The Full Council of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday 21 May 2026, electing Councillor Lee Hutchinson as the new Chairman and Councillor Clive Balchin as Vice-Chairman. The meeting also saw the approval of the council's constitution for the upcoming year and a review of the financial threshold for key decisions.

Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman

Councillor Lee Hutchinson was elected as the new Chairman of Lancashire County Council. In his acceptance speech, Councillor Hutchinson expressed his honour and privilege to serve, emphasizing his commitment to leading with integrity, professionalism, and respect for all councillors. He stated his intention to work collaboratively to make Lancashire stronger, safer, and more prosperous. Councillor Clive Balchin was appointed as the Vice-Chairman.

Constitution of the County Council 2026/27

The council approved its Constitution for the year 2026/27, incorporating changes recommended by the Political Governance Working Group and other consequential amendments. These changes included updates to committee terms of reference, schemes of delegation, and procedural standing orders.

Financial Threshold for Key Decisions

The financial threshold for key decisions was reviewed and reduced from £2.2 million to £1.9 million for 2026/27. This adjustment aligns the threshold with the average for similar authorities and aims to ensure that decisions with significant financial implications are subject to appropriate scrutiny.

Audit, Risk and Governance Committee Report

The council received the Annual Governance Statement for 2025/26 and approved the updated Code of Corporate Governance for 2026/27. The Annual Governance Statement indicated that the council's governance arrangements provide satisfactory assurance and are fit for purpose. Discussions also touched upon the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee's self-assessment and the Corporate Risk and Opportunity Register.

Appointment of Independent Person

Ms Zara Cohen was appointed as an independent person for a two-year term, fulfilling the role required by the Localism Act 2011 in relation to allegations of members' misconduct.

Membership of Committees and Related Appointments

The council approved the constitution and membership of its committees for 2026/27, reflecting political proportionality rules. Appointments for Chairs and Deputy Chairs of these committees were also confirmed.

Lancashire Combined County Authority and Appointments to Outside Bodies

Appointments were made to the Lancashire Combined County Authority, including two representatives and two substitute members. The council also approved appointments to various outside bodies, including the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority, the Police and Crime Panel for Lancashire, the Local Government Association's General Assembly and Special Interest Groups, and the County Councils Network.

Report of the Cabinet (Part B)

The council noted the report of the Cabinet, which included updates on the allocation of the Crisis Resilience Fund, proposed highways capital programmes, and the procurement pipeline for 2026/27. Cabinet also approved the council's response to the government's statutory consultation on local government reorganisation in Lancashire.

Reports of County Council Committees

The council received and noted reports from various committees:

• Audit, Risk and Governance Committee: The committee approved the Annual Governance Statement for 2025/26 and recommended the updated Code of Corporate Governance for 2026/27 to Full Council. They also approved the Corporate Risk and Opportunity Register and noted the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee Self-Assessment of Good Practice.
• Employment Committee: The committee approved the extension of the Chief Executive's secondment to the Lancashire Combined County Authority and noted the remuneration policies and pay scales for Local Pensions Partnership Administration and Investments.
• Pension Fund Committee: The committee approved the Lancashire County Pension Fund Strategic Plan 2026-29, the Fund budget for 2026/27, and the Funding Strategy Statement. They also noted updates on governance, risk management, and responsible investments, and approved the recruitment of an Independent Person with a wider remit.
• Overview and Scrutiny Committees: Reports were received from the Children, Families and Skills; Community, Cultural and Corporate Services; Environment, Economic Growth and Transport; and Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committees. Discussions included school attendance, domestic abuse, property services, and highway maintenance.
• Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board: The board ratified the Quarter 3 2025/26 Better Care Fund submission and agreed to expand the Neighbourhood Health Working Group.
• Lancashire Combined Fire Authority: The council noted the summary report of the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority meeting, which included updates on member champion activity, operational incidents, and the appointment of an independent person.

Highways and Transport Concerns

During the discussion of the Cabinet report, Councillor David Whipp raised concerns about the disparity between reported highway defects and the schemes included in the capital programme, particularly referencing Project Horizon. He questioned the data-led approach to funding allocation and requested greater transparency in scoring and weighting for defect assessments. Councillor Whipp also inquired about spending on roadworks along the Tour de France route.

Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, responded that the capital programme would remain data-led with local inputs. He stated that figures for Tour de France spending would be available as the route is confirmed and that there would be complete transparency.

Councillor Cameron also highlighted the poor condition of roads in Burnley and expressed disappointment at the lack of response from the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport to previous requests to inspect these conditions. Councillor Goldsworthy stated that it was physically impossible to visit every constituency and that issues should be raised through local county councillors, emphasizing the data-led process.

Tour de France Funding

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Atkinson, highlighted that the Tour de France would bring £15.2 million into Lancashire and place the county on the world stage, contributing to the North Olympic bid.

Audit, Risk and Governance Committee - Annual Governance Statement and Code of Corporate Governance

During the discussion of the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee report, Councillor Azhar Ali OBE raised concerns about the concentration of oversight within the executive and suggested that the Political Governance Working Group consider the chairing of scrutiny committees to reflect a broader representation of the council's political makeup. The Leader responded that scrutiny would be reconsidered when the opposition treated it as scrutiny rather than a political platform. Councillor Salter and Councillor Tetlow also contributed to the debate, with Councillor Salter emphasizing the mandate given by the electorate for Reform Lancashire to hold these positions, and Councillor Tetlow highlighting the positive work of Reform councillors in scrutiny roles.

Highways and M65 Funding

Significant discussion took place regarding the condition of the M65 motorway and the need for urgent drainage and structural repairs, estimated to cost £15 million. Councillor David Whipp raised concerns about the potential cost to new unitary authorities post-Local Government Reorganisation and questioned if a bid for government structures funding had been made and how the work would be funded if unsuccessful. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE followed up on this, asking for an update on discussions with Highways England regarding them taking over this stretch of motorway. Councillor David Dwyer also raised concerns about a falling retaining wall in his division, asking for reassurance that government funding would be sought for this issue as well.

Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, expressed disappointment that the government's structures fund was proving to be too prescriptive and that no projects in the Lancaster and Wyre area qualified at that point. He confirmed that discussions were ongoing regarding the M65, stating that the council was in a bind, needing to find £15 million or have Highways England take it back after the council had spent the money. He acknowledged the need for the work but stated that the council had not yet identified the £15 million required. Regarding the retaining wall, he was aware of the issue and believed it would be addressed within council funds, but not this year.

Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board

Councillor Azhar Ali OBE requested that the issue of corridor care be discussed at a future Health and Wellbeing Board meeting, highlighting the lack of dignity for patients in such situations. Councillor Daniel Malchett, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, agreed that the Health and Wellbeing Board was a suitable forum for addressing this and emphasized the need for greater NHS involvement on the board.

Lancashire Combined Fire Authority Report

Councillor Ged Mirfin presented the report of the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority, drawing attention to significant operational incidents, including a large commercial building fire in Blackpool and a fire at the Warburton's factory in Burnley. He commended the Fire and Rescue Service for delivering a fantastic service despite tight budgets and economic pressures. Councillor Clifford invited members to a fundraising event for the Firelight Project, a mental health initiative for blue light services.

Close of Meeting

The meeting concluded with thanks to all attendees and an invitation to refreshments.