This week in Lancashire:

Council Faces £10 Million Overspend Amidst Budget Pressures and Efficiency Reviews

Lancashire County Council is grappling with a projected £10.354 million overspend, representing 0.83% of the approved budget, according to the latest financial monitoring report. The Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee met this week to scrutinize the council's financial position and explore potential savings, with concerns raised about the impact on essential services and vulnerable residents.

Savings Opportunities Identified, But Challenges Remain

The committee reviewed the council's efficiency review, which has identified £21.9 million in potential savings over three years, with £6.7 million expected to be achievable in 2026/27. However, councillors questioned whether these savings would come at the expense of service quality, particularly for highways maintenance and public rights of way.

Councillor Riggott expressed concern that some of the proposed mitigations, such as public rights of waste spend reduction, might actually represent cuts in service.

Budget Shortfall Looms for 2026/27

Looking ahead, the committee discussed a preliminary assessment of the 2026/27 budget, which revealed a significant shortfall despite the savings opportunities identified. The report pack notes that the 2026/27 budget shortfall was estimated to be zero when the budget for 2025/26 was set in late February 2025, but that since then, a number of items have contributed to the shortfall that is now forecast.

Scrutiny and Transparency

Several councillors emphasized the importance of transparency and detailed information to allow for effective scrutiny of the budget. Councillor Riggott criticized the lack of detail in some of the explanations for proposed savings, stating that there's almost no words in any of the explanations because we've got £40 million of mitigations with like two and three word explanations.

Cabinet Approves Local Government Reorganisation Proposal

Lancashire County Council's Cabinet has approved a proposal to submit to the government for local government reorganisation¹, favouring the option of two unitary councils² for Lancashire. This decision follows consideration of public and stakeholder engagement, the views of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and the views of the Full Council.

Local Nature Recovery Strategy Approved

The Cabinet approved the final Lancashire Local Nature Recovery Strategy, as required by the Environment Act 2021. Lancashire County Council was appointed as the responsible authority for preparing the strategy, including the areas of Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen.

Traffic Regulation Order Approved for Fylde Area

The Cabinet approved the making of a Traffic Regulation Order to introduce a No Waiting at Any Time restriction, marked by double yellow lines, within the Fylde Area, and to remove outdated restrictions to improve parking availability and formalise existing on-site measures to correct inconsistencies in current Orders, supporting effective enforcement.

Other Matters

• The Cabinet noted the current forecast overspend in the Revenue Budget at the year-end of £10.354m (0.83%).
• The Cabinet approved the continuation of the Efficiency Review into the next phase of work.
• The Cabinet approved an updated approach to advice services offered by the Lead Local Flood Authority³.
• The Cabinet noted the annual reports on Complaints and Customer Feedback for 2024 to 2025.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 10 December 2025.
• The Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 03 December 2025 to discuss the Principal Social Worker Annual Report, the Families First Programme, and the committee's work programme for the year.
• The Development Control Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 04 December 2025 to discuss planning applications and updates.
• The Lancashire Combined County Authority - Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 08 December 2025.

This week in Lancashire:

Lancashire Faces Major Local Government Shakeup: Two Super-Councils Proposed

Lancashire County Council is on the brink of a radical transformation, with a proposal to replace the existing structure with just two unitary authorities. The Full Council met this week to debate the controversial plan, which has sparked fierce opposition from district leaders and independent councillors who fear a loss of local identity and accountability.

Two Options, One Clear Favorite?

The council considered five options for unitary authorities, ranging from two to five authorities. However, a Report recommends that the Full Council recommends to Cabinet that it endorses the proposal for two unitary councils for Lancashire.

The two-council model would create:

• Unitary One: West Lancashire, South Ribble, Chorley, Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Rossendale, Burnley, Pendle (Population: 879,510)
• Unitary Two: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, Lancaster, Preston, Ribble Valley (Population: 722,045)

An Absolute Travesty

District leaders voiced strong objections to the two-council plan, arguing that it would create remote, inefficient bureaucracies. Councillor Whalley, Leader of Pendle Council, called the proposal an absolute travesty, saying it would not be efficient.

A Folly on Top of a Folly

Independent councillors echoed these concerns, arguing that the reorganisation was a waste of money and would lead to greater privatisation of services. Councillor Lavalette said the proposals are wrong. The proposals and the people of Lancashire clearly don't want the initial proposals, and the proposals that reform are put in place to try and manage the situation, rather than being the anti-establishment party that they claim to be, actually ties them into the establishment locally by offering two, but really wanting one, to want to centralise the power that they have got, rather than giving power to local people.

What's Next?

The Full Council voted to recommend that Cabinet endorses the proposal for two unitary councils for Lancashire. The government is expected to lead a public consultation on the proposals next year, with a preferred option potentially selected in summer 2026. If approved, elections for shadow authorities could take place in May 2027, with the new councils taking over all services from 1 April 2028.

Northern Powerhouse Rail Motion Sparks Heated Debate

A motion to reaffirm the council's support for Northern Powerhouse Rail ignited a passionate debate, with Reform UK councillors questioning the project's benefits for Lancashire.

A Disingenuous Motion

Councillor Atkinson, Leader of the County Council, called the motion a disingenuous motion, arguing that the project primarily benefits cities like Liverpool and Manchester, while neglecting the needs of Lancashire's communities.

The Only Mechanism

Councillor Ali, who proposed the motion, defended Northern Powerhouse Rail as the only mechanism for securing investment in Lancashire's transport infrastructure.

Amendment Fails

An amendment to remove a reference to Reform UK's opposition to Northern Powerhouse Rail failed to gain support, and the motion was ultimately defeated.

Care Home Closures Loom as Council Reviews Services

The council is facing difficult decisions about the future of its adult social care services, with a review underway that could lead to the closure of some facilities.

Department of Granny Evictions

Councillor Ali criticised the review, accusing the council of becoming the Department of Granny Evictions.

A Human Upheaval

Councillor Cameron warned that the closures would be a human upheaval, disrupting the lives of vulnerable residents.

Consultation Continues

The council has stated that no decisions have been made and that it is committed to consulting with residents and families before making any changes.

Other Key Decisions and Discussions

• The council approved the appointment of County Councillor Alice Jones as the new Deputy Chair of the Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee.
• The council noted minor updates to the County Council's Constitution.
• The council received reports from the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee, the Employment Committee, and the Overview and Scrutiny Committees.
• The council considered questions from councillors on topics ranging from support for the Local Government Association's Debate Not Hate campaign to the impact of VAT on private schools.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 24 November 2025 to discuss the financial monitoring report for the second quarter of 2025/26, a preliminary budget assessment for 2026/27, and the findings of Lancashire County Council's efficiency review.
• The Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 03 December 2025.
• The Development Control Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 04 December 2025.
• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Thursday 27 November 2025 to discuss a proposal for local government reorganisation, the corporate performance report, an efficiency review, financial monitoring, budget assessment, traffic regulation in the Fylde area, transport asset management, a local nature recovery strategy, flood authority advice, and reports on complaints and feedback.

This week in Lancashire:

Public Rights of Way Under Review: Footpath Upgrades and Controversial Diversions

The Regulatory Committee convened this week to address several key issues concerning public rights of way, including the upgrading of footpaths to bridleways, investigations into public footpaths, and controversial decisions regarding the extinguishment and creation of new routes. You can see the full details of the meeting here.

Upgrading Footpaths to Bridleways: Balancing Historical Evidence and Public Access

The committee considered two applications to upgrade footpaths to bridleways, sparking debate about the balance between historical evidence and current public use.

• Old Coal Staithe, Whalley and Read: The committee reviewed an application to upgrade a footpath along Old Coal Staithe to a bridleway. Despite historical maps suggesting the route's existence since the 1830s and its connection to coal mining activities, the committee ultimately sided with the officer's recommendation that there was insufficient evidence of public use by horses. The officer noted that the matter was finely balanced but that there was not sufficient evidence of dedication as a bridal way or as bridal way which is what it's applied for or whether they're vehicular.
• Green Lane, Morecambe: In contrast, the committee supported the upgrading of a footpath on Green Lane, Morecambe to a bridleway. The officer's report highlighted strong historical evidence to show that the route was dedicated as a public carriageway and that since rights were not legally removed, the legal maxim, once a highway, always a highway applied.

Investigating Public Footpaths: Correcting Historical Errors and Addressing Encroachments

The committee addressed an investigation into the particulars of a public footpath at Stoneleigh, Dalton, revealing a historical drafting error on the definitive map.

• Correcting the Record: The committee heard that the current definitive map incorrectly showed the footpath running along the field boundary, while the historical route passed through the curtilage of a property and through fencing walls, gates, and a building.
• Addressing Encroachments: The committee acknowledged the need to correct the legal record and address encroachments on the footpath, ensuring public access is maintained. Councillor Austin noted that there is a sign on the doorway now showing that it is a public footpath through that doorway.

Extinguishment and Creation of Footpaths: Balancing Development and Public Access

The committee considered a controversial proposal to extinguish and create footpaths at Caraway Green, Goosnargh, raising concerns about the impact of development on public rights of way.

• Developer's Error: The committee heard that houses had been built over the public footpath, prompting the need for a diversion. David Goode, Public Rights of Way Officer, Lancashire County Council, explained that the fact that the houses had been built over the public footpath wasn't something that was brought to our attention until after they had been sold and were lived in for some months.
• Finding a Solution: While acknowledging the developer's error, the committee sought to find a practical solution that would protect public rights of way and minimize disruption to residents. Councillor Cottenham noted that the operation of the landowners, that seems quite good and very comprehensive.

Diversion of Footpath: Balancing Land Use and Public Enjoyment

The committee approved the diversion of a footpath at Bowker's Green, Aughton, aiming to balance land use with public enjoyment of the countryside.

• Overgrown Route: The committee heard that the existing route was overgrown and difficult to pass through, prompting the need for a diversion.
• Improved Access: The diverted route will follow a well-surfaced track, providing improved access for walkers and connecting to Mickering Lane.

SACRE Discusses Curriculum Review and Religious Education

The Lancashire SACRE - Agreed Syllabus Conference met to discuss the review of draft primary materials, the exclusion of the press and public from the meeting, and the minutes of their previous meeting. You can see the full details of the meeting here. No video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 24 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Thursday 27 November 2025. Link to meeting

This week in Lancashire:

Social Care Services Face Redesign Amidst Safety and Funding Concerns

The Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee met to discuss a proposed redesign of adult social care provider services, raising concerns about the safety of vulnerable residents and the long-term impact of budget cuts. You can see the full details of the meeting here. The committee also discussed a prevention strategy for Lancashire and received a report from the Health Scrutiny Steering Group.

Provider Services Redesign: Balancing Quality and Cost

The committee considered a proposal to redesign in-house provider services within Adult Social Care, following a Cabinet decision on 9 October 2025. The plan involves evaluating services based on quality, strategic alignment, market sufficiency, and value for money.

• Accelerated Reprovision: The council intends to accelerate the reprovision¹ of five residential and five day care services, citing safety risks and the need to enhance service delivery.
• Impact on Residents: The accelerated reprovision could lead to the closure of facilities like Favordale, Grove House, and Milbanke, potentially displacing vulnerable residents and disrupting their care.
• Condition Surveys: Concerns were raised about the condition of the ten premises in question, with surveys carried out in 2021 described as non-intrusive, visual inspections.

Prevention Strategy: Addressing Deprivation and Health Inequalities

The committee also discussed the development of a unified prevention strategy for Lancashire, aiming to coordinate council services and manage demand more effectively.

• Lancashire Context: The report highlighted that Lancashire is the most deprived of the 21 two-tier local county council areas in England, especially in terms of ill health and disability.
• Key Elements: The strategy focuses on understanding and managing demand, measuring and maximizing impact, and smarter use of funding.
• Phased Approach: The work will be carried out in three phases: council-focused, building the strategy, and system-wide & sustainable.

Health Scrutiny Steering Group: Orthodontics, Winter Planning, and Speech Therapy

The committee received a report from the Health Scrutiny Steering Group, covering topics such as orthodontic secondary care, winter planning, and speech and language in early years.

• Orthodontic Reconfiguration: A proposed transformation of secondary care orthodontics could lead to more reliable access to consultants in Blackpool and Barrow, but may require some patients in other areas to travel to alternative sites.
• Winter Plan: The Winter Plan for Adult Social Care and NHS services for 2025/26 aims to ensure resilience and continuity of care during the winter period, with a focus on collaboration and workforce stability.
• Speech and Language Therapy: Easy Access Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) Walk-In Clinics are being rolled out across Lancashire, aiming to provide early, flexible support for preschool children.

Finance Director Search Extended with Salary Boost Amid Recruitment Woes

The Employment Committee approved recommendations to continue the search for a Director of Finance (S151 Officer), offering a higher salary and a fixed-term contract to attract suitable candidates. You can see the full details of the meeting here. The move comes after previous recruitment efforts failed to yield qualified applicants, raising concerns about the council's financial leadership.

Market Pressures

Sophie Fowler, Head of Service Strategic Resourcing and Workforce Planning, noted that the market for senior finance roles is very competitive, requiring a more attractive package to secure a qualified candidate.

Interim Director

One councillor asked whether the interim director had been approached about taking the role permanently, while another suggested that there were more than three options available.

Coroner Pay Award Approved

The committee approved a 4% pay award for Senior, Area and Assistant Coroners' salaries and fees.

Digital Strategy Progress Highlighted Amid Local Government Reorganisation Concerns

The Community, Cultural, and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee discussed the first year delivery report of the council's Digital Strategy 2024-2029 and considered data for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). You can see the full details of the meeting here.

Digital Strategy: Closing the Digital Divide

The committee reviewed the first year of delivery against Lancashire County Council's Digital Strategy (2024-2029), which aims to close the digital divide, enhance connectivity, and foster innovation across the county.

• Key Highlights: The report highlighted initiatives such as digital inclusion programs, improved resident digital experience, data-driven innovation, and leveraging digital in social care.
• Future Focus: Key areas of focus for the coming year include digital inclusion, improving the online customer journey, strengthening technical foundations, and developing digital skills.

Local Government Reorganisation: Data and Options

The committee discussed the data being used to inform options for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Lancashire.

• Government Proposals: The government intends to dissolve Lancashire's existing councils and create new unitary councils[^2] to deliver all services through single authorities.
• Range of Options: A range of options are being considered, from creating two to five new councils.
• Resident and Stakeholder Surveys: Surveys of residents and stakeholders highlighted the importance of local identity, service reliability, and value for money.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Lancashire Council's SACRE - Agreed Syllabus Conference is scheduled to meet on Monday 10 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Regulatory Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 12 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Lancashire Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) is scheduled to meet on 17 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 18 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Corporate Parenting Board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Full Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 20 November 2025. Link to meeting