The Lancashire County Council Cabinet met on Thursday, 7th March 2024, to discuss a range of issues including highway maintenance, foster care allowances, and public health. Key decisions included the approval of significant funding for highway programmes, an increase in foster care allowances, and the noting of the Director of Public Health's annual report.

Proposed 2024/25 Highways New Start Capital Programmes

The Cabinet approved the addition of the Department for Transport's 2024/25 grant funding allocation for Highway Maintenance, amounting to £28.811 million, and an additional £3.661 million to the highway block of the capital programme. This funding will be used for proposed programmes of work detailed in Appendices 'C' to 'H' of the report. The Director of Strategy & Performance, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, County Councillor Rupert Swarbrick, was authorised to approve schemes for the Localised Deterioration Fund for 2024/25.

Revision of Foster Care Allowances 2024/25

An increase in the scale of Foster Care Allowances for 2024/25 was approved, aligning with National Minimum Standards. This decision was made following consideration of a report presented to the Cabinet.

A582 South Ribble Western Distributor Submission to the Major Road Network Funding Programme

The Cabinet approved the submission of an outline business case to the Department for Transport for a focused scheme of improvements to the A582 South Ribble Western Distributor. The Executive Director of Growth, Environment, Transport and Health, in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Growth, County Councillor Aidy Riggott, was authorised to finalise the submission. Additionally, approval was given to incur expenditure up to £19 million towards the development of highway infrastructure for this network, representing the local contribution towards these improvements. This commitment is subject to the Council's decision to proceed to a full business case and approval from the Department for Transport for the release of government funding.

Annual Report of the Director of Public Health 2023/24

The Cabinet noted the Annual Report of the Director of Public Health for 2023/24. The report highlighted that key health indicators showed a slowdown in outcomes across Lancashire since the pandemic. It identified poor health as a significant factor affecting economic progress in Lancashire, and vice versa. The report also pointed out the unequal distribution of health and wealth issues across Lancashire communities, occurring within the context of a demographic shift towards an increasing proportion of an unhealthy ageing population. The report underscored the devolution proposal and the evolution of the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System as key strategic opportunities to adopt a systematic and joined-up approach to address inequalities.

Corporate Performance Report - 2023/24 Quarter 3

The Cabinet considered a report providing an overview of the performance of forty-three Key Performance Indicators, as well as corporate risks and opportunities, to enable monitoring against the four priorities of the corporate strategy: Delivering better services, Protecting our environment, Supporting economic growth, and Caring for the vulnerable. The report was noted following consideration of additional information.

Procurement Report

Approval was given to commence procurement exercises for the following: a Dynamic Purchasing System for the supply of asphalt, aggregates and concrete; spray injection patching; an IT Reseller Agreement; and the collection and delivery of letters and parcels.

Lancashire County Council (Access Road and Lytham Road, Freckleton, Fylde Borough) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 202*

The proposal to introduce a Prohibition of Waiting on Lytham Road, Freckleton, was withdrawn following consideration of objections from residents and local councillors. The withdrawal of this proposal was approved.

Lancashire County Council (Various Roads, Lytham St Annes, Fylde Borough) (Motor Caravan Restricted Waiting, Bus Only Limited Waiting and Various Parking Restrictions) Order 202*

The Cabinet approved proposals for new and existing restrictions on various roads in Lytham St Annes. These include a restriction on motor caravan parking from 6pm to 8am, amendments to time limit parking along the promenade, the introduction of a dedicated bus drop-off/pick-up bay for coach parking, and 'No Waiting' and 'No Loading' restrictions to address road safety issues. County Councillor Peter Buckley declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item as his wife is a member of Fylde Borough Council.

Samlesbury Enterprise Zone (Report A and Report B)

The Cabinet considered two reports concerning the Samlesbury Enterprise Zone. Due to ongoing discussions with the Government and the need to meet government timescales, these items were considered urgent. The recommendations within both reports were approved, and the decisions were to be implemented immediately to avoid adversely affecting the county council's responsibilities. These discussions involved information relating to the financial or business affairs of particular persons, leading to the exclusion of the press and public from this part of the meeting.