The Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee of Lancashire County Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 29 January 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on employment initiatives, the committee's work programme, and the allocation of transport grants.

Get Lancashire Working

A significant item on the agenda is the Get Lancashire Working initiative. This report outlines the development of the programme, which aims to boost employment rates and address economic inactivity across Lancashire. It details the partnership working involved, including collaboration with the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board and the Department for Work and Pensions. The report also covers the mobilisation of Connect to Work, a large-scale supported employment programme launched in the summer of 2025. The committee is asked to note the publication of the Get Lancashire Working Plan and the progress of Connect to Work, and to consider formulating recommendations to the Lancashire Combined County Authority and the Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Growth on how to increase participation in the Connect to Work programme.

The Get Britain Working White Paper published in November 2024 sets out the government's ambition to achieve an 80% employment rate over the next decade, focusing on integrating work, health, and skills provision. Get Lancashire Working is Lancashire's local response to this national agenda. Connect to Work is described as the government's flagship programme aligned with Get Britain Working, with employment funds devolved to local authorities. It builds on existing models of Supported Employment, including Local Supported Employment pilots and Individual Placement and Support provision. Lancashire is among the first areas to launch this programme, with a target to support 11,000 participants over five years.

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

The committee will also review its work programme for the 2025/26 municipal year. This report provides an overview of the planned activities and topics to be considered by the committee. The work programme is a dynamic document, allowing for the addition or modification of topics in response to emerging priorities. The committee is asked to note the work programme, as well as formal written responses from Cabinet Members regarding previous recommendations.

Additionally, the committee will consider a briefing note on the allocation of Local Transport Grants for 2025/26. This funding, totalling £32,263,755 in capital and £2,104,927 in revenue from the Department for Transport and Active Travel England, is intended for transport infrastructure enhancements. The report details allocations to existing commitments and ongoing annual programmes, as well as funding for active travel schemes. The committee will need to determine how to proceed with this matter, as it is currently listed as a reserve item on the work programme.

The committee will also consider an in-year request form concerning the Growth Plan, specifically the Culture and Tourism Strategy and the Lancashire Skills and Employment Framework. This request highlights the public concern surrounding equitable access to cultural services, the sustainability of the visitor economy, and the alignment of skills with future job markets. The committee is asked to determine how to proceed with reviewing this strategy. The report notes that the refreshed Cultural Investment Strategy aims to make culture and creative industries central to Lancashire's vision for growth and quality of life.

The committee will also discuss and confirm key lines of enquiry for a report scheduled to be presented at its next meeting on 19 March 2026. This report will focus on the delivery of major transport and infrastructure schemes, with a specific emphasis on electric vehicle infrastructure, and a separate report on Public Rights of Way, examining efficiencies.