Purpose

The report contains the update to the Health and Wellbeing Board on the Lancashire Better Care Fund.

Included in the October 2026 update is an update on progress in developing the 2026/27 Lancashire Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan, and the corresponding Section 75 agreement, and how the BCF is supporting Lancashire's wider Route to Integration programme.

This report has been prepared on behalf of the Co-Chairs of the Lancashire Better Care Fund Board, Matt Emerson, Director of Strategic Commissioning and Quality, Lancashire County Council (LCC) and Jane Cass, Director of Partnerships and Collaboration/Deputy Chief Operating Officer, NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), for the Health and Wellbeing Board.

Decision

Helen Coombes, the Executive Director of Adults, Health and Wellbeing, following consultation with the Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board members:

i.  Approved the 2026/27 Better Care Fund Plan;

ii.  Noted and approved the progress and development of the Section 75 agreement, in readiness for signing post the approval of the 2026/27 Better Care Fund Plan; and

iii.  Noted and approved the role of the Better Care Fund in supporting Lancashire's wider Route to Integration programme.