The Cabinet of Lancashire County Council met on 09 October 2025 to discuss a range of important issues, including the council's Improvement Plan for 2025-2027, the updated Direct Payments Policy, and the Education Capital Strategy. Key decisions were made regarding the redesign of provider services within Adult Social Care, including the accelerated reprovision of ten older people's services, and the progression of interim expansion options for secondary school places in Preston.

Questions for Cabinet

During the meeting, Councillor Peter Buckley asked County Councillor Ged Mirfin, Cabinet Member for Resources, HR and Property, for assurances that local libraries and museums would remain open under the current administration, following a statement in the Property Strategy Principles Report that existing services may be required to compromise . County Councillor Mirfin responded that while he could not pre-empt specific outcomes, the cabinet remained committed to ensuring services met residents' needs and that the property strategy aimed to develop flexible, multi-use spaces.

Councillor John Potter questioned County Councillor Matthew Salter, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, about the perceived delay in delivering promised schools in Preston as part of the City Deal. County Councillor Salter pushed back on the suggestion that residents had been lied to, explaining that officers had acted in good faith and responded to changing circumstances, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and complex legal processes. He highlighted that Preston City Council had not always acted proactively to deliver commitments, citing an instance where the City Council decided to seek £0.00 in contributions towards secondary education when £1.6 million was deemed necessary. County Councillor Salter also stated that the land for a new school at Maxey Lane Farm had not yet been transferred to the County Council's ownership. He assured residents that their concerns were heard and that the council remained committed to transparency and ongoing engagement.

Councillor Aidy Riggott asked County Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, about discussions with bus service providers to reinstate a service to Buckshaw Parkway. County Councillor Goldsworthy stated that no such discussions were currently taking place, as Stagecoach, the operator of the 109 service, had no plans to divert its route due to insufficient demand and the need for additional investment. He noted that the previous shuttle bus service had been little used and that the existing 115 service provided hourly coverage to Chorley.

Lancashire County Council Improvement Plan 2025-2027

Cabinet was asked to approve the Lancashire County Council Improvement Plan 2025-2027. The plan is built around three interdependent priorities: Financial Sustainability, Service Improvement, and Organisational Effectiveness. It acknowledges significant financial pressures, with planned savings of around £100 million still to be delivered, and an estimated future financial gap of an extra £100 million over the next three years due to demand on services like adults, children, and SEND. The plan commits to stabilising and strengthening finances, responding to key service improvements, and making the organisation more effective. Cabinet approved the plan and agreed that quarterly progress updates would be provided.

Updated Direct Payments Policy (Children's and Adults)

The Cabinet was presented with an updated Direct Payments Policy for children and adults. Direct Payments are designed to give individuals more choice and control over their care, allowing them to hire personal assistants and decide when and how their support is delivered. Key updates include new direct payment rates for adult services, simplified rules on what direct payments can be used for, and the introduction of prepaid cards as the preferred payment method. The policy was developed with input from users and aims to be more accessible. Cabinet approved the updated policy.

Property Strategy Principles

A report was presented outlining the proposed principles for managing and developing the county council's land and property assets over the next five years. The strategy aims to rationalise the portfolio to support savings challenges and ensure buildings are fit for purpose and compliant. Five principles were outlined: establishing a portfolio that meets service needs, ensuring value for money, ensuring compliance, ensuring buildings are fit for purpose, and promoting partnership working. Cabinet approved the principles of the property strategy.

Care Quality Commission Assessment Result - Update Report

Cabinet received an update on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment of adult social services. Lancashire County Council received an overall rating of Requires Improvement, which the council accepted as a roadmap for improvement. Since the assessment, improvements have been made in reducing waiting times for assessments, supporting independent living, strengthening recruitment and retention of staff, and improving collaboration with the NHS. A new oversight group, chaired by the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, County Councillor Graham Dalton, was approved to provide strategic leadership and accountability for the improvement journey.

Provider Services Redesign (in-house)

Cabinet considered a proposal to initiate a review of in-house Provider Services within Adult Social Care. This review will assess services based on quality, alignment with strategic priorities, market and workforce sufficiency, and value for money. Crucially, Cabinet approved the accelerated reprovision of ten older people's services – five residential care homes and five-day services – due to significant service quality risks arising from the condition and suitability of the buildings. Public consultation on both the evaluation framework and the proposed reprovision of these ten services was agreed. Adult Services will return to Cabinet in February 2026 with the outcomes of the consultation and decisions on the future of the affected sites, and again in Spring 2026 with recommendations for the wider provider services portfolio redesign.

Education Capital Strategy

The Education Capital Strategy 2025-2030 was presented, outlining the county council's approach to capital investment in schools. The strategy focuses on providing high-quality, sustainable, and inclusive education, with a data-driven approach to identifying and delivering capital projects. It acknowledges funding challenges but prioritises projects, strengthens developer contributions, and seeks government grants. Cabinet approved the strategy.

Preston Secondary School Update

An update was provided on the delivery of secondary school places in Preston. Forecasts indicate a growing shortfall, necessitating additional capacity. While two potential sites for a new school (former Tulketh High School and Maxy Lane Farm) are being progressed with due diligence, officers recommended interim expansion options in existing good and outstanding schools as the most appropriate way to meet current demand. Cabinet approved the progression of these interim expansion options and the continued due diligence on the two potential new school sites. A further report with a detailed and costed project plan will be submitted to a future Cabinet meeting.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Strategy

Cabinet was presented with the Lancashire Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Strategy for 2025-2028. This strategy is a direct response to a joint Ofsted and CQC inspection and has been developed through co-production with children, young people, families, and professionals. It is built around five priorities: Early Identification, Meeting Needs Locally, Preparation for Adulthood, Working Together, and Improving Outcomes and Experiences. Cabinet approved the strategy.

Traffic Regulation Order 2025-2026 01 Chorley Area

Cabinet considered proposals for new and existing parking restrictions in the Chorley area, including no waiting at any time (double yellow lines) on sections of roads around Buckshaw Station and junction protection on Bramblewood, Croston, and Chorley Old Road. Objections were received, particularly concerning displaced parking and the impact on residents and businesses. Cabinet approved the making of the Traffic Regulation Order.

Traffic Regulation Order 2025-2026 01 West Lancashire Area

A report proposed the introduction of no waiting at any time double yellow lines on sections of Victoria Street in Burscough and the revocation of a residential disabled bay on Delamere Way in Holland. Concerns were raised by West Lancashire District Council regarding refuse wagon access and by residents about the impact on parking availability, particularly for disabled people and businesses. Despite objections and a petition, Cabinet approved the making of the Traffic Regulation Order, noting that restrictions were limited to areas where parking would impede traffic flow and safety, and that Blue Badge holders would still be permitted to park for up to three hours.

Lancashire Community Safety Agreement 2025 - 2028

Cabinet considered the Lancashire Community Safety Agreement 2025-2028. This statutory document outlines how responsible authorities will work together to address key community safety issues and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. It is informed by the Lancashire Strategic Assessment 2025-2028, which identifies key risks and threats including domestic abuse, violence against women and girls, serious violence, exploitation, organised crime, road safety, anti-social behaviour, and cyber crime. Cabinet noted the Strategic Assessment and the Plan on a Page, and recommended that Full Council approve the Community Safety Agreement.

Urgent Decisions and Next Meeting

It was noted that no urgent decisions had been taken since the last meeting. The date of the next Cabinet meeting was confirmed as 27 November 2025.

Exclusion of Press and Public

Cabinet noted that the Part II item on the agenda related to an appendix for a report already discussed in Part I, and as there were no questions to be raised, it was agreed that the meeting would remain in Part I, open to the press and public.