The Community, Cultural and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday, 12 February 2026, to discuss the future of the library service and receive an update on the council's workforce. Key discussions included the role of libraries as community hubs, the development of a new library strategy, and the challenges and progress related to workforce planning and development.

Libraries as Community Hubs

The committee received a comprehensive report on the Lancashire Libraries service, highlighting its vital role as community hubs. Libraries are described as essential social infrastructure, contributing to skills development, health, and community resilience, and are legally required to provide a comprehensive and efficient service under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964. The service comprises 64 static library branches, a mobile library service, and extensive digital resources. In 2024/25, Lancashire Libraries saw over 2.6 million visits, with nearly 3 million books issued and an additional 3.3 million e-book, e-newspaper, and e-magazine downloads. The report detailed the library service's partnerships across culture and creativity, health and wellbeing, information and digital access, and reading. A new library strategy for 2026-2028 is being drafted, focusing on community needs, digital inclusion, and commercial opportunities. The committee was asked to consider formulating recommendations on library service sustainability, provision, and performance to the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills.

Workforce Update Report

An update on the council's workforce was presented, detailing current trends, pressures, and developments. The report highlighted national pressures on the public sector workforce, with local government employment remaining at a record low. Lancashire County Council's workforce is described as predominantly female with a median age of 48, and a predominantly White ethnic profile, underscoring the need for continued efforts to improve diversity and data recording. The report detailed progress in employee engagement, early careers programmes (including apprenticeships and T-levels), recruitment and retention strategies, employee relations, people policy and practice, and leadership development. Significant attention was given to the upcoming Employment Rights Act 2025 and the development of a hybrid working framework. The report also outlined the council's preparedness for potential Local Government Reorganisation in Lancashire, with a focus on workforce stability, leadership capability, and policy alignment. The committee was asked to provide feedback on the progress and direction of workforce matters.

Community, Cultural and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee Work Programme 2025/26

The committee reviewed and confirmed its work programme for the 2025/26 municipal year. The programme includes planned items such as the Property Strategy and Disposal of Buildings, the Farington Cricket Facility, and the Lancashire County Council Improvement Plan 2025–2027. The committee also considered key lines of inquiry for upcoming meetings and reviewed responses to previous recommendations.