The Community, Cultural and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee of Lancashire Council met on Thursday, 12 February 2026, to discuss the future of the library service, an update on the council's workforce, and the committee's work programme. Key discussions included the role of libraries as community hubs, strategies for workforce development and retention, and the planning of future scrutiny activities.

Libraries as Community Hubs

The committee received a comprehensive update on the Lancashire Libraries service, highlighting its role as a vital community hub. Libraries are described as essential social infrastructure, contributing to skills development, health, and community resilience. The service comprises 64 static library branches, a network of 565 public computers with free internet access, and a mobile library service. In 2024/25, libraries saw over 2.6 million visits and welcomed 63,511 new members. The report detailed the extensive range of services offered, including digital resources, book loans, and support for children and families.

Discussions touched upon the statutory duty of the council to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service. The budget for libraries in 2025/26 is £9.9 million, with a significant portion allocated to staffing. The future shape of the library service is being considered, with a new strategy being drafted for 2026-2028. This strategy aims to ensure libraries remain fit-for-purpose, innovative, and at the heart of communities, while also exploring commercial opportunities and addressing declining literacy levels, particularly in light of the upcoming National Year of Reading in 2026. Councillors raised questions about the promotion of library services, the use of social media, and the potential for commercialisation. The issue of the Harris library in Preston, operated by Preston City Council, was also discussed, with concerns raised about its future.

Workforce Update Report

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a workforce update, which detailed current trends, pressures, and developments within Lancashire County Council. The report highlighted national trends of increasing public sector employment, with local government employment remaining at a record low. It noted persistent recruitment challenges and rising pay pressures across the public sector.

At Lancashire County Council, the workforce is predominantly female with a median age of 48. The report acknowledged the need for sustained action to improve the completeness of ethnicity data and support greater workforce diversity. Key developments discussed included employee engagement, with the September 2025 staff survey showing a reduced response rate and a drop in the employee net promoter score. Feedback indicated a need for stronger communication during change, fairer pay, more visible leadership, and clearer career pathways.

The council's Apprenticeship Programme was highlighted as a success, with a high retention rate. Other early career pathways, including T Levels, work experience, and graduate schemes, were also discussed. Recruitment and retention efforts have focused on high-need areas such as Accessible Transport, SEND, and Social Care. Employee relations activity has seen an increase, particularly in absence management and disciplinary cases, attributed to more robust policy application. The upcoming Employment Rights Act 2025 was a key point of discussion, with the council undertaking a review of its policies to ensure compliance. A framework for hybrid working is also being developed. The Leading Lancashire framework and the Manager's Journey development programme were presented as initiatives to strengthen leadership capability. The report concluded by outlining the council's People Strategy and future priorities, emphasizing the need for workforce stability and retention during potential Local Government Reorganisation in Lancashire.

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, and the Farington Cricket Facility. The committee also reviewed responses to recommendations from previous meetings, including those related to the Transformation Portfolio and the Digital Strategy. The next meeting was scheduled for Thursday, 26 March 2026.