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Full Council - Thursday, 12th March, 2026 1.00 pm
March 12, 2026 at 1:00 pm Full Council View on council websiteSummary
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The Full Council of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday, 12 March 2026, to discuss a range of important issues, including the council's budget for the upcoming financial year, changes to members' allowances, and the future of care homes and day centres. Key decisions made included the approval of the 2026/27 budget, which included a 3.8% increase in Council Tax, and the adoption of a new Members' Allowance Scheme for 2026/27.
Budget Approved with Council Tax Increase
The council approved its budget for the 2026/27 financial year, which includes a 3.8% increase in Council Tax. This increase comprises a 1.8% rise in the general Council Tax and a 2.0% increase for the Adult Social Care Precept. The approved budget totals £1,329.312 million. Several amendments proposed by opposition groups, including those from the Progressive Lancashire, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat groups, were defeated. The budget also includes a £5 million allocation over two years for a Pothole Fund
and a £2 million fund for the modernisation of care homes and day centres.
Members' Allowance Scheme Changes
Following recommendations from the Independent Remuneration Panel, the council approved the Members' Allowance Scheme for 2026/27. A threshold of five members or more was introduced for minor opposition groups to receive a Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA). The Leader of the main opposition will retain their current SRA, while the Deputy Leader's SRA will be reduced. Other group leaders representing five or more members will receive a payment of £1,000 plus £300 per member. An amendment to remove SRAs for the Majority Group Whip and Secretary, and to lower the threshold for other group leaders to four members, was defeated.
Care Homes and Day Centres Review
In response to a public question from Jean Grey and Linda Stewart regarding the withdrawal of a £1 bus fare concession for disabled pass holders, Councillor Goldsworthy acknowledged the impact and stated that while options were explored, budget constraints prevented reinstatement at this time. He noted that the Lancashire Combined Authority would take over local transport in April 2026 and that solutions would be sought.
Regarding the future of care homes and day centres, Councillor Dalton reassured residents that no decisions had been made to close, outsource, or privatise any of Lancashire's care provision. He confirmed that the cabinet had stated no closures were planned and that a full evidence-based review of in-house services was underway to strengthen provision. The review's findings and next steps would be presented to Cabinet in May, following the pre-election period. He also confirmed that adult social care has the necessary funding for the next year for all current care provision.
Road Maintenance and Potholes
A notice of motion brought forward by County Councillor David Whipp highlighted concerns about the condition of Lancashire's roads and pavements, the impact on users, and the perceived inadequacy of the current reporting system and resources. The motion, which was amended to include requests for Overview and Scrutiny to establish a task and finish group to evaluate providers and for Cabinet to consider a Highways Safety Fund, was ultimately defeated.
Election Integrity and Family Voting
A notice of motion brought forward by County Councillor Hannah Whalley expressed concern about reports of family voting
at a recent by-election and condemned the practice, alongside other election offences. The motion called for the Chief Executive to write to Returning Officers and the Secretary of State to seek reassurance on enforcement and policing of polling stations. This motion was carried.
Youth Engagement in Democracy
A notice of motion proposed by County Councillor Maheen Kamran called for Cabinet to develop a strategy to enhance young people's involvement in democracy, including encouraging voter registration, engagement with council meetings, promoting civic education, and creating opportunities for youth representatives. The motion was defeated.
Drug Policy
A notice of motion, moved by County Councillor Luke Parker, condemned the views of the Green Party leader, Zack Polanski, on drug legalisation and called for the Chief Executive to write to the Home Secretary opposing any dilution of drug laws. An amendment proposed by County Councillor Gina Dowding, which called for a Royal Commission to review evidence on drug policy, was defeated. The original motion was subsequently carried.
Other Matters
The council also confirmed the minutes from previous meetings, approved the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27, and noted reports from various committees, including the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee, Employment Committee, Pension Fund Committee, Overview and Scrutiny Committees, Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board, and the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority.
The meeting concluded with the exclusion of the press and public to discuss exempt information relating to the Local Pensions Partnership Investments Limited - Admission of New Partner Funds.
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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The Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board
Recommendations ApprovedThe Full Council of Lancashire Council approved recommendations on 12/03/2026. The Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board noted the findings and recommendations from a Local Government Association review and endorsed a refreshed governance and operating model. They agreed to develop detailed implementation proposals, a Neighbourhood Health and Wellbeing Delivery Framework, and maintain oversight of Better Care Fund performance metrics.
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Appointment of Independent Persons
Recommendations ApprovedThe Full Council of Lancashire Council decided to approve the reappointment of Ms J England and Ms L Keane as independent persons on 12 March 2026. Their appointments are for a further two-year term, ending on 12 October 2027.
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Exclusion of Press and Public
Recommendations Approved -
To consider Notices of Motion Submitted under Standing Order B37
Recommendations ApprovedThe Full Council of Lancashire Council approved recommendations on 12 March 2026. The council resolved to request increased highway maintenance funding, review funding prioritisation for highway repairs, and have Overview and Scrutiny review highway repair systems and practices. The council also resolved to write to Returning Officers regarding election integrity, express concerns to the Secretary of State about policing at polling stations, and ask Cabinet to develop a strategy to enhance young people's involvement in democracy. Additionally, the council resolved to write to the Home Secretary condemning views on drug legalisation and opposing changes to current drugs legislation.
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Report of the Cabinet (Part B)
Recommendations ApprovedThe Full Council of Lancashire Council approved the report of the Cabinet on 12 March 2026. The Cabinet's reports from November 2025, January 2026, and February 2026 were noted.
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Confirmation of the Minutes from the Ordinary Meeting held on 20 November 2025 and the Extraordinary General and Budget Meetings held on 26 February 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Full Council of Lancashire Council decided to approve the recommendations from the Ordinary Meeting held on 20 November 2025 and the Extraordinary General and Budget Meetings held on 26 February 2026. This decision was made on 12 March 2026.
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Report of the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority
Recommendations ApprovedThe Full Council of Lancashire Council approved recommendations on 12/03/2026. The council noted summary reports of the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority meetings held on 12 January and 23 February 2026.
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Local Pensions Partnership Investments Limited - Admission of New Partner Funds
Recommendations ApprovedLancashire Full Council approved recommendations on the admission of new Partner Funds into Local Pensions Partnership Investments on 12 March 2026.
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The Employment Committee
Recommendations ApprovedThe Full Council of Lancashire Council approved recommendations on 12 March 2026. The Employment Committee's report from its meetings on 27 January 2026 and 10 and 16 February 2026 was noted. The Full Council was asked to appoint Gary Fielding as the Director of Finance and S151 Officer and approved the extension of the Grade D2 band, authorising the Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service to implement changes.
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Non-Attendance of County Councillor
Recommendations ApprovedThe Full Council of Lancashire Council decided to approve the non-attendance of County Councillor Martin Topp at meetings of the council and committees for reasons of illness. This approval is for the purposes of Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972, until 13 September 2026.
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Recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel - Members' Allowance Scheme 2026/27
Recommendations ApprovedThe Full Council of Lancashire Council approved the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel for the Members' Allowance Scheme 2026/27 on 12 March 2026. The decision included retaining the main opposition leader's Special Responsibility Allowance, reducing the deputy leader's allowance, and providing payments to other group leaders based on member numbers. The Director of Law and Governance was authorised to make consequential changes to the Constitution.
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Appointment of Independent Co-opted Member to the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee
Recommendations ApprovedThe Full Council of Lancashire Council decided to approve the appointment of Amanda Whitehead as an independent co-opted member to the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee on 12 March 2026. This appointment is for an initial two-year term.
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Report of the Political Governance Working Group
Recommendations ApprovedThe Full Council of Lancashire decided to approve recommendations from the Political Governance Working Group on 12/03/2026. The council agreed to amend the Development Control Committee's Terms of Reference to include a regular overview of enforcement activity, approve an updated Protocol of Good Practice on Development Control Matters, and change the start time of morning committee meetings to 10am. Consideration will be given to moving at least one additional formal committee to the afternoon.
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The Audit, Risk and Governance Committee
Recommendations ApprovedThe Full Council of Lancashire Council approved recommendations on 12/03/2026. The Audit, Risk and Governance Committee's report from 26 January 2026 was noted. The committee approved the 2024/25 Statement of Accounts, authorised the Chief Financial Officer to approve immaterial changes, and approved management Letters of Representation.
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The Pension Fund Committee
Recommendations ApprovedThe Full Council of Lancashire Council approved recommendations on 12 March 2026. The council noted reports from the Pension Fund Committee meetings held on 12 December 2025, 23 January 2026, and 20 February 2026.
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The Overview and Scrutiny Committees
Recommendations ApprovedThe Full Council of Lancashire approved recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committees on 12 March 2026. The council noted reports from various scrutiny committees including Budget and Finance, Children Families and Skills, Community Cultural and Corporate Services, Environment Economic Growth and Transport, and Health and Adult Services.
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The Localism Act 2011 – Pay Policy Statement 2026/27
Recommendations ApprovedThe Full Council decided to approve the proposed Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 on 12 March 2026. The statement sets out the council's approach to chief officer remuneration, lowest-paid employees, and pay relationships. It includes the Foundation Living Wage rate of £13.45 per hour from 1 April 2026 for non-school employees, and entry-level apprentices will be paid £24,522 per annum.
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