The Cabinet of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday, 4 June 2026, to discuss significant local government reorganisation proposals, adjustments to public realm agreements, and parking restrictions. Key decisions included approving a joint response to the government regarding local government reorganisation, extending public realm agreements with district councils, and introducing new parking restrictions in Halton.

Local Government Reorganisation Response to Government on Structural Change Order

The meeting addressed the ongoing process of local government reorganisation (LGR) in Lancashire. Councillors discussed the response to a letter from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) concerning a Structural Change Order (SCO). The consensus among the 15 Lancashire councils was to favour a new council model with a joint committee for each proposed unitary authority, rather than a preparing council model. However, there were differing views on the composition of these joint committees, with Lancashire County Council advocating for a model that reflected its significant responsibilities for services and population coverage. Concerns were raised about the speed of the reorganisation process, the capacity to deliver changes by the proposed 2028 deadline, and the potential impact on vulnerable residents, particularly regarding data migration and digital systems. County Councillor Tom Pickup expressed concerns about the impact on vulnerable residents due to the current timetable, while County Councillor David Dwyer highlighted the challenges of data migration and the shortage of key public health professionals. County Councillor Azhar Ali OBE echoed the sentiment that the timetable was too ambitious and that the government needed to consider the council's comments. County Councillor Gina Dowding noted the lack of a public mandate for the reorganisation and the public's preference for local government to remain accessible. County Councillor Simon Evans drew parallels to the Titanic, warning of the danger of data loss during the reorganisation. Ultimately, the council agreed to send a joint letter to the government outlining their positions, with the decision on the final structure resting with the Secretary of State.

Adjustment to the Dates of the Public Realm Agreements

Cabinet approved the extension of existing Public Realm Agreements with all 12 district councils until 31 March 2027. These agreements delegate highway maintenance functions to the district councils, ensuring continuity of service during the period of local government reorganisation. County Councillor Mr Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, explained that this extension would avoid the risks and costs associated with bringing these services back in-house at short notice. A commitment was also made to conduct a full review of the effectiveness and value for money of these agreements, working with district and parish partners to strengthen governance and performance monitoring.

Lancashire County Council (High Road, Halton, Lancaster City) (Limited Waiting Parking Place) Order 202*

The council approved the introduction of a 20-minute limited waiting parking restriction on High Road, Halton. This restriction, operating Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm with no return within two hours, is intended to provide short-stay parking and loading opportunities for visitors to a new nursery, without impacting overnight parking for residents. The decision followed a consultation period where eleven objections were received. Concerns included the potential for displaced parking, the impact on vulnerable residents, and the timing and duration of the restrictions. Officers addressed these concerns, explaining that the bay was located away from residential properties and that the proposed times were necessary to support the nursery's operations while still allowing for unrestricted parking outside of these hours. The cost of implementing the bay would be met by the nursery.

Lancashire County Council (Various Locations, West Lancashire Borough) (Revocation, Amendment And Various Parking Restrictions (25-26 No3f)) Order 202*

A proposal to defer this item was made by County Councillor Mr Warren Goldsworthy, citing its complexity and ongoing discussions with West Lancashire Borough Council. The Cabinet voted to defer the decision to a future meeting.

SEND Reform Plan

An urgent item concerning the SEND Reform Plan was presented by County Councillor Matthew Salter, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills. The plan has been developed to meet a Department for Education deadline of 19 June 2026. The report outlined the principles of the plan, which aims to improve mainstream inclusion and SEND provision across the board. Cabinet was asked to approve these principles and authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation with Councillor Salter and the Executive Director for Education and Children's Services, to finalise the plan. County Councillor Azhar Ali OBE thanked Councillor Salter and the officers for their work, noting that dialogue was ongoing to incorporate further suggestions into the plan. The principles of the SEND Reform Plan were approved.