The Cabinet of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday 4 June 2026 to discuss significant local government reorganisation proposals, adjustments to public realm agreements, and parking restrictions. Key decisions included approving a joint response to the government regarding structural changes for local government reorganisation and extending existing public realm agreements.

Local Government Reorganisation Response to Government on Structural Changes Order

The Cabinet discussed Lancashire's response to the government's proposals for local government reorganisation (LGR). The response, developed jointly by the leaders and chief executives of Lancashire's 15 councils, addresses key questions regarding the structure of new unitary authorities, the membership of joint committees and implementation teams, and the process for returning officers and parish council elections. While consensus was reached on most points, disagreements remain on the exact composition of joint committees, with Lancashire County Council advocating for a 50% representation from the county council to ensure impartiality in service disaggregation. The council also proposed principles for determining councillor numbers and warding arrangements for the new unitary authorities, aiming for electoral equality while acknowledging potential initial variances. The response will be submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government by 16 June 2026.

Adjustment to the Dates of the Public Realm Agreements

The Cabinet approved the extension of existing Public Realm Agreements with all 12 Lancashire district councils until 31 March 2027, with provision for further annual extensions if required. These agreements delegate highway maintenance functions to district councils and have been effective in maintaining local responsiveness and service continuity. The extension is intended to ensure service continuity during the period of local government reorganisation, avoiding the costs and risks of bringing these services back in-house at short notice. A review of the effectiveness and value for money of these agreements will also be undertaken in collaboration with district and parish partners.

Lancashire County Council (High Road, Halton, Lancaster City) (Limited Waiting Parking Place) Order 202*

The Cabinet approved the introduction of a 20-minute limited waiting parking restriction with no return within two hours on High Road, Halton. This restriction will operate Monday to Friday, between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. The measure aims to provide safe short-stay parking and loading opportunities for visitors to a new nursery, without impacting overnight parking for residents. The decision followed a consultation where eleven objections were received, primarily concerning parking availability for residents and the prioritisation of a new business over the established community. Officers addressed these concerns by highlighting that the proposed bay is located in front of the nursery and does not affect residential parking, and that the restriction is limited to specific hours, leaving it unrestricted outside of these times.

Lancashire County Council (Various Locations, West Lancashire Borough) (Revocation, Amendment And Various Parking Restrictions (25-26 No3f)) Order 202*

The Cabinet deferred the introduction of the Lancashire County Council (Various Locations, West Lancashire Borough) (Revocation, Amendment And Various Parking Restrictions (25-26 No3f)) Order 202. This deferral was requested due to ongoing discussions with West Lancashire Borough Council and a desire to explore further options before bringing the item back. The proposed measures included No Waiting at Any Time restrictions on Elm Place, Brook Lane, Altys Lane, and Ravenscroft Avenue in Ormskirk to address obstructive parking, and amendments to existing permit parking provisions on Scarisbrick Street. Fourteen objections had been received concerning the impact on residents' parking and potential for displaced parking. A separate proposal for the existing No Waiting at Any Time restriction on Brook Lane to remain as a passing place would be considered in a future, separate consultation.