Councillor County Mrs Marion Atkinson

Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 5th February, 2026 9.30 am

The Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday, 5th February 2026, to review the Quarter 3 financial monitoring report for 2025/26. The meeting focused on the council's revenue and capital financial position, highlighting significant pressures in areas such as adult social care and children's services, alongside underspends in other areas. The committee also discussed the upcoming budget for 2026/27 and made recommendations for future work programmes.

Employment Committee - Tuesday, 27 January 2026 - 2.30 pm

The Employment Committee of Lancashire County Council met on Tuesday 27 January 2026 to discuss the recruitment of an Interim Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer. The committee approved recommendations regarding the shortlisting process for this key role.

Pension Fund Committee - Friday, 23rd January, 2026 2.00 pm

The Pension Fund Committee of Lancashire Council met on Friday 23 January 2026 and decided to set the funding buffer for the pension fund at 115%, with a 20-year surplus repayment period. This decision was made after extensive debate regarding the appropriate level of prudence to balance employer affordability with the long-term stability and solvency of the fund.

Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 21st January, 2026 9.30 am

The Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee of Lancashire County Council met on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, to discuss the draft budget for 2026/27. The committee reviewed proposals across all directorates, including significant investments in adult social care, education, and highways, alongside plans for efficiency savings. Key decisions included urging Cabinet to consider not-for-profit models for care homes and day centres, establishing a cross-party working group on their modernisation, and asking Cabinet to consider an indicative capital sum for this purpose. The committee also recommended that Cabinet give consideration to mental health outcomes for adults and children, the utilisation of the Public Health Grant for these services, and the funding required to implement the improvement plan for Adult Social Care following a Care Quality Commission inspection report. Additionally, the committee resolved that the Leader should write to the relevant Secretary of State to seek assurance that setting a council tax precept below the maximum available would not lead to future funding penalties.

Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 14th January, 2026 10.30 am

The Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the progress of the Child and Youth Justice Service, review the Education Strategy and attainment data, and consider the committee's work programme. Key decisions included supporting the Child and Youth Justice Service's priorities for 2025-2026 and agreeing for the Education Strategy to be presented to Cabinet for ratification.