The Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday, 29 January 2026, to discuss the Get Lancashire Working programme and the council's work programme for 2025/26. Key decisions included noting the progress of the Get Lancashire Working initiative and its Connect to Work programme, and agreeing to defer discussions on local transport grants and the culture and tourism strategy to allow for further information to be gathered.

Get Lancashire Working

The committee received an update on the Get Lancashire Working initiative, a programme aimed at boosting employment rates and reversing economic inactivity in Lancashire. Dan Dixon, Programme Manager for Supported Employment, and Linda Ferguson from the Enablement and Employment Team presented the report.

The Connect to Work programme, which launched in the summer of 2025, is a large-scale supported employment initiative funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It aims to support 11,000 participants over five years, with an expected outcome of at least 50% remaining in or progressing to sustained employment. The programme is delivered through a mix of in-house services from upper-tier local authorities (UTLAs) and procured providers.

Councillor Paul Stubbins questioned the scale of the programme and how it would meet national ambitions, while Councillor Mr Chris Snow expressed concern that the government's 80% employment target might be unambitious, citing higher rates in areas like Chorley and South Ribble. He also highlighted the particular issue of NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) in Lancashire.

County Councillor Brian Moore, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Growth, clarified that the £38.8 million funding for the programme comes from the government and that the 80% employment target is a national one.

Lydia Ferguson, Manager for the Employment Support Service and Enablement Service, provided further detail on the delivery of Connect to Work, highlighting the success of the council's previous Local Supported Employment (LSE) programme, which supported individuals with learning disabilities and autism. She noted that 47% of referrals to the LSE programme had gained employment, with an 85.7% retention rate. Ferguson also emphasised the importance of finding the right job for the right person and supporting individuals in work.

Several councillors raised concerns about national policies impacting employment, including the benefit system and mental health diagnoses. Councillor David Whipp questioned whether mental health was overdiagnosed, while Councillor Mark Wade noted issues with low wages, low educational attainment, and poor aspirations. Councillor David Shaw, a pub landlord and professional engineer, shared his experiences with the hospitality industry, highlighting challenges with apprenticeships, the national minimum wage, and the difficulty of employing young, inexperienced staff. He also raised concerns about the lack of relevant training and the potential for under-qualified graduates.

The committee discussed the need to reach small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with information about the Connect to Work programme. Councillor Moore stressed the crucial role of businesses in the economy and the importance of supporting them.

Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee Work Programme 2025/26

The committee reviewed its work programme for 2025/26. A key discussion point was the allocation of Local Transport Grants for 2025/26, with £15 million in unallocated capital grant funding. Councillors expressed frustration at the lack of clarity regarding the intended use of this funding, with Councillor Paul Stubbins and Councillor Mr Chris Snow urging for a clear decision on whether the money would be spent or saved. They highlighted the potential for lost opportunities if the funds were not allocated. The committee agreed to push for a definitive answer on the £15 million by the next meeting.

The committee also considered the Growth Plan, Culture and Tourism Strategy, and Lancashire Skills and Employment Framework. It was noted that the county council does not have a joint culture and tourism strategy, with these areas covered by separate strategies. The cultural investment strategy will fall under the remit of the Lancashire Combined Authority (LCCA) from April 2026. A new tourism strategy is in development, with an anticipated completion date by the end of quarter three of the financial year. The committee agreed that it would be more beneficial to scrutinise the new tourism strategy once it is released and to move the tourism element of the review into the 2026/27 work programme. The cultural element was also discussed, and the committee reached a consensus that it should be scrutinised by the relevant committee.

The committee also noted the formal written response from County Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, regarding the committee's review of the TAMP (Transport Asset Management Plan).

The next meeting of the Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee was scheduled for Thursday, 19 March 2026.