The Lancashire County Council Cabinet met on Thursday, 1 October 2026, to discuss a range of significant issues, including the future of adult social care, a new public health strategy, and major infrastructure projects. Key decisions made included the endorsement of a new adult social care model, the approval of a comprehensive public health strategy, and the commencement of procurement for several key projects.

Procurement Pipeline 2026/27 Update

Cabinet Member for Resources, Property and Efficiency, County Councillor Hannah Whalley, presented an update on the Procurement Pipeline for 2026/27, seeking approval to commence six new procurement exercises. These exercises supplement the pipeline previously approved in March 2026 and are necessary due to revised Key Decision thresholds and newly identified commissioning requirements. Cabinet approved the commencement of these procurement exercises.

Models of Care: Better Care, Better Lives

County Councillor Tom Pickup, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, introduced Lancashire's future model of care for adult social care, titled Better Care, Better Lives. This model, developed through extensive co-production with over 700 individuals, aims to shift the focus from services to people's lives, emphasising prevention, early intervention, and community-based support. The model seeks to help individuals remain independent for longer, stay connected to their communities, and receive personalised support. Cabinet endorsed this model as the strategic approach for Adult Social Care and agreed that detailed design and implementation planning would proceed through co-production.

Public Health Strategy 2026-30

County Councillor Daniel Matchett, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, presented the Public Health Strategy 2026-2030. The strategy aims to improve health and wellbeing across Lancashire by focusing on prevention, personal responsibility, strong communities, and partnership working. It outlines five key priorities: Childhood Development, Youth Resilience, Health and Economic Growth, Active Lives and Healthy Environments, and Promoting Independence and Healthy Ageing. Cabinet approved the strategy and endorsed its implementation through collaborative efforts with various partners.

Future of Thurnham Glasson Church of England Primary School, Lancaster

County Councillor Matthew Salter, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, sought approval to commence a consultation on the proposed closure of Thurnham Glasson Church of England Primary School. The school is facing challenges with low pupil numbers, financial sustainability, and educational effectiveness. Cabinet approved the commencement of this consultation to gather views from all stakeholders before any final decision is made.

A582 Major Road Network: Enabling Works

County Councillor Mr Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, presented a report seeking approval for early enabling works for the A582 Major Road Network Programme. These works, valued at up to £7 million, aim to reduce congestion, enhance journey time reliability, and boost economic growth. Cabinet approved the use of local match funding for these works and the appointment of Eric Wright Group Limited to deliver associated off-site highway works under the existing Strategic Partnership Agreement.

Active Travel Grant Allocation 2026/27

County Councillor Mr Warren Goldsworthy also presented the Active Travel Grant Allocation for 2026/27. This report sought approval to incorporate ring-fenced active travel funding into the Capital Programme and to outline the schemes to be funded. Cabinet approved the addition of grant awards for 2026/27 and pre-approved funding for 2027/28, authorised the reallocation of 2025/26 funding, and approved entering into a funding agreement with the Canal & River Trust for towpath improvements.

Cottam Parkway Railway Station Project – Capital Programme

County Councillor Mr Warren Goldsworthy, alongside County Councillor Brian Moore, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Growth, presented the Cottam Parkway Railway Station Project. This significant transport infrastructure investment, valued at £69.2 million, will deliver a new railway station, car park, highway access, and active travel connections. Cabinet approved the inclusion of the project in the Capital Programme, a capital budget of £69.2 million, and the delivery arrangements, including continued work with Network Rail and the procurement of highway and bridge works.

Urgent Business: Local Government Reorganisation

In an item of urgent business, Cabinet considered the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) process. Following the Government's pause and review of the LGR, and in the absence of sufficient clarification, Cabinet sought to protect the council's position. Cabinet approved a recommendation to authorise the Director of Law and Governance to take necessary legal steps to protect the council's position, including the potential to issue a protective claim and seek a stay. This decision was made to preserve the council's ability to act while awaiting further information from the Government.