This week in Lancashire:

Public Rights of Way Under the Microscope: Bridleways, Footpaths, and the Future of Rural Access

The Regulatory Committee met this week to deliberate on the future of public rights of way across Lancashire. The committee considered several applications to modify the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way, decisions that will directly impact how residents and visitors can access the county's beautiful countryside.

Wennington Bridleway: A Restricted Byway Emerges

A key decision involved an application to record a public bridleway between Wennington Road and Old Moor Road in Wennington. After reviewing extensive historical evidence, the committee was advised to record the route not as a bridleway, but as a restricted byway. This means that while it can be used by walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and horse-drawn carriages, it cannot be used by mechanically propelled vehicles. This decision, made under Section 53 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, aims to formally recognise historical vehicular rights while ensuring the route's suitability for diverse users. The order will be promoted for confirmation, potentially leading to a formal modification of the Definitive Map.

Hall Lane, Longton: Footpath Status Upheld

In contrast, an application to upgrade part of Hall Lane in Longton from a footpath to a bridleway was recommended for rejection. Despite detailed analysis of historical maps and documents, the committee concluded that there was insufficient evidence to infer public rights beyond those of a footpath. This decision underscores the rigorous evidential standards required when modifying public rights of way, ensuring that changes are based on solid historical and legal grounds.

Diversions at Bramblewood and Kirk House Farm: Balancing Access and Private Land

The committee also considered proposed diversions for a footpath at Bramblewood, Barnacre and a bridleway at Kirk House Farm, Over Kellet. In both cases, the proposals aim to move public rights of way away from private gardens or agricultural buildings to more suitable routes.

For the Bramblewood footpath, the proposal is to divert it from passing through a private garden to a route along the edge of a pasture. For Kirk House Farm, the bridleway diversion seeks to move it away from the curtilage of a dwelling and agricultural buildings. In both instances, the committee approved the making of an Order to divert the respective rights of way. If no objections are received, the orders will be confirmed. Should objections arise, the matter will be sent to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with the authority taking a neutral stance. These decisions highlight the council's role in mediating between the public's right to access land and the rights of landowners, ensuring that diversions are made with minimal inconvenience and maximum benefit.

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

Get Lancashire Working : A Push for Employment and Skills Development

The Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee met to discuss initiatives aimed at boosting employment and economic growth across the county. A central focus was the Get Lancashire Working programme, which seeks to address economic inactivity and equip residents with the skills needed for the modern workforce.

Connect to Work: Bridging the Gap to Employment

The committee received an update on Connect to Work, a significant supported employment programme launched in the summer of 2025. This programme is part of Lancashire's response to the national Get Britain Working agenda, aiming to increase employment rates. The programme targets individuals who are economically inactive, providing them with tailored support to find and sustain employment. The committee is considering recommendations to increase participation in Connect to Work, a crucial step for individuals facing barriers to employment, including those with long-term health conditions or disabilities.

Transport Grants and Growth Strategies: Shaping Lancashire's Future

The committee also reviewed the allocation of Local Transport Grants, totalling over £34 million, which will fund vital infrastructure enhancements and active travel schemes. Furthermore, discussions touched upon the Growth Plan, including the Culture and Tourism Strategy and the Lancashire Skills and Employment Framework. These strategies are vital for ensuring that Lancashire's economy diversifies and thrives, creating opportunities for all residents.

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

Pension Fund Administration: Navigating Regulatory Changes and Member Services

The Lancashire Local Pension Board convened to review a range of updates concerning the Lancashire County Pension Fund. The discussions highlighted the ongoing efforts to adapt to evolving regulations and improve the services provided to scheme members.

Adapting to Regulatory Shifts: Fit for the Future

The Board was updated on significant regulatory changes impacting the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). This included the Fit for the Future consultation, which proposes pooling of assets and enhanced governance structures. Such changes are designed to create more efficient and effective pension fund management, ultimately benefiting scheme members. The Board also discussed updates from the Autumn Budget 2025, which could affect pension provisions and tax implications for members.

Improving Member Experience: From Dispute Resolution to Digital Access

The Board reviewed updates on the Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (IDRP), noting an increase in Stage 2 cases, which is being addressed by the Pensions Ombudsman's requirements. Efforts are underway to streamline processes, reduce benefit processing delays, and enhance employer data submission. The Communications Strategy update highlighted work to improve member engagement, including a potential website refresh and a paper-based communication exercise for deferred members, ensuring those unable to engage online are not left behind. The Pensions Dashboard initiative is also progressing, with the fund connected and focusing on data quality to provide members with a consolidated view of their pensions.

Managing Risk and Ensuring Compliance

The Board also reviewed the LCPF Risk Register, identifying key risks such as actuarial valuation and reliance on key personnel. The departure of key finance officers was noted as a potential risk, underscoring the importance of robust succession planning. The Breaches and Complaints Report showed an increase in incidents, primarily due to changes in remittance submission processes, but no breaches required reporting to The Pensions Regulator. These discussions demonstrate the Board's commitment to maintaining the fund's integrity and ensuring members' interests are protected.

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

Audit, Risk and Governance Committee Tackles Financial Statements and Investment Strategy

The Audit, Risk and Governance Committee met to scrutinise the council's financial health and governance. A significant focus was placed on the Statement of Accounts for 2024/25 and the findings of external audits, alongside the council's treasury management and risk management strategies.

Scrutinising the Statement of Accounts and Audit Findings

The committee reviewed the council's Statement of Accounts for 2024/25, a crucial document detailing the council's financial performance and position. This was accompanied by reports from external auditors, including findings on the Lancashire County Pension Fund and the council's overall financial statements. These audits provide an independent assurance that the council's finances are being managed appropriately and that financial reporting is accurate.

Treasury Management and Risk Oversight

Discussions also covered the proposed Treasury Management Strategy for 2026/27, which outlines how the council will manage its borrowing, investments, and cash flow. This is vital for ensuring the council can meet its financial obligations and generate returns on its investments. The committee also reviewed the Corporate Risk and Opportunity Register, a key tool for identifying and managing potential threats and opportunities facing the council.

Part II Business: Confidential Matters

A portion of the meeting was held in Part II, meaning it was closed to the public. This was to discuss sensitive information, including an update on the Overpayment of Salaries and a report on Financial Crime Investigations. These discussions are essential for maintaining the council's integrity and addressing any potential financial irregularities.

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

Upcoming Meetings

• Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee: Tuesday 03 February 2026. Topics include the Care Quality Commission's assessment of adult social care services and proposed bed reductions at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary. Link to meeting
• Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee: Thursday 05 February 2026. The committee will review the council's financial performance for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. Link to meeting
• Cabinet: Thursday 05 February 2026. Key items include the proposed budget for 2026/27 and the council's capital programme. Link to meeting
• Employment Committee: Tuesday 10 February 2026. This meeting was postponed.
• Community, Cultural, and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee: Thursday 12 February 2026. The committee will discuss the council's approach to community engagement and cultural services. Link to meeting

This week in Lancashire:

Neighbourhood Health Plans Take Centre Stage: Shifting Care Closer to Home

The Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board met this week to discuss a significant shift in how healthcare is delivered across the county. The focus was on the development of Neighbourhood Health Plans, a key part of the government's strategy to move services from hospitals into local communities. This initiative aims to tackle health inequalities and improve outcomes by tailoring services to the specific needs of each neighbourhood.

The Board was also scheduled to review the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board's (ICB) NHS Medium Term Planning and 5 Year Strategic Commissioning Plan. This plan outlines how the ICB will prioritise its efforts and work with partners to deliver healthcare over the coming years. The report highlighted three core shifts: hospital to community, sickness to prevention, and analogue to digital. Specific priorities for the next year include managing long-term conditions in the community, improving end-of-life care, and developing this new neighbourhood health model.

The development of these Neighbourhood Health Plans is crucial for residents, particularly those with long-term conditions or complex health needs. By bringing services closer to home, the aim is to make them more accessible and responsive, potentially reducing the need for hospital visits and improving the quality of life for many. The success of these plans will depend on strong collaboration between primary care, community services, mental health providers, social care, and the voluntary sector.

• What's at stake? For vulnerable groups, these plans could mean more accessible and integrated support, reducing the burden of navigating multiple services. For others, it could mean a greater focus on preventing illness rather than just treating it.
• What's next? The Board was expected to agree on the next steps for developing these plans across Lancashire, with a focus on engaging local communities and partners.

You can find more details about the discussions at the Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board meeting.

Pension Fund Faces Crucial Decisions on Contribution Rates and Future Investments

The Pension Fund Committee met to address critical decisions regarding the financial health of the Lancashire County Council Pension Fund. A key item was the 2025 valuation, which will determine future employer and employee contribution rates. This process is vital for ensuring the fund can meet its long-term pension obligations to current and future retirees.

The committee was presented with information that could lead to a significant reduction in average employer pension contribution rates, from 17.1% to a provisional 10.8% of pensionable pay. While this could ease financial pressure on employers, including many local councils and academies, some expressed concerns that the proposed valuation parameters were too cautious. This highlights the delicate balance between ensuring the fund's solvency and managing the immediate financial impact on contributing bodies.

The committee also reviewed the fund's approach to responsible investment, including its stance on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors. This is an area of growing importance, as pension funds are increasingly expected to consider the wider impact of their investments, not just financial returns.

• Why it matters: Decisions made now will directly affect the financial stability of the pension fund for decades to come, impacting the retirement security of thousands of former and current council employees.
• Potential outcomes: A revised funding strategy could lead to lower contributions for employers, but careful consideration is needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the fund.

More information can be found in the documents from the Pension Fund Committee meeting.

Cabinet Approves School Budgets and Highway Safety Policy Updates

The Cabinet met to make key decisions on the upcoming schools budget and revisions to the highway safety inspection policy. The proposed Schools Budget for 2026/27 will guide how funds are allocated across schools, early years, and high needs provision. This is a critical decision that directly impacts the resources available for educating Lancashire's children and young people.

The report highlighted significant financial pressures on the High Needs Block, with a projected shortfall of £75.90 million in 2026/27. This shortfall could have serious implications for the support provided to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), potentially leading to increased waiting times for assessments and services.

In addition, the Cabinet reviewed proposed revisions to the Highway Safety Inspection Policy. These changes aim to adopt a more risk-based approach, which could affect how often roads are inspected and how quickly defects are addressed. While the intention is to improve efficiency, it's important to ensure that safety standards are maintained, especially on busy routes and in areas with vulnerable road users.

• Impact on families: The schools budget decisions will shape the educational landscape for thousands of children. The High Needs Block shortfall is a particular concern for families of children with SEND, who rely on these funds for essential support.
• Impact on communities: Changes to the highway safety policy could affect the condition of local roads and the speed at which repairs are carried out, impacting daily commutes and road safety.

Further details are available from the Cabinet meeting.

Other Matters

• The Development Control Committee met to consider planning applications, including a proposal for an outdoor educational area at Woodnook Primary School in Accrington and a significant road junction reconfiguration in Preston. These decisions have direct implications for local environments and infrastructure. You can read more about the discussions at the Development Control Committee meeting.
• The Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee met to review the council's financial position. While a summary is not yet available, these committees play a vital role in scrutinising council spending and ensuring financial accountability.

Upcoming Meetings

• Audit, Risk and Governance Committee: Monday 26 January 2026. Topics include the Statement of Accounts 2024/25, external audit findings, treasury management, and the corporate risk register. Link to meeting
• Lancashire Local Pension Board: Tuesday 27 January 2026. Discussions will cover regulatory updates, pensions administration strategy, and the Pensions Dashboard project. Link to meeting
• Employment Committee: Tuesday 27 January 2026. This meeting was postponed.
• Regulatory Committee: Wednesday 28 January 2026. The committee will consider matters concerning public rights of way and legal guidance. Link to meeting
• Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee: Thursday 29 January 2026. Agenda items include the Get Lancashire Working initiative and a review of street works. Link to meeting

This week in Lancashire:

Youth Justice Service Faces Scrutiny Over Re-offending Rates and Education Gaps

The Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee met this week to examine the work of the Lancashire Child and Youth Justice Service (CYJS). While the service has seen successes in areas like first-time entrants and custody rates, concerns were raised about rising re-offending rates and the significant number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

Tackling Re-offending: A Complex Challenge

Georgine Lee, Head of Service for Fostering, Adoption and Adolescent Services, presented an overview of the CYJS, which works with approximately 500 children annually. While Lancashire's re-offending rates are higher than national averages, the committee is actively seeking ways to address this. A task and finish group has been established to analyse key demographics and offending patterns, aiming to develop a targeted action plan.

Councillor Mackenzie Ritson highlighted concerns about the timeliness of data and the potential for duplicated efforts in addressing NEET individuals. Councillor Samara Barnes inquired about progress in reducing the criminalisation of looked-after children and the embedding of restorative practices.

Georgine Lee acknowledged the challenges, explaining that re-offending data has an 18-month measurement period, which accounts for some of the lag in reporting. She confirmed that plans for addressing NEET individuals are joined up across services and that the service is working to understand the reasons behind higher re-offending rates.

Education Strategy: Closing the Attainment Gap

The committee also reviewed the education strategy and attainment data for Lancashire schools. While overall attainment is slightly below national averages, the gap narrows as children progress through the system. Key areas of focus include early years, phonics, and support for disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND.

Abi Hardy, Head of Education Improvement, presented data showing that Lancashire's attainment is slightly below national averages, with the gap being larger in early years. However, the gap narrows as children progress through the system. The Lancashire Way education strategy aims to create a welcoming and aspirational environment for all children, focusing on early years, attendance, transitions, outcomes for vulnerable groups, and inclusive practice.

Councillor Samara Barnes questioned the link between nursery hour uptake and struggling early years areas, while Councillor Fiona Duke asked about attainment gaps between boys and girls. Youth Council representatives raised concerns about parental engagement and support for disadvantaged GCSE students.

The committee recommended that the education strategy be presented to Cabinet for ratification and requested data on early years attainment across all districts and attainment differences between maintained schools and academies.

SEND Improvement Programme: Addressing Backlogs and Improving Support

Paul Turner, Director of Education, Culture & Skills, provided an update on the SEND Improvement Programme. While the number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) is increasing, this is attributed to improved assessment capacity. The backlog of EHCPs is being reduced, with a focus on timely educational psychology assessments. However, bottlenecks have shifted to the consultation process and finalisation of plans.

Councillor Mackenzie Ritson expressed concern about the rapid increase in EHCP requests, potentially driven by fears about upcoming legislation. Councillor Samara Barnes, representing the parent-carer forum, asked if families are seeing a difference in their experiences. Paul Turner acknowledged the disconnect between system improvements and on-the-ground experiences, apologising for past poor experiences and stating that while improvements are being made, it will take time for families to feel the full benefit.

Upcoming Meetings

• Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board: Tuesday 20 January 2026. Topics include the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board's NHS Medium Term Planning and 5 Year Strategic Commissioning Plan, and the development of neighbourhood health plans. Link to meeting
• Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee: Wednesday 21 January 2026. The committee will discuss the Draft Budget for 2026/27 and the committee's Work Programme. Link to meeting
• Development Control Committee: Wednesday 21 January 2026. The committee will consider planning applications for an outdoor educational area at Woodnook Primary School and a road junction reconfiguration in Preston. Link to meeting
• Cabinet: Thursday 22 January 2026. Key items include the Schools Budget 2026/27, an update on school place sufficiency in Preston, and the Fairness, Equality and Inclusion Workforce Framework. Link to meeting
• Pension Fund Committee: Friday 23 January 2026. Topics include employer pension contribution rates, responsible investment activity, and the Fund's strategic plan. Link to meeting
• Audit, Risk and Governance Committee: Monday 26 January 2026. Link to meeting
• Lancashire Local Pension Board: Tuesday 27 January 2026. Link to meeting
• Regulatory Committee: Wednesday 28 January 2026. Link to meeting
• Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee: Thursday 29 January 2026. Link to meeting

This week in Lancashire:

Lancashire Combined County Authority to Take Control of Local Transport: A Step Towards a Unified System?

The Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) is poised to become the sole Local Transport Authority for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Blackpool Council and Lancashire County Council from 1 April 2026. The Lancashire Combined County Authority met to discuss the transition, which aims to create a unified, efficient, and inclusive transport system. But will this centralization of power lead to better services for residents, or will it create a disconnect between local needs and regional decision-making?

Key Changes on the Horizon

From April 2026, the LCCA will directly manage crucial transport functions, including:

• Developing and maintaining a Local Transport Plan for the LCCA area
• Establishing and managing a pan-Lancashire Enhanced Partnership with local bus operators, with the ability to explore Bus Franchising if desired
• Administering a Concessionary Travel Scheme and relevant multi-operator bus ticketing schemes
• Securing public passenger transport services which the LCCA deems appropriate to secure, principally where socially necessary journeys cannot be made by the commercial bus network
• Provision of information on public transport in any way deemed appropriate
• Receiving and utilising grants and other public transport related funding including Bus Service Improvement Plan / Bus Grant

The LCCA Transport Transition Report outlines three options for delivering these functions: direct delivery by the LCCA, commissioning a single Constituent Council, or commissioning all three Constituent Councils. Agreements for commissioning functions are expected to be drawn up in January 2026 and signed by March 2026.

Branding and Bus Stops: What's Changing?

The LCCA is also planning to develop a new brand and style for roadside publicity, printed materials, online information, and marketing. Additionally, the LCCA intends to formalize agreements with constituent councils, district councils, and other parties to ensure that all bus stops, shelters, and bus stations continue to be owned and maintained by their current owners on behalf of the LCCA.

Adult Skills Fund: Investing in Lancashire's Workforce

The Lancashire Combined County Authority also discussed its approach to the full devolution of the Adult Skills Fund¹ (ASF) from August 2026. The meeting included a discussion of how the indicative £40.8 million annual ASF budget, plus the additional £2.9 million in ringfenced Free Courses for Jobs funding (FCFJ), will be allocated and utilised, with the likelihood of supporting around 36,000 residents annually.

Strategic Flexibilities: Tailoring Funding to Local Needs

The LCCA is proposing several strategic flexibilities to national funding rules, including:

• Ringfencing 3% of each grant-funded provider's allocation for innovative activity against LCCA priorities
• Approving a £200 payment for each learner who is referred to and starts Connect to Work or Skills Bootcamps
• Raising the Level 3 earnings threshold to £29,431 (median wage in Lancashire), increasing eligibility by approximately 50,000 individuals
• Extending fully funded provision to individuals under formal redundancy consultation, regardless of income

These changes aim to better align ASF delivery with Lancashire's priorities, as outlined in the Lancashire ASF Strategic Skills Plan.

Household Waste Recycling Centres: Security Concerns and Rising Costs

The Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the challenges facing Lancashire's household waste recycling centres (HWRCs), including security breaches, increasing waste volumes, and rising costs.

Security Breaches and Commercial Waste: A Growing Problem

The report highlighted that most sites experience nightly intrusions, with intruders rummaging through skips, damaging fences, and leaving waste strewn around the perimeter. The report estimates that employing overnight security guards across the network would cost over £1.5 million per year. Additionally, an estimated 10% of the waste received at HWRCs could be commercial or 'trade' waste, which is illegal for businesses to deposit at a HWRC.

Inert Waste Surge: New Policy Needed?

Since 2019-20, there has been a 138% increase in inert waste (soil, rubble etc) and plasterboard delivered to HWRCs, costing the council an estimated £0.5 million per year. The Waste service is developing a new inert waste policy to limit householder deliveries.

Potential Solutions: ANPR and Improved Security

To address these issues, the report suggests immediate improvements such as improved security systems, a limiting policy for inert waste, and the introduction of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems to prevent the deposit of trade waste.

Other Matters

• The Company Member Cabinet Committee met to discuss its work programme and receive an update on the Urban Development Fund. The committee also considered whether to exclude the public from a portion of the meeting. Link to meeting
• The Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) met to discuss a population health needs assessment, commissioning intentions, and social prescribing. Link to meeting
• The Development Control Committee meeting was cancelled. Link to meeting