This week in Lancashire:

School Attendance Crisis: Hundreds of Children Missing Out on Education

Lancashire County Council's Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, to confront a growing crisis in school attendance. While overall attendance figures remain above the national average, concerning trends have emerged, particularly regarding persistent absence and the rising number of children not in school. The committee heard that while primary school attendance is strong, secondary school attendance shows significant variations across districts, with some areas seeing a worrying drop-off.

Persistent Absence and the Impact on Learning

Persistent absence, defined as missing 10% or more of school sessions, remains a key concern. Abbie Hardy, Head of Education Improvement, highlighted that this can mean a significant amount of learning time is lost, potentially increasing anxiety for children struggling to catch up. The committee heard that penalty notices, which generated around £1 million last year, fund attendance and Children Missing Education (CME) staff. However, concerns were raised about the proportionality of prosecuting parents for non-attendance, especially when mental health issues are a factor. Councillor Matthew Salter, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, emphasised that prosecution is a last resort, with the council aiming to support families first.

The Growing Challenge of Children Not in School

The number of children electively home-educated (EHE) has risen significantly, with 3,600 children now registered as such. The primary reasons cited are SEND needs and mental health issues. Councillor Fiona Duke highlighted a particularly concerning figure of 179 children missing education in Preston, prompting calls for a detailed breakdown of reasons and waiting times. The council is increasing staffing in these teams and has secured additional funding to improve oversight and preventative work, with the upcoming Schools Bill expected to provide greater powers for intervention.

School Place Planning: Balancing Surplus and Pressure

Paula Durant, School Planning Manager, presented on the council's duty to ensure sufficient school places. While Lancashire currently has a surplus of places overall due to a national drop in birth rates, specific areas like Preston Rural and Preston East are experiencing capacity pressures. The committee discussed the complexities of admissions criteria, particularly concerning siblings and geographical priority areas, and agreed to review the admissions criteria for Broughton High School.

The committee also noted the work programme for 2025/26, which includes upcoming reports on the SEND Priority Action Plan, an Early Years update, and a briefing on the Families First and Lancashire House Project.

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

Budget Battles: Council Approves Budget Amidst Heated Debate on Spending Priorities

Lancashire County Council's Full Council met on Thursday, 26 February 2026, to approve the budget for 2026/27. The meeting was marked by intense debate as opposition groups presented amendments, highlighting concerns over council tax increases, service cuts, and the council's financial management.

Reform UK's Budget: Balancing the Books and Driving Efficiency

The ruling Reform UK group presented a budget that they claimed was balanced for 2026/27 and 2027/28 without using reserves. Leader Stephen Atkinson emphasised a commitment to financial discipline, highlighting a reduction in the projected overspend from £28 million to £6.1 million in Quarter 3. The budget includes significant investment in SEND services, with an additional £5 million this year and a further £7 million for inclusion services, alongside £17 million for home-to-school transport. Adult social care also sees investment, with plans to improve first-point-of-contact resolution and reduce assessment waiting times. The budget proposes a council tax increase of 3.8%, described as the lowest rise in 12 years.

Opposition Amendments: Calls for Investment and Reversal of Cuts

Opposition groups presented several amendments, each seeking to reallocate funds and address perceived shortcomings in the administration's budget.

• Progressive Lancashire proposed £4 million for modernising care homes and day centres, a fund for community groups, reinstating the young person's transport scheme, and a £1 concessionary fare for disabled pass holders. They criticised the lack of investment in care homes within the administration's budget.
• The Conservative Group focused on modest, pragmatic proposals, including reinstating the Public Rights of Way grant scheme, a War Memorial Grant Scheme, expanding the utility company permit inspection team, and a £5 million boost for pothole repairs. They argued their proposals were affordable and aligned with the administration's priorities.
• The Liberal Democrats highlighted concerns about highway safety, proposing investment in safer crossings, pavement improvements, street lighting, and tackling pavement parking. They also called for the scrapping of bus gate fines in Preston and an investment in mental health community advocates.
• Labour proposed seed funding for two new schools, a trial suspension of bus gate fines in Preston, a £1.50 daily return fare cap for school buses, a Fair Work Charter, a Lancashire Ownership Hub for democratic businesses, and a study into insourcing adult social care. They criticised the administration's budget as a continuation of austerity and cuts.
• Our West Lancashire focused on increasing resources for the flood risk team and clearing overgrown pavements in rural West Lancashire, arguing these were affordable and addressed known capacity constraints.

Despite robust debate and passionate pleas from opposition members, all amendments were ultimately defeated. The council voted to approve the Reform UK administration's budget.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Full Council meeting documents and Full Council meeting documents.

Upcoming Meetings

• Cabinet: Thursday 05 March 2026. Topics include the allocation of the Crisis Resilience Fund, traffic management proposals for Goosnargh Lane, Preston, and the proposed 2026/27 Highways Capital Programmes. Link to meeting
• Employment Committee: Tuesday 03 March 2026. This meeting was cancelled.
• Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee: Wednesday 04 March 2026. The committee will review the Neighbourhood Health Development Plan and the committee's work programmes. Link to meeting
• Corporate Parenting Board: Wednesday 11 March 2026. This board oversees the council's responsibilities towards children in its care. Link to meeting
• Lancashire Combined County Authority - Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Monday 09 March 2026. Topics include an update from the Chief Operating Officer, the Get Lancashire Working initiative, and the LCCA's budget and financial strategy. Link to meeting
• Full Council: Thursday 12 March 2026. This meeting will cover a range of council business. Link to meeting

This week in Lancashire:

Combined Authority Gears Up for Transport Transformation and Investment Boost

The Lancashire Combined County Authority met on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, to chart a course for significant changes in transport and economic development. A key focus was the consolidation of local transport funding, which will see the Authority become the sole Local Transport Authority for Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, and Lancashire County Council from 1 April 2026. This move is part of a new national funding system that consolidates grants for highways maintenance, active travel, and bus services into an Integrated Transport Fund and Bus Services Fund, totalling £640 million over four years.

Bus Services Set for Overhaul

A draft Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and Enhanced Partnership (EP) documents were presented for approval. These are crucial for securing the Bus Services Fund and aim to create a more unified, modern, and passenger-focused bus network across Lancashire. The EP will be a legal agreement setting standards for both the Authority and bus operators, while the BSIP outlines a vision for frequent, accessible, affordable, and reliable services. Councillor Alistair Bradley stressed the importance of cross-border working, particularly with Greater Manchester, to ensure seamless travel and learn from their more efficient systems.

Lancashire Investment Fund to Drive Growth

The meeting also saw the proposed relaunch of the £19.4 million Growing Places Fund as the Lancashire Investment Fund. This aims to better promote and deploy the fund to drive growth across the county. The fund will continue to operate as a revolving loan fund, supporting new and improved infrastructure and commercial premises. A key discussion point was the need for a streamlined decision-making process to avoid deterring private sector investment. Councillor Mark Poulton highlighted the importance of flexibility in the fund's criteria to ensure projects can be supported even if they don't perfectly align with initial guidelines.

Skills Bootcamps Face Funding Cuts

An update on Lancashire's Skills Bootcamp programme revealed a significant reduction in funding for 2026/27, dropping from £7 million to £3.2 million. This is due to a national shift from a demand-led to a budget-led funding approach. While the council is implementing measures to manage this reduction, including contract extensions with high-performing providers and new procurement rounds, the cut is a blow to a programme that has shown positive outcomes in reskilling and moving people into employment.

Procurement Framework and Social Value Emphasis

The Authority also reviewed its strategic approach to commissioning and procurement, approving a new Procurement Strategy Framework and Social Value Policy. The framework aims to ensure procurement is well-governed, consistent, and delivers value for money. A key element of the new policy is a strong emphasis on supporting local suppliers, with a commitment to reserving below-threshold competitions for Lancashire-based businesses where appropriate. A 10% weighting will be applied to social value delivery in procurements over the statutory threshold.

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

Pension Fund Committee Considers New Partner Funds and Confidential Appointments

The Pension Fund Committee met on Friday, 20 February 2026, with a significant item on the agenda being the admission of new partner funds to Local Pensions Partnership Investments Limited (LPPI). This discussion, held in Part II of the meeting, suggests a focus on strategic financial arrangements that may involve commercially sensitive information.

Additionally, the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee - Appointments Sub Committee met on Thursday, 19 February 2026, to consider the appointment of an independent co-opted member. This meeting also took place in Part II, indicating a focus on confidential personnel matters crucial for the effective governance of the council's financial oversight.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Pension Fund Committee meeting documents and the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee - Appointments Sub Committee meeting documents.

Other Matters

• The Employment Committee met on Monday, 16 February 2026. While the summary is pending publication, these committees typically deal with sensitive staffing matters, including senior appointments and employee relations. You can find more details in the Employment Committee meeting documents.
• The Pension Fund Committee - Appointments Sub Committee also met on Friday, 20 February 2026. As with other appointments sub-committees, this meeting likely focused on confidential personnel decisions related to the pension fund. You can find more details in the Pension Fund Committee - Appointments Sub Committee meeting documents.

Upcoming Meetings

• Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee: Wednesday 25 February 2026. Topics include school attendance, children not in school, school place planning, and an update on the SEND Improvement Programme. Link to meeting
• Full Council: Thursday 26 February 2026. The council will discuss the 2026/27 budget and the appointment of the Corporate Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer). Link to meeting
• Employment Committee: Tuesday 03 March 2026. This meeting will discuss confidential employment matters. Link to meeting
• Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee: Wednesday 04 March 2026. The committee will review progress on adult social care transformation and other health-related services. Link to meeting
• Cabinet: Thursday 05 March 2026. Key items include the proposed budget for 2026/27 and the council's capital programme. Link to meeting

This week in Lancashire:

Libraries Under the Spotlight: Securing Their Future as Community Hubs

The Community, Cultural, and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday to discuss the future of Lancashire's libraries. These vital public spaces, mandated by the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964, are required to provide a comprehensive and efficient service. With over 2.6 million visits and nearly 3 million books issued in 2024/25, libraries are clearly a cornerstone of community life.

The committee reviewed proposals for a new library strategy for 2026-2028, aiming to ensure their sustainability and continued relevance. This is a critical discussion, as libraries offer much more than just books; they provide internet access, learning opportunities, and a safe space for many, particularly for vulnerable groups who may lack these resources elsewhere.

• What's at stake? The future shape of our libraries could mean changes to opening hours, services offered, or even the number of branches. For those who rely on libraries for essential digital access, job searching, or simply a warm and welcoming environment, any reduction in service could have a significant impact.
• What's being discussed? The committee is considering how to maintain a comprehensive and efficient service in the face of evolving needs and potential budget pressures. The aim is to ensure libraries continue to support the council's ambitions for Better Lives for All and Stronger Communities.
• What's the impact? The decisions made will shape how residents access information, engage with their communities, and develop new skills for years to come.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Community, Cultural, and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee meeting documents.

Workforce Diversity: Addressing Gaps and Building a Stronger Council

The Community, Cultural, and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee also received an update on the council's workforce. The report highlighted that while Lancashire County Council's workforce is predominantly female with a median age of 48, its ethnic profile is largely White. This data, as of December 2025, points to a need for continued efforts to improve diversity within the council's staff.

The report also touched upon preparations for potential Local Government Reorganisation in Lancashire, a significant undertaking that could reshape how services are delivered across the county.

• Why it matters: A diverse workforce can bring a wider range of perspectives and experiences, leading to better decision-making and a more representative public service. For residents, seeing themselves reflected in the people who serve them can build trust and improve engagement.
• What's being addressed? The committee is looking at workforce demographics, employee engagement, recruitment, retention, and the implications of new legislation like the Employment Rights Act 2025.
• What's the impact? These discussions are crucial for ensuring the council is well-equipped to serve all of Lancashire's communities effectively, particularly as it navigates potential structural changes.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Community, Cultural, and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee meeting documents.

Religious Education: Shaping the Future of Faith and Values in Schools

The Lancashire Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met on Monday to review its annual report and plan for the next two years. SACRE plays a vital role in ensuring that Religious Education (RE) in Lancashire schools is comprehensive and relevant, reflecting the diverse faiths and beliefs within our communities.

The council considered its Development Plan for 2026-2028, focusing on three key priorities: effective management of statutory duties, improving the quality of RE teaching and learning, and enhancing the provision of Collective Worship. This work is essential for providing young people with a solid understanding of different religions and worldviews, fostering tolerance and respect.

• What's at stake? The quality of RE provision directly impacts how young people understand the world and their place within it. A well-structured RE curriculum can help combat prejudice and promote a more inclusive society.
• What's happening? SACRE is working to ensure its statutory duties are met, that teaching standards are high, and that collective worship is inclusive and meaningful. They are also looking at potential funding for projects that support RE.
• What's the impact? The decisions made by SACRE will influence the curriculum and teaching of religion and worldviews for thousands of students across Lancashire, shaping their understanding of faith, values, and ethical considerations.

You can find more details about these discussions in the summary of the Lancashire Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education meeting.

Other Matters

• The Audit, Risk and Governance Committee - Appointments Sub Committee met on Wednesday. While details are pending publication, such committees typically focus on ensuring the council has the right people in key leadership roles, which is fundamental to effective governance. You can find more details in the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee - Appointments Sub Committee meeting documents.
• The Employment Committee met on Tuesday to discuss confidential matters related to senior staffing appointments and retention. These discussions are crucial for ensuring the council is led by experienced and capable individuals, but the confidential nature means specific details are not publicly available. You can find more details in the Employment Committee meeting documents.

Upcoming Meetings

• Lancashire Combined County Authority: Tuesday 17 February 2026. Topics include local transport funding, bus service plans, and the Lancashire Investment Fund. Link to meeting
• Employment Committee: Monday 16 February 2026. This meeting will discuss confidential matters related to senior staffing. Link to meeting
• Pension Fund Committee: Friday 20 February 2026. Discussions will focus on the pension fund's financial performance and investments. Link to meeting
• Pension Fund Committee - Appointments Sub Committee: Friday 20 February 2026. This meeting will focus on appointments within the pension fund. Link to meeting
• Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee: Wednesday 25 February 2026. The committee will examine issues related to children's services and skills development. Link to meeting
• Full Council: Thursday 26 February 2026. The main council meeting where a wide range of decisions are made. Link to meeting

This week in Lancashire:

Adult Social Care Transformation: A Race Against Time to Improve Services

Lancashire County Council's Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday to scrutinise the ongoing transformation of adult health and wellbeing services. The committee heard that despite significant efforts, the council's Adult Social Care services were rated as 'Requires Improvement' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in August 2025. This rating means that many people are experiencing lengthy waits for assessments and reviews, and that crucial systems and processes need urgent attention.

The council is now embarking on a comprehensive transformation plan for 2026-27, focusing on two critical paths: Transforming the Care Market and Transforming the Customer Journey. The aim is to achieve better outcomes for residents, ensure financial stability, and improve the overall customer experience. However, the scale of the challenge is immense, with the CQC report highlighting that improvement is needed across all nine quality statements assessed.

• What's at stake? For vulnerable residents, this means the risk of continued delays in receiving essential support, potentially impacting their independence and well-being. The transformation plan aims to address this by streamlining processes and improving how the council works with care providers.
• What's happening? The council is focusing on improving its front door service, making it easier for people to access information and advice. They are also developing a stronger digital offer and rethinking their delivery structure to ensure more timely and effective support.
• What's the impact? The report detailed progress in increasing contact points and improving assessment timeliness. However, the committee was asked to provide feedback and challenge on the proposed transformation priorities to ensure they genuinely meet the needs of Lancashire's residents.

The committee also discussed the proposed bed reductions at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary. The University Hospitals Morecambe Bay Trust is proposing to reduce bed capacity by 24 beds, citing significant financial challenges. While the Trust states this is part of a strategy to move care into the community, the committee must decide if this constitutes a 'significant service change' that requires formal public consultation. This decision could have a direct impact on the availability of acute hospital care in the region.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee meeting documents.

Budget Battles: Council Faces £6 Million Overspend as Services Strain

Lancashire County Council's Cabinet met on Thursday to discuss the council's financial position, with a significant focus on the 2026/27 budget. The Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee had previously reviewed the Quarter 3 Financial Monitoring Report, revealing a forecast revenue overspend of £6.117 million. This overspend is largely driven by pressures in Adult Services and Education and Children's Services, particularly concerning the rising demand for support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Adult Social Care Under Pressure

Adult Services faces an overspend of £2.454 million, primarily due to increased demand for commissioned care and placements for children with disabilities. While savings programmes are in place, their full impact is not expected until later in the year. This highlights the ongoing challenge of meeting the needs of a growing and increasingly complex client group within budget constraints.

SEND Crisis Deepens: Millions Overspent on Support

Education and Children's Services are forecast to overspend by a staggering £8.291 million. This includes significant pressures in:

• Children's Social Care: An overspend of £5.063 million due to increased costs for placements and family support for children with disabilities.
• Inclusion: An overspend of £5.054 million linked to the commissioning of external Education Psychologists and efforts to clear the backlog of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Home to School Transport: A projected overspend of £3.252 million due to the increasing number of children with SEND requiring transport.

The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) revenue position shows a forecast overspend of £73.08 million, with the High Needs Block alone facing a £72.45 million deficit. This situation is critical for families of children with SEND, who rely on these funds for essential support and educational provision. The council is borrowing to cover this deficit, a move that will incur further costs.

• What's at stake? For vulnerable children and adults, these financial pressures could mean longer waiting times for assessments, reduced access to essential services, and a strain on the quality of care provided. The council's ability to meet its statutory duties is being tested.
• What's happening? The Cabinet is being urged to consider recommendations from the Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee, including exploring not-for-profit models for care homes and day centres, establishing a cross-party working group on modernisation, and ensuring adequate funding for the adult social care improvement plan.
• What's the impact? The council is facing difficult decisions about resource allocation, with potential implications for council tax levels and the future of vital services.

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

Other Matters

• The Cabinet also discussed the determination of school admissions arrangements for 2027/2028 and the SEND Capital Programme, signalling continued investment in educational facilities for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
• The Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee also reviewed the council's capital programme, noting a significant underspend due to project re-phasing, which raises questions about the timely delivery of essential infrastructure projects.

Upcoming Meetings

• Employment Committee: Tuesday 10 February 2026. This meeting was postponed.
• Audit, Risk and Governance Committee - Appointments Sub Committee: Wednesday 11 February 2026.
• Community, Cultural, and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee: Thursday 12 February 2026.
• Lancashire Combined County Authority: Tuesday 17 February 2026.
• Pension Fund Committee: Friday 20 February 2026.