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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. ↩

Lancashire Council Tackles Conflict of Interest Risks

This week in Lancashire:

Council-Owned Companies Face Conflict of Interest Scrutiny

The Company Member Cabinet Committee met on Thursday to approve a new Conflicts of Interest for Council Owned Companies Protocol and endorse a list of officer appointments as directors to county council-owned companies. You can see the full details of the meeting here. The move aims to strengthen governance and reduce risks for elected officials.

  • New Protocol: The protocol seeks to ensure that conflicts of interest are properly managed, minimizing the risk of council-appointed directors facing conflicts between their roles as council members or officers and their duties as company directors.
  • Officer Appointments: The committee endorsed a list of officer appointments as directors to county council-owned companies.
  • Best Practice: The committee agreed to continue adopting best practice guidance for managing council-owned companies, based on documents from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIFPA).
  • Growth Lancashire Limited: The committee agreed that Lancashire County Council should resign as a company member of Growth Lancashire Limited.

The protocol acknowledges the potential for conflicts, quoting Max Caller, Strategic Adviser and Lead Inspector for HM Government:

Being a director of a local authority-controlled company requires officers and elected members appointed to those roles to operate in a completely different legal and philosophical framework to that they are used to inside their local authority. It can lead to real conflicts between the duty owed to the company and the interests of your council.

The committee also requested a further report clarifying directors' duties in company articles.

Employment Committee Discusses Executive Director Role

The Employment Committee met on Thursday to discuss shortlisting candidates for the Executive Director of Resources role. You can see the full details of the meeting here.

  • Shortlisting: The committee discussed shortlisting candidates for the Executive Director of Resources role. This discussion was held in private due to the confidential nature of the information.
  • Previous Meeting: At the previous meeting on 16 June 2025, the committee agreed to amend the job description to remove the statutory Chief Finance Officer (s151) responsibilities1, as the interim Director of Finance and Commerce had committed to remaining in their role for another 12 months.

The committee also confirmed and signed the minutes from the meeting held on 16 June 2025.

Scrutiny Committees Meet

The Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee and the Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee both met this week. You can see the full details of the Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee here and the Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee here. No video was provided for either meeting.

Other Matters

  • The Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday was cancelled. Link to meeting

Upcoming Meetings

  • The Lancashire Council's SACRE - Agreed Syllabus Conference is scheduled to meet on Monday 30 June 2025. Link to meeting
  • The Agreed Syllabus Conference is scheduled to meet on Monday 7 July 2025. Link to meeting
  • The Regulatory Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 8 July 2025. Link to meeting
  • The Employment Committee will meet on Wednesday 9 July 2025. Link to meeting
  • The Cabinet will meet on Thursday 10 July 2025. Link to meeting

  1. Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972 requires local authorities to make arrangements for the proper administration of their financial affairs and to appoint a chief finance officer. ↩

Lancashire: Bridleway Scrutiny, Village Green Inquiry, Budget Approved

This week in Lancashire:

Sandyhall Lane Bridleway Faces Further Scrutiny

The Regulatory Committee met on Wednesday to discuss several applications related to public rights of way, including a contested application to add a bridleway along Sandyhall Lane in Barrowford. You can see the full details of the meeting here.

  • Conflicting Evidence: The committee reviewed historical maps and documents dating back to the late 1700s, but found conflicting evidence regarding the route's status as a public right of way. Some documents suggested it was a private carriage road, while others indicated public use.
  • User Evidence: Despite the historical ambiguity, the committee acknowledged user evidence forms submitted by equestrians.
  • Next Steps: The committee voted to make a Definitive Map Modification Order1 to record a public bridleway along the full length of Sandyhall Lane. However, the committee deferred a final decision on confirmation, meaning the order will return for further consideration at a future meeting.

David Goode, Public Rights of Way Manager, explained that the committee needed to decide whether bridleway rights already existed, rather than creating a new right of way.

Village Green Application to be Determined by Sub-Committee

The Regulatory Committee also addressed an application to register land known as 'The Hellicliffes' in Whalley as a town or village green. You can see the full details of the meeting here.

  • Community Support: Councillor Murphine spoke to the committee about the importance of the location, highlighting a petition with over 1,144 signatures in support of the application.
  • Sub-Committee Established: Due to the complex legal issues involved, the committee agreed to establish a sub-committee to act as the determining authority.
  • Independent Inquiry: The sub-committee will appoint an independent inspector to conduct a non-statutory public inquiry and provide a report and recommendation.

Councillor Murphine said:

One of the reasons that this um application to um give the heli cliffs village green status um has emerged a petition that I laid on which currently has 1144 signatories.

The decision to establish a sub-committee reflects the complexities often involved in determining village green status, which can significantly impact land use and community access.

Lancashire Combined County Authority Approves Budget and Discusses Governance

The Lancashire Combined County Authority met to discuss finance, funding, and future plans, including a review of governance models. You can see the full details of the meeting here.

  • Finance and Funding: The authority approved the amended 2025/26 revenue budget and capital programme, which includes new grant allocations and expenditure commitments.
  • Growing Places Fund: The authority approved the acceptance of the £19.4 million Growing Places Fund from Lancashire County Council in principle.
  • Governance Review: County Councillor Stephen Atkinson, Chair of the Lancashire County Council, provided an update on the review of governance models for the combined county authority, noting the possibility of a referendum on having a mayor for the Lancashire combined authority.

Councillor Alistair Bradley raised concerns that things were being slowed down around governance, and that clarity was needed.

Other Matters

  • Withnell Footpath Addition: The Regulatory Committee approved the addition of a footpath at Chorley Road in Withnell, adjacent to The White House Park School. Link to meeting
  • Silverdale Footpath Diversion: The Regulatory Committee considered an application to divert a footpath at Wood End, Silverdale. Link to meeting
  • Farington Bridleway Addition: The Regulatory Committee considered an application to add a bridleway from Bannister Lane to Moss Lane adjacent to Flensburg Way in Farington. Link to meeting
  • Executive Director of Resources Recruitment: The Employment Committee discussed the longlisting of candidates for the Executive Director of Resources role at Lancashire County Council. Link to meeting
  • Pension Fund Committee: The Pension Fund Committee reviewed the financial results of the pension fund for the year ended March 2025, and noted the external audit plan for the year. Link to meeting

Upcoming Meetings

  • The Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee will meet on Tuesday 24 June 2025. Link to meeting
  • The Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee will meet on Wednesday 25 June 2025. Link to meeting
  • The Employment Committee will meet on Thursday 26 June 2025. Link to meeting
  • The Company Member Cabinet Committee will meet on Thursday 26 June 2025. Link to meeting

  1. A Definitive Map Modification Order is a legal order to change the definitive map, the legally recognised record of public rights of way. ↩

Recent meetings
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 met to discuss regulatory updates, training plans, employer performance, and communication strategies, among other items. The board approved the recommended approach to employer engagement and was asked to consider additional reporting on employer performance. They also reviewed and noted the constitution, membership, and terms of reference.

July 22, 2025
Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

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

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. The committee reviewed the council's financial and risk management arrangements, raised questions about specific investments and procurement processes, and approved the internal audit charter and strategy.

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, members agreed to review the council's policy on flying flags, approved the Lancashire Child and Youth Justice Plan 2025-26, and discussed the council's financial challenges. The council also heard questions from the public on road safety and anti-semitism.

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, explore ways to help people live independently at home for longer, and consider national policy changes to health and social care. The board ratified the Lancashire Better Care Fund 2024/25 end of year submission and the 2025/26 Better Care Fund plan. They also 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
Committee

Lancashire Local Access Forum - Tuesday, 8th July, 2025 2.00 pm

The Lancashire Local Access Forum met on Tuesday 8 July 2025 to discuss coastal path updates, forum membership, and a new peat map for England, among other items. The forum was also scheduled to discuss drones, local government reorganisation, and the Rights of Way Improvement Plan. The next meeting dates were scheduled to be agreed.

July 08, 2025
Committee

Lancashire Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) - Monday, 7th July, 2025 10.00 am

The Lancashire Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met to discuss membership updates, the status of Lancashire Humanists, and the SACRE Development Plan. The council voted against a proposal to grant Lancashire Humanists full membership in Representative Group 1. Members also reviewed and updated the SACRE Development Plan 2023-2025.

July 07, 2025
Upcoming meetings
Lancashire Combined County Authority - Overview and Scrutiny Committee

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

July 28, 2025
Lancashire Combined County Authority - Audit and Governance Committee

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

July 29, 2025