This week in Lancashire:

Council Grapples with Hospital Bed Closures and Adult Social Care Transformation

Lancashire County Council's Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, to discuss significant proposals that could reshape healthcare delivery in the Lancaster area and transform adult social care across the county. The committee heard plans to reduce hospital beds at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, alongside a new Better Care, Better Lives model for adult social care, sparking debate about the impact on vulnerable residents and the future of community support.

Right Care, Right Place: Shifting Services from Hospital to Home

The committee heard proposals from NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust regarding the Right Care, Right Place initiative. This plan aims to increase community services and reduce hospital bed capacity in the Lancaster area by potentially closing two 24-bed wards at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary. The intention is to shift care closer to home, with increased investment in primary care and expanded virtual wards offering hospital-level care in patients' homes.

While the ICB assured that patient safety and quality of care are paramount, and any bed closures would be phased and dependent on the successful implementation of alternative community services, councillors raised concerns. They questioned the potential impact on adult social care, the quality of virtual wards compared to hospital beds, and the timing of closures, especially with winter pressures looming. Councillor County Councillor Mark Jewell (Liberal Democrat) voiced support for the shift towards community care but stressed the importance of ensuring adequate resources for these new models.

• What's at stake? For residents, particularly older and more vulnerable individuals, this could mean a significant change in where they receive care. While the aim is to provide more convenient and personalised support, concerns remain about ensuring sufficient capacity and quality in community settings to prevent longer waits or a decline in care standards.
• What's being discussed? A proposal to reduce hospital beds by increasing community-based services and virtual wards, with the goal of providing care closer to home.
• What's the impact? If successful, this could lead to more integrated and accessible care. However, if community services are not adequately resourced or if virtual wards prove less effective for certain patient groups, it could lead to increased pressure on remaining hospital beds and potential gaps in care for those who need more intensive support.

You can find more details in the Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee meeting documents.

Better Care, Better Lives: A New Vision for Adult Social Care

Lancashire's proposed future Model of Care for Adult Social Care, Better Care, Better Lives, was presented as a shift from services to people's lives. Developed through extensive co-production with over 700 individuals, the model prioritises prevention, early intervention, and community-based support. Key pillars include:

• Community First: Strengthening local networks and investing in the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector.
• At Home with Support: Providing personalised support to enable independence, with increased use of Direct Payments and Individual Service Funds.
• Specialist Housing: Developing high-quality housing with care options.
• Strengths-Based Practice: Focusing on individuals' strengths, aspirations, and relationships.

Councillors raised questions about funding for the VCFSE sector, staff training, and the provision of specialist housing. Concerns were voiced about the potential for increased isolation if community support is not adequately resourced. The council acknowledged these points, stating that funding models are being explored and workforce training is underway. Crucially, they assured the committee that there are no immediate plans for care home closures as a direct result of this new model.

• What's at stake? The quality and accessibility of adult social care for thousands of Lancashire residents. A successful transition could lead to more personalised, preventative, and community-focused support, enabling people to live more independent and fulfilling lives.
• What's being discussed? A new strategic model for adult social care, aiming to reorient services towards prevention, community support, and individual strengths.
• What's the impact? This ambitious model could significantly improve outcomes for those drawing on social care. However, its success hinges on adequate funding for the VCFSE sector, comprehensive staff training, and ensuring that community-based support genuinely prevents isolation and meets diverse needs. The emphasis on strengths-based practice is intended to empower individuals, but careful implementation is needed to ensure no one falls through the gaps.

Work Programme and Procedural Matters

The committee also reviewed its draft work programme for the upcoming year, which includes topics such as the Shaping Care Together programme and Mental Health Act reforms. Councillor County Councillor G Johnson expressed disappointment that Shaping Care Together had been removed from the agenda, raising concerns about the process. The committee agreed to request written updates from relevant directors on their advice to the Shaping Care Together programme. The committee ultimately supported the proposed work programme.

The minutes from the previous meeting were agreed, with Councillor County Councillor Mark Jewell highlighting the importance of receiving timely updates on resolved actions.

Other Matters

The Community, Cultural, and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 24 September 2026. They received an update on the vital work of Trading Standards in supporting community safety, including efforts to combat illicit tobacco, counterfeit goods, and online scams. The committee also discussed the Civic Pride agenda, aimed at strengthening residents' connection to their communities, and reviewed the committee's work programme for 2026/27.

• What's at stake? The effectiveness of Trading Standards in protecting consumers and ensuring community safety. The Civic Pride agenda aims to foster a greater sense of belonging and encourage community involvement.
• What's being discussed? The role of Trading Standards in tackling illegal sales and scams, and the progress of the Civic Pride initiative.
• What's the impact? Robust Trading Standards work protects residents from fraud and unsafe products. The Civic Pride agenda, if successful, could lead to more engaged communities and a stronger sense of local identity. However, concerns were raised about the ageing workforce within Trading Standards and the potential for increased isolation if community support is not adequately resourced.

You can find more details in the Community, Cultural, and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee meeting documents.

This week in Lancashire:

Lane Rental Scheme Proposed to Ease Congestion, Tree Management Plan Under Scrutiny

Lancashire County Council is exploring a new scheme to tackle road congestion, while also reviewing its approach to managing the county's trees. The Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 17 September 2026, to discuss a potential lane rental scheme, the council's tree management plan, and highway maintenance.

Lane Rental Scheme Could Charge Utility Companies Up to £2,500 a Day

The committee considered a feasibility study into a lane rental scheme, which would allow the council to charge utility companies up to £2,500 per day for occupying busy roads during peak hours. The aim is to encourage more efficient working practices and reduce disruption. The study suggests this could cut the number of works at busy times by 34% and reduce the duration of works by 58%, potentially saving the economy between £5 million and £20 million.

However, concerns were raised about the limited scope of the proposed scheme, which would only cover about 10% of the road network, and the potential for utility companies to exploit loopholes, such as classifying works as emergency to avoid charges. Councillors also questioned the long implementation timeline, with a potential start date of April to July 2028.

Following debate, the committee recommended that the cabinet investigate implementing an effective lane rental scheme for Lancashire's network. They also requested data on emergency works by utility companies and for enforcement actions to be taken where classifications are found to be inappropriate.

• What's at stake? For residents, this could mean significantly less disruption from roadworks, fewer traffic jams, and potentially faster completion of essential utility repairs. For businesses, it could mean reduced delays and economic benefits.
• What's being discussed? A proposal to introduce charges for utility companies working on busy roads during peak times, aiming to reduce congestion and improve efficiency.
• What's the impact? If implemented, this scheme could lead to a noticeable improvement in traffic flow and a reduction in the frustration caused by prolonged roadworks. However, careful consideration is needed to ensure it doesn't disproportionately affect essential services or lead to unintended consequences.

You can find more details in the Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee meeting documents.

Tree Management Plan: Balancing Safety, Amenity, and Cost

The committee also reviewed the council's Tree Management Plan, which outlines the strategy for managing trees across Lancashire for the next decade. The plan emphasises a duty of care, focusing on safety, environmental benefits, and amenity value. A key policy change allows for the consideration of replacing trees removed for safety reasons, provided it's the right tree, right species, in the right place.

Councillors expressed concerns about the balance between safety and the environmental and amenity benefits of trees. Issues raised included the high cost of planting new trees (ranging from £2,000 to £10,000 for a single tree in the highway), the impact of tree roots on pavements and drainage, and the need for a more proactive approach to managing trees that cause accessibility issues or block light.

The committee made several recommendations to the cabinet, including:

• Allocating sufficient funding for urgent and emergency tree works.
• Creating a separate budget for lower-priority work, such as that related to accessibility, amenity, and drainage.
• Including self-seeded trees in verges and hedgerows that cause difficulties for public transport as a factor within the lower-priority work budget.
• Encouraging Lancashire to seek national forestry funding and join the Northern Forest initiative.
• Supporting volunteer micro-forest planting.

• Recognising the value of trees in urban streetscapes for mitigating warming and providing shade.

• What's at stake? The health and management of Lancashire's trees impact everything from road safety and accessibility to the environment and the aesthetic appeal of our communities. Balancing these needs with budget constraints is a significant challenge.

• What's being discussed? The council's 10-year plan for managing trees, including how to handle dangerous trees, replace removed ones, and address issues like root damage and light obstruction.

• What's the impact? The decisions made will affect the safety of our roads and pavements, the beauty of our streetscapes, and the environmental benefits trees provide. The high cost of tree replacement and the ongoing issue of ash dieback highlight the financial and practical challenges involved.

Highway Maintenance and the Right First Time Approach

A task group will be established to review highway maintenance and the right first time approach, aiming to improve the effectiveness and longevity of pothole repairs and other highway works. This group is expected to report back by December 17th.

Children's Services Strategy Emphasises Co-production and Care Leaver Support

The Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, to discuss strategies for engaging young people and supporting those in the care system. Key discussions included the draft Children and Young People's Participation and Co-production Strategy 2026-2029 and the revised Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026-2030.

The Participation and Co-production Strategy aims to ensure children and young people have a voice in decisions affecting them, underpinned by Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. While progress has been made in involving young people in service development, concerns were raised about the precise definition and application of co-production versus engagement. The strategy prioritises embedding staff training, increasing evidence of young people's influence, and developing a policy for remunerating young people for their lived experience.

The Corporate Parenting Strategy, developed with input from approximately 300 children and young people, sets out the council's commitments to children in care and care leavers. It expands to six priorities, with a stronger focus on co-production, identity, belonging, and preparation for adulthood. The strategy acknowledges that 6% of care leavers are not in suitable accommodation, but assures that no care leaver will be left street homeless, with temporary arrangements made while longer-term solutions are found. Efforts are underway to improve education, employment, and training (EET) opportunities for care leavers, including a guaranteed interview scheme within Lancashire County Council.

• What's at stake? The well-being and future prospects of Lancashire's children and young people, particularly those in the care system. Ensuring their voices are heard and that they receive adequate support is paramount for their development and integration into society.
• What's being discussed? Strategies for involving young people in decision-making and improving the support provided to children in care and care leavers.
• What's the impact? A robust co-production strategy and effective corporate parenting can lead to more responsive services and better outcomes for young people. The focus on preparation for adulthood and EET opportunities is crucial for equipping them with the skills and confidence needed for independent lives.

You can find more details in the Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee meeting documents.

Pension Fund Governance and Investment Strategy Reviewed

The Pension Fund Committee met on Friday, 18 September 2026, to address governance matters, approve new policies, and review investment performance. Key decisions included the approval of a new Conflicts of Interest Policy and the draft Investment Strategy Statement for consultation.

The committee approved the Communications Policy and Governance Compliance Statement, reinforcing the fund's commitment to transparency and effective governance. A new fund-specific Conflicts of Interest Policy was also approved, requiring the declaration of gifts and hospitality valued at £50 or above, and the reporting of any potential conflicts of interest.

A significant focus was placed on the draft Investment Strategy Statement (ISS), which aims to increase investment in Lancashire from 1.2% to 3% of the portfolio, representing an increase from £150 million to approximately £400 million. The strategy also allows for concessions on risk or return where investments offer enhanced economic and social benefits to Lancashire. The committee approved the draft ISS for consultation and agreed the proposed Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA), which balances contribution affordability and stability.

The Annual Report and Accounts for 2025/26 were approved, showing an increase in assets under management to £12.3 billion and a healthy funding level of 132%. The report also highlighted estimated fee savings of £22.9 million due to pooling arrangements.

• What's at stake? The financial security of thousands of current and future pensioners. Sound governance and investment strategies are essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the pension fund.
• What's being discussed? The committee reviewed the fund's governance framework, investment strategy, and financial performance. A key focus was increasing local investment within Lancashire.
• What's the impact? The approved Investment Strategy Statement, with its increased focus on local investment, could bring significant financial benefits to Lancashire businesses and communities. The strong financial performance reported in the annual accounts provides confidence in the fund's ability to meet its future obligations.

You can find more details in the Pension Fund Committee meeting documents.

This week in Lancashire:

Combined Authority Tackles Transport and Housing Needs Amidst Devolution Debate

Lancashire's future development and transport infrastructure were at the forefront of discussions at the Lancashire Combined County Authority meeting on Tuesday, 8 September 2026. Key decisions included retaining the £1 evening and Sunday bus fare until the end of the year and approving Lancashire's first Local Transport Delivery Plan. However, a strong undercurrent of frustration from the business community regarding the pace of devolution and secured investment highlighted ongoing debates about Lancashire's strategic direction.

£1 Bus Fare Extended, Transport Plan Approved

In a move set to benefit thousands of bus users, the £1 fare for single journeys on evenings and Sundays has been extended until 31 December 2026. This decision, made under the authority's urgent business protocol, comes ahead of the national £2 bus fare cap introduction in January 2027. The cost of maintaining the £1 fare will be covered by the existing scheme budget.

Lancashire's first Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) was also approved. This plan outlines how £643.1 million of devolved transport funding will be invested between 2026 and 2030. The funding aims to improve bus services, active travel, rail infrastructure, and electric vehicle charging points. The plan includes ambitious projects, with the potential for a direct rail link between Manchester and Leeds being discussed, highlighting the interconnectedness of regional transport networks.

• What's at stake? Affordable public transport is vital for many residents, particularly those on lower incomes, the elderly, and young people. The LTDP promises significant investment in infrastructure that could improve daily commutes, reduce reliance on cars, and boost local economies.
• What's being discussed? The retention of a popular bus fare cap and the strategic allocation of substantial transport funding over the next four years.
• What's the impact? The extended £1 bus fare offers immediate relief to passengers. The LTDP sets a clear direction for transport improvements, which could lead to better connectivity, reduced travel times, and a more sustainable transport system across Lancashire.

Devolution Frustration: Businesses Call for Mayoral Strategic Authority

A significant point of contention emerged from the Lancashire Business Board's update. Mo Isap, Chair of the Board, expressed extreme frustration from the business community regarding Lancashire's perceived slow progress in devolution and investment compared to neighbouring authorities. The Board has formally requested the LCCA to move towards a mayoral strategic authority status, citing under-resourcing and the loss of significant funding opportunities, estimated at £200 million in the last six months alone.

Businesses are concerned that economic development is receiving a minuscule percentage of local authority budgets, with over 90% committed to core services. They argue that economic development must be a priority to ensure good jobs and a strong economy, which can only be achieved through an integrated settlement and a capable civil service. Councillor Stephen Atkinson echoed these concerns, noting repeated cancellations of meetings with government ministers and a lack of clarity on funding.

• What's at stake? Lancashire's ability to compete for national investment and create high-quality jobs. The business community's frustration highlights a potential disconnect between local ambitions and central government support, impacting the county's economic future.
• What's being discussed? The urgent need for greater devolution of powers and funding to Lancashire, with a strong push from the business sector for a mayoral authority to unlock investment.
• What's the impact? If Lancashire continues to lag behind other regions in securing devolved powers and investment, it risks missing out on crucial opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and improved public services. This could have long-term consequences for the prosperity of the county and its residents.

Spatial Development Strategy and Adult Skills Fund Progress

Updates were also provided on Lancashire's Spatial Development Strategy (SDS), which will provide a framework for investment and growth over the next 25 years. The strategy will address housing needs, identify growth areas, and set out infrastructure requirements. The devolution of the Adult Skills Fund (ASF) was also confirmed as successfully commencing on 1 August 2026, bringing approximately £45 million of annual skills funding under local control. This devolved responsibility aims to better align skills provision with Lancashire's economic priorities.

• What's at stake? The SDS will shape the future landscape of Lancashire, influencing where homes are built, where businesses can thrive, and what infrastructure is developed. The ASF's devolution means skills training can be more closely tailored to the needs of local employers and residents, potentially leading to better job prospects.
• What's being discussed? The long-term planning for development and growth across Lancashire, and the local control of adult skills funding.
• What's the impact? A well-defined SDS could attract significant investment and ensure sustainable development. The devolved ASF offers a crucial opportunity to upskill the workforce and address skills gaps, benefiting both individuals and the wider economy.

Other Matters

The committee also received updates from the Transport, Economy, and Skills Advisory Boards, and reviewed the 2026/27 Quarter 1 budget monitoring report.

This week in Lancashire:

Council Faces Financial Pressures as Key Services Reviewed

Lancashire County Council's Cabinet met on Thursday, 3 September 2026, to address significant financial challenges and review the performance of vital services. The meeting highlighted a projected revenue overspend of £15.655 million, largely driven by increased demand and placement costs in adult and children's social care. Despite these pressures, the council approved a £10 million investment in road maintenance and a £4 million allocation for public realm improvements, demonstrating a commitment to infrastructure.

Social Care Demand Drives Financial Overspend

The Quarter 1 2026/27 Financial Monitoring Report revealed that the council is forecasting a revenue overspend of £15.655 million, equivalent to 1.18% of its net budget. The primary drivers for this overspend are the escalating costs within adult social care and children's social care. These pressures are attributed to increased demand for services and the rising cost of placements for vulnerable individuals.

Councillor Gina Dowding raised concerns about the impact of recent flooding in her area, questioning the effectiveness of drainage programmes despite reported progress. She also highlighted the alarming death rate among care leavers, urging a greater focus on this critical issue. In response, Councillor Simon Evans, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Families, announced the launch of a £0.5 million education-to-employment programme specifically targeting 160 care leavers.

The report also detailed a projected overspend of £15.88 million in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), predominantly due to high needs block costs. This reflects a national challenge, but the council is actively working on increasing local provision and improving outcomes for children and families.

• What's at stake? The financial health of the council directly impacts the services it can provide. An overspend in social care could mean longer waiting times for support, fewer resources for preventative services, and increased pressure on already stretched staff. For vulnerable residents, this could mean a reduction in the quality or availability of essential care.
• What's being discussed? The council's financial performance in the first quarter of the year, with a particular focus on the pressures within social care and education.
• What's the impact? The council must manage these financial pressures carefully to avoid impacting frontline services. The investment in road maintenance and public realm improvements shows a commitment to visible improvements, but the underlying financial challenges in social care require urgent attention to ensure the well-being of those most in need.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Cabinet meeting documents.

Children's Services Praised by Ofsted, Action Plan Approved

In a significant positive development, the Ofsted inspection of Lancashire Children's Services found that the council continues to deliver strong outcomes for children. Leadership and services for care leavers were judged as Outstanding, with children needing help and protection, and children in care, rated as Good. Key strengths identified included stable leadership, effective early help, strong safeguarding arrangements, and outstanding support for care leavers.

Areas for improvement were noted, including better recognition for young carers, greater consistency in safety planning, and stronger management oversight for children in unregistered settings and those subject to deprivation of liberty orders. These were identified as operational areas for improvement rather than systemic concerns.

The Cabinet voted to approve the Achieving Excellence Plan, developed in response to Ofsted's recommendations. This plan aims to address the identified areas for improvement and maintain the high standards of care.

• What's at stake? The quality of care and support provided to the county's most vulnerable children. Positive Ofsted ratings mean that children in care and those needing protection are receiving good or outstanding services, which is crucial for their safety and development.
• What's being discussed? The findings of a recent Ofsted inspection of children's services and the council's plan to address areas for improvement.
• What's the impact? The strong Ofsted report provides reassurance to residents that children's services are performing well. The approved action plan ensures that the council remains focused on continuous improvement, safeguarding the well-being of children and young people across Lancashire.

Joint Minerals and Waste Plan Moves to Public Consultation

The draft updated Joint Lancashire Minerals and Waste Local Plan was approved for public consultation. This plan sets out policies for mineral and waste development across Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen, and Blackpool. While the plan does not propose new sites for mineral or waste development, it will guide decisions on planning applications for these industries.

Councillor Gina Dowding raised concerns that the draft plan did not fully reflect recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), particularly regarding onshore oil and gas developments. She highlighted that the NPPF now advises against giving great weight to the economic benefits of such proposals and introduces a policy to refuse extraction except in defined circumstances, citing Lancashire's negative history with fracking. Councillor Joshua Roberts, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities, assured that this was a consultation and all feedback would be considered.

• What's at stake? The future of mineral extraction and waste management in Lancashire, which can have significant environmental and community impacts. A robust plan ensures that development is sustainable and protects the local environment.
• What's being discussed? A draft plan that will guide future planning decisions for minerals and waste. The consultation phase is crucial for gathering public and stakeholder input.
• What's the impact? The public consultation will allow residents and stakeholders to voice their opinions on the plan, potentially influencing policies related to quarrying, landfill, and recycling. Concerns about onshore oil and gas development highlight the need for careful consideration of environmental and community impacts.

Council to Cease Administration of Refugee Resettlement Schemes

In a significant decision, the Cabinet voted to cease the council's administration of refugee resettlement schemes by May 2027. Lancashire County Council has been the coordinating authority for these schemes since 2016, supporting 745 individuals. The decision was based on several factors, including housing pressures in Lancashire, the county council's lack of statutory housing duties, and the impending Local Government Reorganisation.

Councillor Matthew Salter argued for withdrawal, stating it would demonstrate a different approach and stand up for fairness for Lancashire residents, citing housing waiting lists. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE expressed surprise and concern, arguing that withdrawing would lead to a loss of core funding and potentially increase costs for taxpayers, as the council would still be obligated to provide services without the associated funding. He also highlighted that the scheme supports Afghan veterans and their families who have legally gained the right to remain in the UK.

Councillor Joshua Roberts, who proposed the cessation, emphasised that the funding is ring-fenced and cannot be used for other council priorities like roads or youth services. He also argued that a dedicated scheme for one group is unfair when other vulnerable groups may not receive the same level of coordinated support.

• What's at stake? The support and integration of refugees into Lancashire communities. For those fleeing persecution, the council's role has been crucial in providing a pathway to safety and stability.
• What's being discussed? The future of Lancashire's involvement in national refugee resettlement schemes. The decision to withdraw administration raises questions about the continuity of support for refugees.
• What's the impact? This decision means that a new provider will need to be found to administer these schemes, potentially impacting the support available to refugees. It also raises questions about the council's commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and the fairness of resource allocation.

Other Matters

The Cabinet also noted an urgent decision taken regarding Local Government Reorganisation.