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Lancashire: Risk strategy approved, scrutiny debates key decisions

This week in Lancashire:

Combined Authority Approves Risk Strategy Amid Transition Concerns

The Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) Audit and Governance Committee convened its inaugural meeting, approving key governance documents and strategies. You can see the full details of the meeting here. The meeting highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing the newly formed authority as it transitions into its full responsibilities.

Risk Management Strategy and Corporate Risk Register Approved

The committee approved the Risk Management Strategy and the Corporate Risk and Opportunity Register, which identifies key risks and opportunities facing the LCCA.

  • Opportunity Focus: Councillor Paul Galley praised the inclusion of opportunity in the title, stating it says an awful lot about the ambition of what you're trying to achieve.
  • KPMG Input: Councillor County David Dwyer inquired about how KPMG, the LCCA's external auditors, would contribute to the risk register. Hannah Race, Head of Governance, explained that the risk register incorporates information from internal audit and close collaboration with external audit.
  • Key Risks: The four corporate risks identified are Local Transport Authority Functions, Adult Skills Fund, Operational Capacity and Resources, and Strategic Planning and Financial Sustainability.

The approval of these documents signals the LCCA's commitment to proactive risk management and its ambition to capitalize on opportunities for growth and development.

Internal Audit Plan Approved, Transport and Skills Detail Questioned

The committee approved the Internal Audit Annual Plan and Strategy 2025/26, designed to enhance governance, risk management, and internal control processes.

  • Transport and Skills Focus: Councillor Galley noted a lack of detail in the plan regarding transport and the Adult Skills Fund, given their imminent transition to the LCCA. Andy Dolesky, Head of Internal Audit, acknowledged this, explaining that less information was available when the plan was created and that it can be adapted as needed.
  • Transition Visibility: Councillor County David Shaw asked about visibility on transition programs at the LCCA level. Matthew Sidgreaves, Interim Chief Operating Officer for the LCCA, responded that updates would be provided to the CCA board and advisory boards.
  • Fraud Prevention: Andy Dolesky confirmed that internal audits cover controls to prevent or detect fraud, and that his team includes an investigation service for criminal investigations if needed.

The discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring adequate audit coverage for key transition areas and maintaining vigilance against fraud.

LCCA's Role and Responsibilities Outlined

The committee received an overview of the LCCA, its aims, progress, governance structure, and priorities.

  • Funding Oversight: Councillor Matthew Thomas asked whether funding pots like the Shared Prosperity Fund would be captured by the LCCA and overseen by audit. Matthew Sidgreaves clarified that for the transitional year, grants are being passed back to local authorities, but future arrangements need consideration.
  • Dual Reporting: Andy Dolesky added that for this year, the money would appear in both the CCA accounts and local authorities, leading to dual reporting and audit coverage.

The overview provided valuable context for the committee's work and underscored the importance of effective financial oversight.

Scrutiny Committee Sets Priorities, Debates Key Decision Threshold

The Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to define its role and responsibilities. You can see the full details of the meeting here.

Work Programme and Priorities

The committee discussed its role in scrutinising the work of the LCCA and identifying priorities for the municipal year.

  • Key Areas: Councillors suggested focusing on the growth plan, skills plan, and transport plan.
  • Quick Wins: Councillor Ashley Worley suggested balancing the focus on the three biggest items with consideration of items that could lead to a relatively quick agreement to demonstrate immediate benefits to the public.
  • Proactive Information Sharing: Councillor Caroline Jackson emphasised the importance of proactive information sharing from the LCCA, suggesting that papers should be sent directly to committee members rather than requiring them to search for them online.

Key Decision Definition and Threshold

The committee approved the definition of a key decision and set the financial threshold at £500,000, while agreeing to review the threshold at the next meeting.

  • Threshold Concerns: Councillor Carl Mitchell MBE raised concerns that the £500,000 threshold might be too high, potentially limiting the committee's ability to scrutinise decisions effectively.
  • Savings Impact: Councillor Jackson raised concerns about the threshold being too high in terms of savings, as a saving of £500,000 could have a significant impact on services.
  • Review Commitment: The committee agreed to approve the definition and threshold as set out in the report, with the understanding that they would review the financial limit at their next meeting.

Constitution, Membership and Terms of Reference

The committee noted its constitution, membership, and terms of reference for the municipal year 2025 to 2026.

  • Blackpool Transport: Councillor Paula Burdess sought clarification on the implications for Blackpool Transport, which is owned by the council. Matthew Sidgreaves confirmed that the original deal, including the red lines regarding Blackpool transport, remained in place.

Upcoming Meetings

  • The next meeting of the Lancashire Combined County Authority - Audit and Governance Committee is scheduled for Monday 22 September 2025.
  • The next meeting of the Lancashire Combined County Authority - Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled for Monday 8 September 2025.

Pension Fund at Risk? Council Finances, Procurement Scrutinised

This week in Lancashire:

Pension Fund Faces Scrutiny Over Local Government Reorganisation and Employer Performance

The Lancashire Local Pension Board met to discuss a range of critical issues, including the potential impact of local government reorganisation on the fund and ongoing concerns about employer performance. You can see the full details of the meeting here.

Local Government Reorganisation Threatens Pension Fund Stability

With Lancashire County Council potentially ceasing to exist in its current form due to local government reorganisation, the board discussed the urgent need to find a new home for the pension fund.

  • Uncertain Future: The reorganisation raises significant questions about the fund's governance and operational structure. Options include transferring responsibility to one of the new unitary authorities or establishing a separate pension authority.
  • Learning from Experience: Sean Greene, Head of Fund, noted that the council had been liaising with another fund who've gone through that experience to learn lessons from them.
  • Retirement Patterns: Mark Davies noted that the reorganisation could skew normal retirement patterns over the next three years.

The reorganisation poses a significant challenge to the stability and future of the Lancashire County Pension Fund, requiring careful planning and strategic decision-making.

Employer Data Delays Continue to Plague Pension Administration

The board addressed ongoing issues with employer performance, particularly the timely and accurate submission of data.

  • Data Quality Concerns: Julie Price, Funding & Employer Risk Lead, emphasized that timely and accurate data from employers is crucial for smooth pension administration and a good member experience.
  • Expanded Reporting: The board approved expanding employer performance reporting to larger employers such as colleges, universities, academy trusts, and housing associations, covering 95% of the active membership.
  • Academy Trust Complexity: Concerns were raised about the complexity of dealing with academy trusts, but it was clarified that multi-academy trusts would likely handle the data submission.

The board's decision to expand reporting reflects a commitment to improving employer compliance and ensuring that pension members receive accurate and timely information.

Communications Strategy Aims to Bridge Information Gap

The board discussed the communication strategy, intended to enhance communication with members and employers.

  • Easy Access: The strategy aims to ensure easy access to information and will consider different communication channels.
  • Relational Work: Mark Davies suggested focusing on relational work and engaging with staff networks and trade unions.
  • Consultation: The board agreed that it was important to consult with members and employers, and to consider LPPA's future communication programme.

The communication strategy aims to bridge the information gap and empower members and employers with the knowledge they need to navigate the pension system effectively.

Other Matters

  • Regulatory Updates: Catherine Hunt, Technical & Administration Pensions Lead, presented a report on regulatory issues and industry news, including updates on the government's response to the 'Fit for the Future' consultation and a consultation on access and fairness to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
  • Training Plan: The board reviewed the updated training plan for 2025/26, revised to support new members of the Pension Fund Committee and Pension Board.
  • Annual Review: The board considered the annual review of its operation, which found that the board functions effectively and has added demonstrable value.
  • Governance Compliance Statement: The board discussed revisions to the Governance Compliance Statement, which outlines the governance arrangements for the pension fund.
  • Part 1 Reports on Pension Fund Committee Agenda: The board received an update on part 1 reports considered by the Pension Fund Committee on 20 June 2025, including the Lancashire County Pension Fund Budget 2024/25 and the Lancashire County Pension Fund External Audit Plan 2024/25.

Corporate Parenting Board Meeting Held

The Corporate Parenting Board met on Wednesday. You can see the full details of the meeting here. No video was provided.

Audit, Risk and Governance Committee Discusses Financial Oversight and Procurement

The Audit, Risk and Governance Committee met to discuss the 2024/25 statement of accounts, external audit plans, treasury management, procurement waivers, and internal audit reports. You can see the full details of the meeting here.

Financial Oversight

The committee reviewed the 2024/25 Statement of Accounts, noting the commencement of the external audit. Key changes from the previous year included the removal of around £880 million in school assets from the balance sheet, and an overspend of £40.847 million against the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). The overspend was due to increased demand for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services. The council is using a statutory override to manage the DSG deficit. The accounts also reflect the adoption of IFRS 16 Leases, which has led to an additional liability of £14.2m being recognised in relation to PFI contracts.

External Audit Plans

The committee considered the external audit plans for Lancashire County Council and the Lancashire County Pension Fund, presented by representatives from Grant Thornton. The audit plan for the council outlined the scope of the audit, the approach to materiality, and identified significant risks, including management override of controls, valuation of land and buildings, and valuation of the net pension asset. The audit plan for the pension fund highlighted similar risks, with a focus on the valuation of level 3 investments and directly held properties.

Councillor Mr Joel Michael Tetlow raised questions about investments made in December 2021 when interest rates were low and inflation was rising, and also about the rationale behind investments in EDF bonds. Mike Jensen, Director of Investments, explained that the investments were made to protect the security of investments, and that EDF was 85% owned by the French state at the time of investment. Councillor Tetlow also asked about the sign-off process for large investments and whether new investments are now limited to one year.

Treasury Management

The committee reviewed the treasury management activities for 2024/25 and the proposed strategy for 2025/26. The report highlighted that treasury management activities complied with the approved strategy and prudential indicators. The council's net cost of borrowing was £42.9 million, which was £3.4 million under budget. The investment portfolio generated an average return of 3.25%, which is less than the SONIA rate and the average return achieved by Arlingclose clients. The report also noted that the market value of some long-term investments, particularly UK government bonds and EDF bonds, has fallen since their purchase.

The committee discussed the council's borrowing and investment strategy, with Councillor Tetlow questioning the rationale behind certain investments and the potential for reinvesting in council services rather than external borrowing.

Procurement Waivers

The committee considered the report on procurement waivers and non-compliance for the period 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025. The report, prepared following the revised Procurement Rules agreed in October 2024, showed 11 waivers were recorded with a total value of £851,148, representing 0.4% of the total contract value awarded in the period. Councillor County Paul Stubbins raised concerns about the strength of the council's compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and the potential for an increase in reported waivers as awareness of the new framework grows. Councillor Tetlow questioned the threshold for requiring only one quote and how the council ensures value for money in these cases.

Internal Audit

The committee reviewed the Internal Audit Annual Report 2024/25 and a progress report. The Head of Internal Audit provided a moderate assurance opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the council's frameworks for governance, risk management, and internal control. The report highlighted key themes and issues arising from audit work, including the need for improvements in areas such as discharge to assess processes, financial management in care homes, and anti-money laundering controls.

Councillor Stubbins requested a report on ombudsman complaints at the next meeting.

Internal Audit Charter and Mandate

The committee approved the Internal Audit Charter and Mandate, which establishes the framework for the Internal Audit Service's operations. The charter aims to enhance transparency and clarity regarding the internal audit's function, role, and scope.

Lancashire County Council Internal Audit Strategy

The committee approved the Lancashire County Council Internal Audit Strategy 2025–2028, which provides a clear vision and direction for the council's internal audit function. The strategy focuses on investing in people, embracing digital innovation, driving operational excellence, and acting as a trusted strategic partner.

Corporate Risk and Opportunity Register

The committee considered the updated Corporate Risk and Opportunity Register, which reflects the council's current operating environment. New risks relating to the Southport response and partnership effectiveness have been added to the register. The risk score for Responding to National Policy and Issues has been reduced to reflect the development of the council's policy framework.

Councillor Stubbins asked for additional information on the risk relating to non-compliance with the Procurement Act.

Upcoming Meetings

  • The Lancashire Combined County Authority - Audit and Governance Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 29 July 2025. Link to meeting
  • The Lancashire Combined County Authority - Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 28 July 2025. Link to meeting

Lancashire debates waste plant, home adaptations, youth justice

This week in Lancashire:

Energy Recovery Centre Faces Renewed Scrutiny Amid Waste Capacity Concerns

The Development Control Committee met to reconsider a planning application for an energy recovery centre at Hillhouse Business Park in Wyre. You can see the full details of the meeting here. The project, previously approved in April 2024, was brought back due to new government policy and local concerns.

  • Capacity Note: A 'Residual Waste Infrastructure Capacity Note' from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) questions whether the plant aligns with local and national policy, particularly regarding the assumption that any waste not incinerated at the plant would otherwise be incinerated.
  • Local Concerns: Residents raised concerns about stretched infrastructure, smells, increased lorry traffic, and potential pollutants.
  • Applicant's Response: Sisona, the applicant, argued that the assessment didn't consider non-municipal waste treatment needs and that the DEFRA note wasn't a moratorium on new energy-from-waste capacity.

Councillor Belchin questioned the Section 106 agreement1 contribution of £12,000, calling it minuscule given the project's potential turnover. He also raised concerns about monitoring lorry traffic and ensuring materials are properly covered to prevent pollution, referencing the Corby toxic town incident.

Councillor Snow countered that the £12,000 contribution was agreed upon with the highways team and is index-linked. He also assured that enforcement of conditions would be the responsibility of the planning department.

The debate highlights the tension between the need for waste management solutions and the potential environmental and social impacts on local communities.

Home Adaptations Face Bottleneck as Health Board Endorses Improvement Plan

The Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board endorsed recommendations to improve the delivery of equipment, adaptations, and home improvement services in Lancashire. You can see the full details of the meeting here. The goal is to help residents live independently for longer.

  • Complex System: The report highlighted the complexities of the current system, where responsibilities for disabled facilities grants (DFGs)2 are split between district and county councils.
  • Waiting Lists: Councillor France commented on the long waiting lists for occupational therapist (OT) assessments, which she said were a bottleneck in accessing DFGs.
  • Trusted Assessors: Councillor France suggested a model of trusted assessors for basic adaptations like grab rails and handrails.

The board's endorsement signals a commitment to streamlining the process and ensuring residents can access the support they need to live safely and independently in their own homes.

Full Council to Debate Youth Justice Plan and Governance Changes

The Full Council was scheduled to meet to discuss the Lancashire Child and Youth Justice Plan 2025-26, proposed changes to the council's Constitution, and a report from the Political Governance Working Group. You can see the full details of the meeting here.

  • Youth Justice Plan: The plan focuses on reducing offending and creating safer communities through a child-first, trauma-informed, and restorative approach.
  • Governance Changes: Proposed changes to the Constitution include disestablishing the Scrutiny Management Board, establishing a new Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee, and increasing public question time.
  • Notices of Motion: The council was also scheduled to consider notices of motion on topics such as violence against women and girls, flag flying over council property, and electoral reform.

These discussions will shape the council's priorities and governance structure for the coming year.

Other Matters

  • Round O Quarry Amendment: The Development Control Committee discussed an application to amend conditions at Round O Quarry, deferring the decision pending further details on drainage and restoration. Link to meeting
  • Elswick Generation Station: The Development Control Committee discussed an application for the retention and continuation of use of Elswick Generation Station for natural gas extraction and electricity generation until 2030. Link to meeting
  • NHS 10-Year Plan: The Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board discussed the implications of the NHS's new 10-year plan, agreeing to form a working group to consider how the board should respond. Link to meeting
  • Better Care Fund: The Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board ratified the Lancashire Better Care Fund1 2024/25 end of year submission and the 2025/26 Better Care Fund plan. Link to meeting
  • Executive Director of Resources: The Employment Committee held interviews for the role of Executive Director of Resources. Link to meeting

Upcoming Meetings

  • The Audit, Risk and Governance Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 21 July 2025. Link to meeting
  • The Lancashire Local Pension Board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 22 July 2025 to discuss employer performance, the LCPF communication strategy, and governance. Link to meeting
  • The Corporate Parenting Board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 23 July 2025. Link to meeting
  • The Lancashire Combined County Authority - Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 28 July 2025. Link to meeting
  • The Lancashire Combined County Authority - Audit and Governance Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 29 July 2025. Link to meeting

  1. Section 106 agreements are legal agreements between a local planning authority and a developer, ensuring that certain contributions are made to mitigate the impact of a development. ↩

  2. A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is a grant from the local council to help towards the cost of adapting a home for someone with a disability. ↩

Lancashire nurseries face closure amid £10.6m council overspend

This week in Lancashire:

Nursery Closures Spark Debate on Education Priorities

The Lancashire County Council Cabinet approved proposals to discontinue local authority-maintained nursery provision at Rosewood Primary School in Burnley and Clayton Brook Primary School in Chorley. You can see the full details of the meeting here. This decision, effective from 1 August 2025, involves raising the age range at each school from 3-11 years to 4-11 years.

  • No Consultation Responses: The report pack notes that no responses were received during the consultation period for either proposal.
  • Alternative Provision: The council asserts that alternative nursery provision is available in both areas, minimizing the impact on families.
  • Financial Improvement: The closures are expected to improve the financial position of both schools.

These closures raise questions about the council's commitment to early years education and the accessibility of affordable childcare for working families.

Council Grapples with £10.6 Million Overspend

The Cabinet received a report outlining the county council's financial position for 2024/25, revealing an overspend of £10.606 million. You can see the full details of the meeting here. This overspend, representing 0.95% of the revenue net budget, will be funded from the transitional reserve.

  • Savings Shortfall: Only 48% of the planned £69 million in savings were delivered during the 2024/25 budget year.
  • DSG Deficit: The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) reserve has become a negative balance of £22 million due to pressures on the High Needs Block1.
  • Borrowing Costs: The council's total borrowing as of March 31st was £1,047,589,000, resulting in daily interest costs of £152,000.

During the meeting, County Councillor Peter Buckley asked the Cabinet Member for Resources, HR and Property to identify where the report suggests the council is on the verge of bankruptcy, as stated by his party's leader. County Councillor Murphy responded that Nigel Farage was right to express concern, stating that the daily cost of borrowing is £152,000.

County Councillor Aidy Riggott asked County Councillor Murphy to confirm whether there is a hole in the budget. County Councillor Murphy responded that the report contains savings of around £102 million to be found, and that the council is overspent by £10.6 million.

The financial challenges highlight the difficult decisions facing the council as it seeks to balance its budget and deliver essential services.

New Priorities Set for 2025-26

The Cabinet approved Our Areas of Focus for 2025-26, a document outlining key priorities for the coming year. You can see the full details of the meeting here. The document aligns with the Council Plan and the priorities of the incoming Administration, focusing on:

  • Improving services for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)2.
  • Transforming Adult Social Care and Health.
  • Providing First Class Children's Social Care.
  • Investing in education.
  • Building a Family-Friendly Lancashire.
  • Strengthening Prevention and Early Intervention.
  • Improving roads and public transport.
  • Investing in the economy and supporting local jobs.
  • Empowering communities and joining up local services.
  • Promoting environmental resilience and reducing energy costs.
  • Serving rural communities and supporting the armed forces community.
  • Enhancing the use of digital and data.
  • Supporting devolution and responding to local government reorganisation.

County Councillor Stephen Atkinson, Leader of Lancashire County Council, stated that the council will prioritize resources towards the things that make the biggest difference to residents, be more visible and responsive in each community, and be open and accountable.

Other Matters

  • Child and Youth Justice Plan: The Cabinet recommended that Full Council approve the Lancashire Child and Youth Justice Plan 2025-26, which focuses on reducing offending and creating safer communities. Link to meeting
  • Children in Our Care Strategy: The Cabinet approved the Lancashire Children in Our Care Sufficiency Strategy 2025-2028, which sets out how the council intends to meet its Sufficiency Duty3 for children in care. Link to meeting
  • Education Contribution Methodology: The Cabinet approved an amendment to the Education Contribution Methodology, which sets out how the council assesses the impact of housing developments on education provision. Link to meeting
  • Edward Stocks Massey Bequest Fund: The Cabinet approved the allocation of funds as recommended by the Edward Stocks Massey Bequest Fund Joint Advisory Committee, which supports education and the arts in Burnley. Link to meeting
  • Preston Bus Station Car Park: The Cabinet approved a proposed order increasing tariffs and formalizing parking restrictions at the Preston Bus Station Multi-Storey Pay and Display Car Park. Link to meeting
  • Local Access Forum: The Lancashire Local Access Forum met to discuss coastal path updates, forum membership, and a new peat map for England. Link to meeting

Upcoming Meetings

  • The Employment Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 15 July 2025 to discuss interviews for the Executive Director of Resources role. Link to meeting
  • The Development Control Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 16 July 2025 to discuss planning applications for an energy recovery centre, a quarry, and a gas extraction station. Link to meeting
  • The Full Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 17 July 2025 to consider the Lancashire Child and Youth Justice Plan, proposed changes to the Constitution, and other matters. Link to meeting
  • The Audit, Risk and Governance Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 21 July 2025. Link to meeting
  • The Lancashire Local Pension Board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 22 July 2025 to discuss employer performance, the LCPF communication strategy, and governance. Link to meeting
  • The Corporate Parenting Board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 23 July 2025. Link to meeting
  • The Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 15 July 2025 to discuss the Lancashire Better Care Fund, national policy changes, and ways to support people to live independently. Link to meeting

  1. The High Needs Block is a specific allocation of funding within the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) used to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). ↩

  2. The BBC style guide recommends using 'special educational needs' rather than 'special needs'. ↩

  3. The Children Act 1989 section 22G states that a local authority must ensure that it has sufficient accommodation to meet the needs of children it looks after. ↩

Lancashire RE Syllabus Update, New Councillor, and More!

This week in Lancashire:

Religious Education Syllabus Faces Further Scrutiny

The Lancashire SACRE Agreed Syllabus Conference met on Monday to discuss the progress of the new Religious Education syllabus1. You can see the full details of the meeting here. The conference members reviewed draft primary curricular materials and the Key Stage 3 strategy, and discussed the next steps for completion, consultation, and launch of the syllabus.

  • Syllabus Approval: The new syllabus is scheduled to be considered and approved by the county council's Cabinet in September 2026, following a period of completion and consultation.
  • Consultation: The draft syllabus will require consultation with faith groups and the teaching profession, and there will be a training requirement for schools. Consultants will be asked to trial individual units in their own schools.
  • National Statement of Entitlement: The meeting referenced the National Statement of Entitlement (NSE) released by the Religious Education Council, a best practice model that set out what state school pupils were entitled to be taught.

The development of a new Religious Education syllabus is a complex process, requiring careful consideration of diverse perspectives and adherence to national guidelines.

Membership Changes

County Councillor Matthew Salter, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, was welcomed as a new member of both the SACRE and the Agreed Syllabus Conference, following the county council elections on 1 May. You can see the full details of the meeting here.

Next Steps

The next meeting of the Agreed Syllabus Conference is scheduled for Monday 10 November 2025, at County Hall, Preston.

Other Matters

  • The Employment Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday 1 July 2025 was cancelled. Link to meeting

Upcoming Meetings

  • The Lancashire Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) is scheduled to meet on Monday 7 July 2025 to discuss membership updates, the membership status of Lancashire Humanists, and the SACRE Development Plan. Link to meeting
  • The Regulatory Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 8 July 2025. Link to meeting
  • The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Thursday 10 July 2025. Link to meeting
  • The Employment Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 15 July 2025. Link to meeting
  • The Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 15 July 2025. Link to meeting
  • The Development Control Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 16 July 2025. Link to meeting
  • The Full Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 17 July 2025. Link to meeting

  1. SACRE stands for Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education. SACREs are responsible for advising local authorities on religious education in schools and collective worship. ↩

Recent meetings
Lancashire Combined County Authority - Audit and Governance Committee

Lancashire Combined County Authority - Audit and Governance Committee - Tuesday, 29th July, 2025 3.00 pm

The Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) Audit and Governance Committee convened its inaugural meeting, during which they appointed Councillor David Whatley as the independent chair, reviewed and approved its constitution, membership, and terms of reference, and established its work programme for the upcoming year. The committee also approved the Internal Audit Annual Plan and Strategy for 2025/26, the Internal Audit Charter and Mandate, and the Risk Management Strategy and Corporate Risk and Opportunity Register, setting the stage for enhanced governance and accountability within the LCCA.

July 29, 2025
Lancashire Combined County Authority - Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Lancashire Combined County Authority - Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 28th July, 2025 3.00 pm

The Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss its role and responsibilities, and to agree on a definition and threshold for key decisions. The committee approved the proposed definition of a key decision and set the financial threshold at £500,000, with a commitment to review the threshold at the next meeting. Members also discussed potential areas for scrutiny, including the Lancashire Growth Plan, skills agenda, and transport.

July 28, 2025
Corporate Parenting Board

Corporate Parenting Board - Wednesday, 23rd July, 2025 11.30 am

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

July 23, 2025
Lancashire Local Pension Board

Lancashire Local Pension Board - Tuesday, 22nd July, 2025 2.00 pm

The Lancashire Local Pension Board convened to discuss a range of issues, including regulatory updates, training plans, employer performance, and communications strategies, and to approve the annual report. The board approved recommendations regarding employer performance monitoring and endorsed the updated training plan. They also discussed the potential impact of local government reorganisation on the pension fund.

July 22, 2025
Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Audit, Risk and Governance Committee - Monday, 21st July, 2025 2.00 pm

The Lancashire County Council's Audit, Risk and Governance Committee met on 21 July 2025, to discuss the statement of accounts, external audit plans, treasury management, procurement and internal audit reports. The committee was asked to approve the Internal Audit Charter and Mandate and the Internal Audit Strategy 2025–2028, and to consider and comment on the other reports.

July 21, 2025
Full Council

Full Council - Thursday, 17th July, 2025 1.00 pm

Lancashire County Council's Full Council met on 17 July 2025, and among other things, approved the Lancashire Child and Youth Justice Plan 2025-26, and agreed to review its policy on flying flags over council property, prioritising the Union Flag, the Flag of England, the Lancashire Flag, royal flags, and military flags and ensigns. The council also discussed the financial challenges it faces, and heard questions from councillors and members of the public.

July 17, 2025
Development Control Committee

Development Control Committee - Wednesday, 16th July, 2025 10.30 am

The Development Control Committee met to discuss planning applications for an energy recovery centre, a quarry, and a generation station. The committee approved the energy recovery centre, but deferred a decision on the quarry to allow for a review of drainage. They approved the continued use of the generation station.

July 16, 2025
Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board

Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board - Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 2.00 pm

The Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss the Better Care Fund, adaptations to help people live independently, and national policy changes to the NHS. The board ratified the Lancashire Better Care Fund 2024/25 end of year submission and the 2025/26 Better Care Fund plan. Members agreed to form a working group to consider the implications of the NHS's 10-year plan.

July 15, 2025
Employment Committee

Extraordinary Meeting - Interviews, Employment Committee - Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 1.00 pm

The Lancashire County Council Employment Committee convened on Tuesday, 15th July 2025, to conduct interviews for the Executive Director of Resources role. Following the first day of interviews, the committee decided to conclude the interview process, withdraw the interview offer scheduled for 24th July 2025, and propose an offer of appointment to Laurence Ainsworth, subject to no objections from the Cabinet and receipt of satisfactory references.

July 15, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Thursday, 10th July, 2025 2.00 pm

Lancashire County Council's Cabinet met on 10 July 2025, and approved a new set of focus areas for the coming year, the Lancashire Child and Youth Justice Plan 2025-26, and the Lancashire's Children in Our Care Sufficiency Strategy 2025-2028. They also agreed to increase parking charges at Preston Bus Station and made some changes to the way they collect contributions from developers.

July 10, 2025
Upcoming meetings
Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board

Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board - Tuesday, 2nd September, 2025 2.00 pm

September 02, 2025
Development Control Committee

Development Control Committee - Wednesday, 3rd September, 2025 10.30 am

September 03, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Thursday, 4th September, 2025 2.00 pm

September 04, 2025
Lancashire Combined County Authority

Lancashire Combined County Authority - Tuesday, 9th September, 2025 4.00 pm

September 09, 2025
Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee

Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 10th September, 2025 10.30 am

September 10, 2025
Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee

Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 11th September, 2025 10.00 am

September 11, 2025