The Lancashire County Council Cabinet meeting scheduled for Thursday, 22 January 2026, was set to cover a range of significant topics, including the future of the county's schools budget, revisions to highway safety inspection policies, and the revocation of the Lancashire Enhanced Partnership. Other key discussions were planned around the Fairness, Equality and Inclusion Workforce Framework, and updates on school place sufficiency in Preston.

Cabinet Working Group for Museums - Revised Terms of Reference

It was proposed to revise the terms of reference for the Cabinet Working Group for Museums, with the intention of renaming it the Cabinet Working Group for Culture. This expansion would broaden the group's remit to encompass all aspects of the council's cultural services, including Culture, Libraries, Museums & Collections, and Archives. The working group is intended to be non-decision-making, providing recommendations to the Cabinet.

Fairness, Equality and Inclusion Workforce Framework

A new Fairness, Equality and Inclusion Workforce Framework and delivery plan were presented for approval, developed in response to a Notice of Motion on Equality and Diversity agreed at Full Council on 16 October 2025. The framework aims to embed fairness, equality of opportunity, and inclusion across the workforce, aligning with corporate priorities and legal responsibilities, including the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Preston Sufficiency Update

The Cabinet was to receive an updated position on primary and secondary school places in Preston. The report outlined proposals to address projected shortfalls, including the use of surplus primary places in alternative planning areas and the phased opening of a new school at Whittingham. Additionally, proposals for the permanent expansion of Ashton Community Science College and Moor Park High School, along with potential expansion at Fulwood Academy, were scheduled for discussion.

Schools Budget 2026/27

The meeting was to consider the proposed 'Schools, Early Years, High Needs and Central Schools Services Block' budget allocations for 2026/27. This included the submission of a budget return to the Department for Education (DfE) detailing these allocations. The report highlighted the significant forecast shortfall in the High Needs Block, a national issue impacting many councils, and outlined the proposed allocations for each of the four funding blocks. Recommendations from the Lancashire Schools Forum were to be considered.

Revisions to Highway Safety Inspection Policy Following Policy Review

Proposed adjustments to the Highway Safety Inspection Policy were scheduled for discussion, aiming to better align response times with a risk-based approach as described in the UK Roads Liaison Group's Well-Managed Highway Infrastructure: A Code of Practice. This included accounting for highway network hierarchy and an increased emphasis on inspector risk assessment. An extension of the validation process for public-reported defects was also proposed to improve the accuracy of assigned response times. The policy also referenced the introduction of AI inspection technologies.

Revocation of Lancashire Enhanced Partnership

Approval was sought to revoke the Lancashire Enhanced Partnership between Lancashire County Council and bus operators from 1 April 2026. This revocation is a consequence of the transition of Local Transport Authority powers and functions to the Lancashire Combined County Authority, which is establishing its own Enhanced Partnership. The process for revocation, including consultation with stakeholders, was outlined.

Traffic Regulation Order 2025-2026 Ribble Valley (Clitheroe) Area

The Cabinet was to consider a Traffic Regulation Order to implement No Waiting at Any Time and No Loading/Unloading at Any Time restrictions in Clitheroe. This included a specific proposal for Railway View Avenue, which had been previously deferred. The aim of the order is to eliminate obstructive parking, improve access and sightlines, and prevent parking near junctions that compromise safety, thereby enhancing road safety.

Supplementary Procurement Report

This report detailed recommendations for the commencement of several procurement exercises. These included: Professional Services for a Condition Led Programme, the Construction of the Salmesbury Enterprise Zone Innovation Hub, the Supply of LED Road Lighting Lanterns, the Supply of Legionella Services, Manned Guarding, Front of House & Security Concierge Services, and the Supply of Vehicle Parts. The report outlined the procurement routes, estimated contract values, and evaluation criteria for each exercise.

Urgent Decisions taken by the Leader of the County Council and the relevant Cabinet Member(s)

A list of urgent decisions taken by the Leader of the County Council and relevant Cabinet Members since the last meeting was to be presented for noting.

Questions for Cabinet

A period was allocated for county councillors to ask verbal questions and supplementary questions to the Cabinet on any matter relating to Part I of the agenda.