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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. ↩

Lancashire: Public Footpaths, Health Plans, and Senior Staffing

This week in Lancashire:

Integrated Care Partnership Discusses Working Well and Future Health Plans

The Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) convened on Monday to discuss strategies for improving employment and health outcomes across the region, as well as the implications of upcoming NHS reforms. You can see the agenda and associated documents here.

  • Working Well Initiative: The ICP received an update on the Working Well domain, focusing on integrating work, skills, and health provisions. This initiative aligns with the government's Get Britain Working White Paper, which aims to address economic inactivity, particularly among those with health conditions, caring responsibilities, or lower skill levels. Local Get Britain Working Plans are expected by September 2025.
  • Integrated Care Board (ICB) Update: Jane Cass presented an overview of the 2025/2026 Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (LSC ICB) Commissioning Intentions. The ICB's vision is to have a high-quality, community-centred health and care system by 2035, focusing on prevention and delivering care closer to home.
  • Devolution and White Paper Implications: Denise Park provided a verbal report on the implications of devolution and the white paper. No further details were available.

The ICB faces a challenging context, with a need to reduce running and programme costs by 50% by the end of December 2025, as outlined in NHS England guidance.

Regulatory Committee to Decide on Public Rights of Way

The Regulatory Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, to discuss several applications related to public rights of way and village greens. The full agenda and reports are available here.

  • Bridleway Applications: The committee will consider applications to add bridleways in Barrowford and Farington. These decisions could expand recreational access for horse riders and cyclists in these areas.
  • Footpath Addition: A footpath addition in Withnell will be discussed, aiming to correct a historical omission from the Definitive Map1.
  • Footpath Diversion: The committee will review a proposed diversion of a footpath in Silverdale, aiming to move the path away from residential properties and onto a more accessible route.
  • Village Green Application: A contested application to register land as a town or village green in Whalley will be addressed. Due to the complex legal issues, the committee is considering establishing a sub-committee and appointing an independent inspector to conduct a public inquiry.

These decisions directly impact public access to the countryside and the preservation of green spaces.

Employment Committee to Discuss Senior Staffing

The Employment Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, 16th June 2025, to discuss the recruitment of senior officers and review the committee's constitution. Details can be found in the meeting agenda.

  • Urgent Business Decision: The committee will note a decision made by the Chief Executive regarding the recruitment process for the Executive Director of Resources role. This included engaging an external recruitment partner and setting the recruitment timeline.
  • Committee Structure: The committee will note the appointment of County Councillor Stephen Atkinson as Chair and County Councillor Simon Evans as Deputy Chair, as well as the committee's membership and terms of reference.

These discussions are crucial for ensuring effective leadership and management within Lancashire County Council.

Other Matters

  • Lancashire Combined County Authority: The Lancashire Combined County Authority will meet on Tuesday 17 June 2025 to discuss the Growing Places Fund, Get Britain Working Local Plans, and the Lancashire Business Board. Link to meeting
  • Pension Fund Committee: The Pension Fund Committee will meet on Friday 20 June 2025 to discuss responsible investments, the Lancashire County Pension Fund budget, and the external audit plan. Link to meeting
  • Development Control Committee: The Development Control Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday was cancelled. Link to meeting
  • Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee: The Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday was postponed. Link to meeting

Upcoming Meetings

  • The Regulatory Committee will meet on Wednesday 18 June 2025. Link to meeting
  • 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 is a legally recognised record of public rights of way. ↩

Recent meetings
Development Control Committee

Development Control Committee - Wednesday, 16th July, 2025 10.30 am

Here is a summary of the agenda for the Development Control Committee meeting on 16 July 2025. The committee was scheduled to discuss several planning applications, including proposals for an energy recovery centre, quarry amendments, and public realm improvements. Also on the agenda was an update on decisions taken by the Director of Environment and Planning under delegated powers.

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 was scheduled to meet to discuss the Better Care Fund, a workshop on helping people live independently, and national policy changes. The board was also expected to review and note the constitution, membership, and terms of reference for the board.

July 15, 2025
Employment Committee

Extraordinary Meeting - Interviews, Employment Committee - Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 1.00 pm

Here is a summary of the items that were listed for discussion at the Employment Committee meeting. The meeting was scheduled to include an interview for the role of Executive Director of Resources, as well as setting the date for the next meeting. Councillors were also asked to consider any conflicts of interest.

July 15, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Thursday, 10th July, 2025 2.00 pm

This Lancashire County Council cabinet meeting saw discussion of the council's financial position, areas of focus for the coming year, and strategies for children's services. The cabinet approved the Lancashire Child and Youth Justice Plan 2025-26, Lancashire's Children in Our Care Sufficiency Strategy 2025-2028, and an increase to pay and display charges at Preston Bus Station multi-storey car park. They also agreed to discontinue nursery provision at Rosewood Primary School and Clayton Brook Primary School.

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
Employment Committee CANCELLED

Employment Committee - Tuesday, 1st July, 2025 1.00 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

July 01, 2025
Committee

SACRE - Agreed Syllabus Conference - Monday, 30th June, 2025 1.30 pm

The Lancashire SACRE[^1] Agreed Syllabus Conference met on Monday 30 June 2025 to discuss the progress of the new Religious Education syllabus. 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.

June 30, 2025
Company Member Cabinet Committee

Company Member Cabinet Committee - Thursday, 26th June, 2025 11.00 am

The Lancashire County Council's Company Member Cabinet Committee convened on 26 June 2025, and addressed several key issues related to the council's oversight of its owned companies. The committee approved a new conflict of interest protocol for directors, endorsed officer appointments to these companies, and agreed to resign from Growth Lancashire Limited. They also reviewed best practice guidance for local authority companies and approved the updated work programme for 2025/26.

June 26, 2025
Employment Committee

Extraordinary Meeting, Employment Committee - Thursday, 26th June, 2025 9.30 am

The Lancashire County Council Employment Committee met on 26 June 2025, and agreed to move forward with the final stages of recruitment for the Executive Director of Resources role. They also reviewed the technical assessments of the longlisted candidates and approved the proposed arrangements for the final interview stage.

June 26, 2025
Upcoming meetings
Full Council

Full Council - Thursday, 17th July, 2025 1.00 pm

July 17, 2025
Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

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

July 21, 2025
Lancashire Local Pension Board

Lancashire Local Pension Board - Tuesday, 22nd July, 2025 2.00 pm

July 22, 2025
Scrutiny Management Board POSTPONED

Scrutiny Management Board - Tuesday, 22nd July, 2025 2.00 pm

July 22, 2025
Corporate Parenting Board

Corporate Parenting Board - Wednesday, 23rd July, 2025 11.30 am

July 23, 2025
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