This week in Lancashire:

Domestic Abuse Support Under Scrutiny: Council Tackles Hidden Harm and Service Gaps

The Community, Cultural, and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 30 April 2026, to examine the council's vital work in tackling domestic abuse and ensuring the quality of school meals. The committee heard that domestic abuse accounts for a staggering 20% of all recorded crime in Lancashire, with nearly 18,000 offences reported in the last year alone. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 places significant duties on the council to provide support within safe accommodation and deliver a local strategy.

The council's public health approach focuses on prevention, early intervention, and accessible community-based support. Key services include:

• Safe Accommodation: Providing 190 units across the county, with specialist provision for victims with complex needs.
• Community Outreach: Offering specialist support for victims who do not access refuge or safe-house accommodation.
• Behaviour Change Programmes: A 10-week programme for 11-19 year olds displaying abusive behaviours in their relationships, aiming to prevent future perpetration.
• Healthy Relationships Programme: A school-based programme for secondary schools focusing on consent, digital abuse, and healthy relationships.

The committee discussed the immense financial and social costs of domestic abuse, estimated at nearly £847 million in Lancashire in 2025. Concerns were raised about the impact of the cost of living crisis on families experiencing abuse and the challenges faced by the voluntary sector in providing support. Recommendations included providing councillors with briefing sessions on domestic abuse, updating emergency contact cards, and considering increased funding for these crucial services. The committee also reviewed the Lancashire County Council Schools Catering Service, the largest maintained local authority school catering service in England, serving approximately 68,000 meals daily. The service operates on a hybrid public-sector commercial model, focusing on quality, nutrition, sustainability, and social value, with 55% of ingredients sourced locally.

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

Audit and Governance: Council Reviews Financial Health and Risk Management

The Audit, Risk and Governance Committee met on Monday, 27 April 2026, to review the council's financial audit progress, internal audit reports, and risk management strategies. Key decisions included the approval of the draft Annual Governance Statement for 2025/26 and a recommendation for the adoption of the refreshed Code of Corporate Governance for 2026/27.

The committee received an update from Grant Thornton on the external audit for the 2025/26 financial statements of both Lancashire County Council and the Lancashire County Pension Fund. The audit is progressing well, with interim fieldwork indicating no significant issues. A key point highlighted was the government's decision to bring forward the deadline for publishing financial statements to January of the following year, with Grant Thornton committed to signing off the accounts by the end of November 2026.

The Head of Internal Audit reported that the service is now fully staffed, a positive development after a challenging year. 56% of the internal audit plan has been completed, with a further 26% in draft or progressing, placing the service in a good position for the annual report in July. Assurance levels have remained consistent, with themes often revolving around the need for greater consistency in the application of controls across the board.

The committee also reviewed the Corporate Risk and Opportunity Register, noting that several risk scores have decreased, particularly in areas such as adult social care demand, SEND, and school places. The risk relating to the Southport Inquiry has moved from the confidential to the public register following the publication of Phase 1 findings.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee meeting documents.

Development Control Committee Meeting Cancelled

The Development Control Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 29 April 2026, was cancelled.

This week in Lancashire:

Urgent Healthcare Review Demanded: Council Seeks Secretary of State Intervention on Shaping Care Together Programme

Lancashire County Council's Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee has taken a significant step by unanimously deciding to formally request a call-in to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. This action targets the NHS Shaping Care Together programme, signalling deep concerns about its decision-making process and the potential negative impact on local health services, particularly for residents in West Lancashire.

The committee's decision follows the NHS Shaping Care Together Joint Committee's resolution on 13 March 2026, which proposed substantial changes to urgent and emergency care. Councillors expressed strong objections to the process, with Councillor Shaun Crimmins describing the meeting timings as atrocious and noting that feedback from previous scrutiny sessions was not adequately addressed. Councillor Gaynor Hargreaves summarised the sentiment, stating, Because of what's just been said, it sounds like to me that the process wasn't followed. It just feels like it's fell down somewhere.

A primary concern is the perceived lack of consideration for vulnerable groups. Councillor Crimmins highlighted that areas like Skelmersdale, which has a higher proportion of disabled and deprived residents, were not adequately considered. Concerns were also raised about insufficient clarity on related services and a feeling that the outcome was predetermined.

The potential impact on West Lancashire was a significant focus. Councillor County Mark Jewell pointed out that while the report acknowledges increased travel distances, the planned mitigations are unclear, making accessibility a major issue. The potential loss of maternity services at Ormskirk Hospital was also a major concern, with Councillor County Thomas de Freitas expressing worry that this was not adequately addressed. She stated, Really if you're looking at the bigger picture, which I think is what we're looking at, we're looking at the bigger picture. So that would also mean we'd lose maternity services, most likely.

The capacity of Southport Hospital to handle increased patient numbers, including both adult and children's A&E services, was questioned. Councillor Hargreaves emphasised the critical nature of travel times for children, stating, Those few minutes could make a difference to life and death.

The committee resolved to draft a formal letter to the Secretary of State, in addition to the online submission, to ensure their concerns are fully articulated. The next ordinary meeting of the Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee is scheduled for 22 April 2026.

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

Roads in Crisis: Council Votes Down Urgent Repair Motion Amidst Pothole Pandemic

Lancashire County Council's Full Council met on Thursday, 12 March 2026, and a heated debate erupted over the state of the county's roads. A motion calling for urgent action on road repairs, highlighting the competition of misery with crumbling carriageways and dangerous potholes, was ultimately defeated. Despite widespread acknowledgement of the problem, including from the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, the administration voted down the motion, leaving many residents feeling unheard.

The motion, put forward by Councillor David Whipp, detailed how residents are experiencing long delays for pothole repairs, with some reports remaining unresolved for over 60 days. Councillor Fiona Duke seconded the motion, providing examples of these delays in Preston. An amendment proposed by Councillor Azhar Ali OBE sought to establish a task and finish group to evaluate highway defect providers and for the Cabinet to consider a highways safety fund.

Councillor Goldsworthy acknowledged the challenges, stating that while £15 million was allocated for 2025/26, there was a £30 million shortfall for future years. He also noted that eight localised deterioration fund schemes were not delivered due to funding issues. Despite these admissions, the motion was defeated by 28 votes to 46.

The defeat leaves many residents concerned about the safety and usability of their local roads. For cyclists and motorcyclists, the risk of serious injury from unrepaired defects is a constant worry, as tragically highlighted by past incidents. The lack of a dedicated highways safety fund means that smaller, but potentially dangerous, issues like deteriorating speed humps or pedestrian crossings may not receive the attention they need.

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

Election Integrity Under Fire: Council Affirms Secret Ballot Amidst Family Voting Concerns

In a move that saw near-unanimous support, Lancashire County Council's Full Council voted to affirm the principle of a secret ballot and address concerns about family voting. The motion, brought forward by Councillor Hannah Whalley, stressed the fundamental importance of individual voting rights, particularly for women, who fought hard for their right to vote independently.

The debate was sparked by reports of family voting during a recent by-election, where individuals allegedly entered polling booths together or pressured others on how to vote. Councillor Whalley argued that such practices undermine the secrecy of the ballot and the integrity of the democratic process. She emphasised that the right to vote was hard-won and should not be taken for granted, especially by women who campaigned tirelessly for their voice to be heard.

An amendment proposed by Councillor Mohammed Iqbal MBE, which sought to focus on existing legal frameworks and thank election staff, was debated but ultimately defeated. The original motion, however, passed with 73 votes in favour and none against.

This decision sends a clear message that Lancashire County Council is committed to upholding the principles of free and fair elections. It reassures residents that their vote is their own, free from coercion or undue influence, a vital safeguard for democracy.

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

Other Matters

• The Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 22 April 2026. The committee was scheduled to discuss updates on the Community Mental Health Transformation Programme and Lancashire Constabulary's Right Care, Right Person initiative. They were also set to review the work programmes for the committee and its steering group, and receive a report from the Health Scrutiny Steering Group. You can find more details about these discussions in the Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee meeting documents.
• The Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 23 April 2026. The committee was scheduled to discuss the council's gully cleaning policy, routine structural surveys of street lighting columns, and the committee's work programme for the upcoming year. You can find more details about these discussions in the Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee meeting documents.

This week in Lancashire:

£7.4 Million Boost for Young Families: Best Start in Life Hubs Approved

Lancashire is set to see a significant investment in early years support with the approval of the Best Start in Life Family Hubs Programme. The council's Cabinet has greenlit the implementation plans and allocated £7.4 million in funding to establish 12 integrated hubs across the county. This initiative builds on the success of the Sure Start programme, aiming to provide a vital safety net for families with young children.

The funding, which includes £347,000 for development grants and £7.1 million for delivery grants from 2026 to 2029, is outcome-based. This means the council will be closely monitoring the programme's success in improving early childhood development and school readiness. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE welcomed the funding, highlighting its potential to make a massive difference, particularly in deprived areas. He also stressed the importance of supporting migrant communities with literacy and numeracy, a focus that will be integrated into the hub's services.

These hubs are designed to be a one-stop shop for families, offering support, guidance, and connection. By bringing essential services under one roof, the programme aims to strengthen families, ensuring children have the best possible start in life and are better prepared for school. This proactive approach is expected to reduce reliance on statutory services in the long run, benefiting both children and the wider community.

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

£14 Million Allocated for Urgent School Repairs

Thousands of pupils across Lancashire will benefit from essential building repairs thanks to a £14 million allocation approved by the Cabinet. This funding, provided by the Department for Education, will address high-priority condition repairs in community, voluntary controlled, and maintained schools across the county.

The capital strategy for schools focuses on condition-led investment for 2026-27. This means that schools most in need of urgent repairs to their buildings will be prioritised. The approved list of projects, which includes a 10% contingency, will ensure that essential maintenance can be carried out promptly. This investment is crucial for maintaining safe and effective learning environments for students and staff.

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

Chief Executive's Secondment to Combined County Authority Extended

The Employment Committee has approved the extension of the Chief Executive's secondment to the Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA). Mark Winn will continue to serve as the LCCA's Chief Finance Officer (Section 73 Officer) for another 12 months, from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. This arrangement is in place to support the LCCA's governance and financial planning during its crucial early operational years.

Councillor Ged Mirfin raised concerns about the Chief Executive's workload, particularly in light of the rapidly changing agenda due to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). He stated, My only concern was about the time that Mark might have to dedicate to this. And the fact that we are dealing with an agenda which is rapidly changing in light of LGR. Jacquie McGeachie, Interim Director of People Services, explained that the LCCA's costs are covered by constituent members and that the authority is seeking capacity funding which could allow for the recruitment of permanent staff. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE acknowledged the workload concerns but emphasised the need for collaboration during the infancy of new structures like the LCCA, noting the strength of the council's senior management team. The committee agreed to review the arrangement in three to six months.

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

Pension Fund Governance and Regulatory Updates

The Lancashire Local Pension Board met on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, to discuss a range of important updates concerning pension administration, regulatory changes, and the strategic future of the fund. Key discussions included the progress of the Pensions Dashboard initiative, the LCPF Risk Register, and the implications of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

The Board received an update on the Scheme Advisory Board's (SAB) Peer Support project, designed to foster best practice among Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) administering authorities. The project is currently in its pilot scoping phase, with a pilot planned for the summer.

Updates on pension-related training were also presented, with a focus on ensuring Board members and Pension Fund Committee members have the necessary knowledge to comply with new requirements. The Lancashire Local Pension Board Annual Workplan 2026/27 was also approved, including a new fund-specific conflict of interest policy.

Significant regulatory changes were detailed, including a 3.8% increase in pensions from April 2026 and updates on scheme improvements related to access and fairness. The Board also discussed the ongoing work on the McCloud remedy and the Pensions Dashboard connection, with daily reporting to the Money Helper Service expected from November 2026.

The LCPF Risk Register was reviewed, with new risks identified related to Local Government Reorganisation. The Board was assured that the fund is in a strong position due to the experience of key personnel.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Lancashire Local Pension Board meeting documents.

Combined Authority Adopts Transport Strategy and Consults on Implementation Plan

The Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) met on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, and took significant steps towards transforming transport across the region. The Authority formally adopted the Lancashire Local Transport Plan (LTP) Core Strategy, a statutory document outlining transport priorities for 2025-2045. This strategy focuses on four key workstreams: Connecting Lancashire, Transforming Travel Choices, Safe and Vibrant Communities, and Future-Ready Networks.

Following this, the Authority approved the draft Local Transport Plan (LTP) Implementation Plan for public consultation. This plan details specific schemes and strategies to be delivered between 2026 and 2030, translating the Core Strategy's long-term ambitions into a concrete four-year delivery programme. Councillor Alistair Bradley emphasised the need for cross-border working, particularly with Greater Manchester, to ensure seamless travel.

The Authority also received updates on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), noting concerns about the fund's conclusion in September 2026 and the potential impact on local businesses and residents. Leaders intend to raise the issue of a successor programme with the Minister for Devolution.

In other business, the Authority approved the proposed Members' Allowance Scheme for 2026/27, including an annual allowance for the Independent Chairs of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Audit and Governance Committee. The Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 was also agreed, confirming the continued appointment of statutory officers through secondment agreements.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Lancashire Combined County Authority meeting documents.

Other Matters

• The Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 23 April 2026. While the full summary is not yet available, the committee's remit covers crucial areas for the county's development and infrastructure.
• The Audit, Risk and Governance Committee met on Monday, 27 April 2026. This committee plays a vital role in ensuring the council's financial probity and effective risk management.
• The Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 22 April 2026. This committee scrutinises the council's health and social care services, ensuring they meet the needs of residents, particularly vulnerable groups.
• The Community, Cultural, and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 30 April 2026. This committee oversees a broad range of council services, from libraries and museums to corporate property and digital services.

This week in Lancashire:

NHS Healthcare Shake-Up: Council Demands Secretary of State Review of Shaping Care Together Programme

Lancashire County Council's Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee has unanimously decided to formally request a call-in to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care regarding the NHS Shaping Care Together programme. This urgent move signals deep concerns about the decision-making process and the potential negative impact on local health services, particularly for residents in West Lancashire.

The committee's decision stems from the NHS Shaping Care Together Joint Committee's resolution on 13 March 2026, which proposed significant changes to urgent and emergency care. Councillors voiced strong objections to the process, with Councillor Shaun Crimmins describing the meeting timings as atrocious and noting that feedback from previous scrutiny sessions was not adequately addressed. Councillor Gaynor Hargreaves summarised the sentiment, stating, Because of what's just been said, it sounds like to me that the process wasn't followed. It just feels like it's fell down somewhere.

A major point of contention is the perceived lack of consideration for vulnerable groups. Councillor Crimmins highlighted that areas like Skelmersdale, which has a higher proportion of disabled and deprived residents, were not adequately considered. Concerns were also raised about insufficient clarity on related services and a feeling that the outcome was predetermined.

The potential impact on West Lancashire was a significant focus. Councillor County Mark Jewell pointed out that while the report acknowledges increased travel distances, the planned mitigations are unclear, making accessibility a major issue. The potential loss of maternity services at Ormskirk Hospital was also a major concern, with Councillor County Thomas de Freitas expressing worry that this was not adequately addressed. She stated, Really if you're looking at the bigger picture, which I think is what we're looking at, we're looking at the bigger picture. So that would also mean we'd lose maternity services, most likely.

The capacity of Southport Hospital to handle increased patient numbers, including both adult and children's A&E services, was questioned. Councillor Hargreaves emphasised the critical nature of travel times for children, stating, Those few minutes could make a difference to life and death.

The committee resolved to draft a formal letter to the Secretary of State, in addition to the online submission, to ensure their concerns are fully articulated. The next ordinary meeting of the Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee is scheduled for 22 April 2026.

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