year, an item designated as exempt from public disclosure.

• What's at stake? The financial health of the Lancashire County Pension Fund and the responsible management of its investments. Decisions on dividends and governance structures directly impact the long-term security of pensions for thousands of residents.
• What's being discussed? The committee's own operational rules, its oversight of companies like LPPL and LPPIHL, and a significant dividend payment.
• What's the impact? Sound governance and strategic financial decisions are crucial for ensuring the pension fund can meet its obligations to current and future pensioners. The dividend payment could provide a financial boost to the fund.

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

Audit, Risk and Governance Committee: Deep Dive into Financial Statements and Risk Management

The Audit, Risk and Governance Committee undertook a comprehensive review of the council's 2025/26 Statement of Accounts. Key discussions included the external audit plans for both the council and the pension fund, the treasury management strategy, and the corporate risk and opportunity register.

A significant point of discussion was the substantial increase in the valuation of waste facilities, which rose by 286% over two years. Concerns were raised about the methodology and due diligence behind this valuation, particularly as it was not market-tested. Officers explained that the valuation was based on a depreciated replacement cost due to the lack of a readily available market for such assets. Councillor Clive Balchin expressed reservations about the committee's ability to provide a high level focus given the volume and complexity of the agenda packs, suggesting a need for radical changes to how meetings are structured and information is presented. Councillor Mark Gill highlighted IT failures that led to the loss of his annotations, deeming it unacceptable for an audit committee.

The committee also addressed the £101.6 million deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), with discussions on plans to target areas to reduce the deficit and potential government grant funding. Councillor Joel Tetlow raised numerous detailed questions regarding asset valuations, pensions adjustments, and investment fees, particularly those related to AI-based trading apps.

• What's at stake? The integrity of the council's financial reporting, the effectiveness of its risk management, and the responsible use of public funds. For residents, this translates to confidence in the council's ability to manage its finances and services effectively.
• What's being discussed? The council's annual financial statements, the audit process, asset valuations, the significant deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant, and the overall governance framework.
• What's the impact? Scrutiny of financial statements and risk registers ensures accountability and transparency. Concerns about asset valuations and the DSG deficit highlight potential financial vulnerabilities that could impact service delivery or future council tax levels. The committee's work is vital for identifying and mitigating risks that could affect the council's ability to serve its residents.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee meeting documents.

Other Matters

• Pension Shareholder Governance Committee: The committee was scheduled to discuss the establishment and terms of reference for the committee itself, and to consider the governance and financial matters of two key pension-related companies. The agenda also included a discussion on the remuneration for the Chief Executive of LPPA for the 2026/27 financial year. Link to meeting
• Audit, Risk and Governance Committee: The committee reviewed the council's financial statements for 2025/26, including the external audit plans for both the council and the pension fund. Key discussions also revolved around the treasury management strategy, internal audit's annual report, and the corporate risk and opportunity register. Link to meeting

This week in Lancashire:

Combined County Authority Charts Economic Future Amidst Scrutiny

The Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Friday, 24 July 2026, to review its first year of operation and to scrutinise the ambitious Lancashire Growth Plan. The committee grappled with how to effectively measure the impact of economic strategies and ensure that development benefits all parts of the county, particularly coastal communities.

Growth Plan Under the Microscope: Measuring Impact and Ensuring Inclusivity

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a progress update on the Lancashire Growth Plan. Peter Thomas, Programme Manager, highlighted the plan's role in establishing Lancashire's economic framework and its success in attracting investment, evidenced by the launch of the Lancashire Investment Prospectus at UKREiiF 2026. However, councillors raised crucial questions about the plan's tangible benefits for specific areas.

Councillor Carl Mitchell MBE voiced concerns that strategic indicators might be overlooking the contributions of coastal and seaside economies, asking for assurance that areas like Blackpool, which attracts millions of visitors and contributes significantly to the economy, are adequately represented. Peter Thomas assured that visitor economy contributions would be integrated and that the planned data observatory would offer place-based information, allowing for detailed scrutiny at a district level.

The committee also debated the effectiveness of the Growth Plan's metrics. Councillor Dave Flanagan sought confirmation that the planned dashboard would provide granular data for areas like Blackpool, while Councillor Caroline Jackson questioned whether the right things were being measured. Councillor Tom Pickup emphasised the need for clear metrics to demonstrate the Growth Plan's impact on job creation and investment, stating, Can you tell me one specific pound of investment or one specific job that has been created as a result of this growth plan?

The development of a data observatory was discussed, with Councillor Azhar Ali OBE, a former chief data officer, offering his expertise. He stressed the importance of using robust data sources like NOMIS and exploring the potential of AI, noting that the current approach, while building on existing evidence bases, needed to be more sophisticated. Matthew Sidgreaves, Chief Operating Officer, welcomed the offer of assistance and confirmed that the data observatory is a concept under development, acknowledging the need for input to shape its future.

• What's at stake? The effectiveness of the Lancashire Growth Plan hinges on its ability to deliver real economic benefits and jobs for residents. Ensuring that all areas, including coastal towns, benefit from this growth is crucial for equitable development. The way data is collected and analysed will determine whether the council can truly demonstrate the impact of its strategies.
• What's being discussed? The committee is scrutinising the Lancashire Growth Plan's progress, its performance metrics, and the development of a data observatory to track economic impact. Concerns were raised about the inclusivity of the plan and the need for robust, place-based data.
• What's the impact? A well-measured and inclusive Growth Plan could lead to targeted investment, job creation, and improved economic well-being across Lancashire. Conversely, a lack of clear metrics or a failure to address regional disparities could mean that certain communities are left behind.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Lancashire Combined County Authority - Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting documents.

Corporate Parenting Board Focuses on Young People's Well-being

The Corporate Parenting Board met on Wednesday, 22 July 2026. While the meeting's summary and transcript are pending publication, the attendance list indicates a strong focus on the well-being and support of young people in the care of the council. The presence of six young people alongside councillors and officers suggests a commitment to ensuring their voices are heard in decisions that affect them.

The Corporate Parenting Board plays a vital role in ensuring that the council acts as a responsible and caring parent to children in its care. This includes overseeing the quality of services provided, advocating for the needs of looked-after children and young people, and ensuring they have the best possible opportunities to thrive.

• What's at stake? The well-being, safety, and future life chances of children and young people in the care system. For these young individuals, the decisions made by the Corporate Parenting Board can have a profound and lasting impact on their development and opportunities.
• What's being discussed? While specific details are not yet available, the board's focus is on the council's responsibilities as a corporate parent. This typically involves reviewing services, addressing challenges faced by looked-after children, and ensuring their care plans are effective.
• What's the impact? Effective corporate parenting ensures that children in care receive the support, stability, and opportunities they need to succeed, helping to break cycles of disadvantage and promote positive outcomes.

You can find more details about this meeting in the Corporate Parenting Board meeting documents.