The Cabinet of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday, 27 November 2025, to discuss a range of important issues including a proposal for local government reorganisation, the corporate performance report for the second quarter of 2025/26, and the council's efficiency review. Key decisions made included agreeing a proposal for two unitary councils for Lancashire as the county council's preferred option for local government reorganisation.

Local Government Reorganisation Proposal to Government

Cabinet considered a report on the proposed submission to Government regarding Local Government Reorganisation. Following public and stakeholder engagement, and considering the views of Overview and Scrutiny and Full Council, Cabinet agreed to recommend the proposal for two unitary councils for Lancashire as the county council's preferred option. They also agreed to request a broader public survey and an extension to the current timetable from Central Government. The Chief Executive was authorised to make any final amendments to the proposal and submit it to Government by the deadline of 28 November 2025.

Corporate Performance Report 2025/26 Quarter 2

The Cabinet reviewed the council's performance against the ambitions set out in the Council Plan 2025-2030 for the second quarter of the financial year (1 July to 30 September 2025). While 59% of metrics were performing to target, areas for improvement were identified, particularly concerning the timeliness of highway repairs, customer access services, and the delivery of transformation projects. Proposals to improve performance in these areas were agreed, and progress against the Council's Improvement Plan was noted.

Lancashire County Council's Efficiency Review

A report on the findings of the Efficiency Review to date was considered. The review identified potential savings of £21.932 million over three years, with £6.675 million expected to be achievable in 2026/27. Cabinet approved the continuation of the review into its next phase, which will focus on refining identified opportunities, accelerating delivery, and identifying further efficiencies.

2025/26 Quarter 2 Financial Monitoring Report

Cabinet received an update on the council's revenue and capital financial position as at the end of Quarter 2. A forecast overspend of £10.354 million (0.83%) in the Revenue Budget was noted, with mitigating actions being taken. A Revised Capital Programme for 2025/26 of £297.912 million was approved.

Revenue Budget 2026/27- 2028/29 Preliminary Assessment

A preliminary assessment of the revenue budget for the next three years indicated a significant budget shortfall. Cabinet noted the estimated shortfall, the schedule of savings opportunities identified, and approved that consultation could begin on these savings opportunities. The updated budget shortfall and the impact of the Provisional Finance Settlement will be referred to the Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee.

Traffic Regulation Order 2025-2026 Fylde Area

Cabinet considered a report proposing the introduction of a No Waiting at Any Time restriction, marked by double yellow lines, within the Fylde Area. This also included the removal of outdated restrictions to improve parking availability and formalise existing on-site measures. Following statutory consultation, several formal objections were raised, particularly concerning Harbour Lane in Bryning with Wharton, which has been deferred for further investigation. Cabinet approved the making of a Traffic Regulation Order for the new and existing restrictions as detailed in the report, with the exception of the Harbour Lane scheme.

Transport Asset Management Plan Phase 3: 2025-30

Cabinet considered a report on the Transport Asset Management Plan Phase 3: 2025-30. It was proposed to review the original plan and produce a new strategy rebranded as the Highways Asset Management Plan for Lancashire. Cabinet approved the commencement of this review and the production of the new strategy.

Lancashire Local Nature Recovery Strategy

Cabinet considered the final Lancashire Local Nature Recovery Strategy for approval. This strategy, introduced by the Environment Act 2021, aims to drive nature's recovery and provide wider environmental improvements. Cabinet approved the final strategy and authorised the Director of Environment and Planning to notify supporting authorities and the Secretary of State.

Lead Local Flood Authority Advice Service

A report outlined an updated approach to advice services offered by the Lead Local Flood Authority to improve customer engagement. Cabinet approved the withdrawal of the current Planning Advice Service, the establishment of an updated and renamed 'Lead Local Flood Authority Advice Service' incorporating planning advice and ordinary watercourse consent advice as standard, and the introduction of a standalone ordinary watercourse consent advice service.

Annual Reports on Complaints and Feedback 2024 to 2025

Cabinet considered the annual reports on Complaints and Feedback for 2024/25. The reports detailed feedback received across social care statutory complaints, corporate complaints, and compliments. Cabinet noted the reports, acknowledging the associated learning and improvements made to services.

Urgent Decisions taken by the Leader of the County Council and the relevant Cabinet Member(s)

Cabinet noted the urgent decision taken by the Leader of the County Council since the last meeting.

Date of Next Meeting

It was noted that the next meeting of Cabinet would be held on Thursday, 22 January 2026, at County Hall, Preston.