Lancashire County Council's cabinet convened to address critical issues, including budget challenges and service improvements. They approved an improvement plan, a direct payments policy, and a traffic regulation order, while also discussing school provisions and community safety.

Lancashire County Council Improvement Plan 2025-2027

The cabinet approved the Lancashire County Council Improvement Plan 2025-2027, which addresses financial sustainability, service improvement, and organisational effectiveness. The plan aims to tackle a £100 million budget gap and potential further deficits in adult social care and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services. County Councillor Stephen Atkinson, Leader of the County Council, noted that without action, council tax could rise by 15% for a Band D property¹. The plan includes efficiency reviews, investments in SEND staffing, and adult social care improvements. Councillor Atkinson stated a goal for Lancashire to become one of the most improved councils in the country within two years.

County Councillor Gina Dowding raised concerns about ensuring real improvements for service users, particularly in SEND and adult social care, and asked how the council would define and achieve 'good' outcomes. County Councillor Azhar Ali highlighted the importance of staff involvement and the need for transparency.

Updated Direct Payments Policy

The cabinet approved the updated Direct Payments Policy for children and adults, which aims to give people more choice and control over their care by allowing them to hire personal assistants and tailor support to their lifestyles. County Councillor Simon Evans, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Children and Families, noted that the updated policy simplifies rules and was developed with input from people who use the payment system.

County Councillor Dowding raised concerns about reclaiming unspent money and data protection, to which County Councillor Evans responded that the underspends policy had been agreed and that data protection measures were in place.

Property Strategy Principles

The cabinet approved the Property Strategy Principles, which provide a framework for future property decisions, including rationalisation of the portfolio to support savings. County Councillor Tom Pickup, replacing County Councillor Ged Mirfin as Cabinet Member for Resources, HR and Property, stated that the strategy ensures effective use of property assets to support service and community needs.

County Councillor Dowding questioned how community organisations would be given fair opportunities for community asset transfers, while County Councillor Ali asked about making condition surveys public. County Councillor Pickup responded that community asset transfers are national legislation and are considered based on set parameters.

Care Quality Commission Assessment Results Update Report

The cabinet received and noted the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Assessment Result Update Report for adult social services, which gave Lancashire County Council a rating of 'Requires Improvement'. County Councillor Graham Dalton, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, acknowledged the challenges and outlined steps taken to improve services, including reducing waiting times and strengthening recruitment.

County Councillor Dowding questioned the effectiveness and transparency of the new oversight board, while County Councillor Ali suggested allowing opposition groups to chair scrutiny committees. County Councillor Matthew Salter noted that it was up to the scrutiny committees to take charge of the scrutiny process.

Provider Services Redesign (In-House)

The cabinet approved the commencement of a review of in-house provider services within adult social care, including a consultation on the accelerated reprovision of ten older people's services. County Councillor Dalton introduced the Provider Services Redesign (In-House) report, highlighting the need to modernise care and ensure services are fit for the future.

County Councillor Joshua Roberts echoed the need for public consultation and criticised spreading lies before any decision has been made. County Councillor Ali raised concerns about the lack of condition surveys and impact assessments, requesting an urgent scrutiny committee meeting.

Education Capital Strategy

The cabinet endorsed the Education Capital Strategy, supporting the continued development of local SEND provision and the pursuit of additional funding streams. County Councillor Salter presented the strategy, emphasising the commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable, and inclusive education.

County Councillor Dowding raised concerns about reliance on Section 106 developer contributions, while County Councillor Ali suggested SEND nurseries.

Preston Secondary School Update

The cabinet approved the progression of interim expansion options in existing secondary schools to address the present shortfall, and to continue to progress due diligence on the two previously named secondary school sites. County Councillor Salter presented the Preston Secondary School Update, noting issues with the two potential sites and the willingness of local headteachers to expand their existing schools.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Strategy

The cabinet endorsed the SEND Strategy and supported its implementation across all relevant services. County Councillor Salter presented the strategy, emphasising the commitment to improving the lives of children and young people with SEND.

Traffic Regulation Order 2025-2026 01 Chorley Area

The cabinet approved the making of a Traffic Regulation Order to introduce no waiting restrictions and junction protection in the Chorley area. County Councillor Goldsworthy presented the report, noting that the order aims to maintain clear access to the Buckshaw Parkway car park and improve traffic movements.

Traffic Regulation Order 2025-2026 01 West Lancashire Area

The cabinet approved the making of a Traffic Regulation Order to introduce no waiting restrictions in the West Lancashire area. County Councillor Goldsworthy presented the report, noting that the order aims to facilitate the movement of refuse wagons and improve accessibility.

Lancashire Community Safety Agreement 2025-2028

The cabinet noted the Lancashire Community Safety Agreement 2025-2028 and recommended it to full council for approval. County Councillor Joshua Roberts presented the report, noting that the agreement is a statutory requirement and identifies how responsible authorities will work together to address key community safety issues.

Other Business

The cabinet noted that there had been no urgent decisions taken since the last meeting and agreed that the next meeting would be held on 27 November 2025.