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Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 21st January, 2026 9.30 am
January 21, 2026 at 9:30 am Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee of Lancashire County Council met on Wednesday 21 January 2026 to discuss the draft budget for 2026/27. The committee heard presentations on the budget proposals from various directorates, including Adults, Health and Wellbeing; Education and Children's Services; Place; and Resources.
The committee made several recommendations to Cabinet. Firstly, Cabinet was urged to consider different not-for-profit models for upgrading care homes and day centres, with a focus on value for money. Secondly, Cabinet was asked to establish a cross-party working group to explore the modernisation of these facilities. Thirdly, Cabinet was requested to consider including an indicative sum in the budget for the modernisation of care homes and day centres.
In addition, Cabinet was asked to give consideration to concerns regarding mental health outcomes for both adults and children, ensuring adequate resourcing for timely assessments and utilising the Public Health Grant, alongside other funding sources, to support mental health initiatives. Cabinet was also asked to consider the funding required to implement an improvement plan for Adult Social Care, stemming from a Care Quality Commission inspection report. Finally, the Leader of the Council was asked to write to the relevant Secretary of State to seek assurance that setting a council tax precept below the maximum available would not lead to future funding penalties.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee Work Programme
Recommendations ApprovedThe Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee approved its work programme for the remainder of 2025/26 and into 2026/27 on 21 January 2026. The committee will review the County Council's Budget Proposals for 2026/27 and the 2025/26 Quarter 3 Financial Monitoring Report. Cabinet Members Stephen Atkinson, Ged Mirfin, and David Dwyer are required to attend the 21 January 2026 meeting.
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Draft Budget 2026/27
Recommendations ApprovedThe Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee of Lancashire Council approved recommendations on the draft budget for 2026/27 on 21 January 2026. The Cabinet of Lancashire Council approved the draft budget for 2026/27 on 5 February 2026, to be presented to Full Council for approval. The Cabinet also approved the Medium-Term Financial Strategy, including guiding principles for revenue and capital, and the creation of a Working Capital Enhancement Reserve.
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