The Cabinet of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday 4 June 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the response to government proposals for local government reorganisation, adjustments to public realm agreements, and the introduction of new parking restrictions. The Cabinet approved the joint response to the government regarding local government reorganisation, extended existing public realm agreements, and approved the introduction of new parking restrictions in Halton. A decision on parking restrictions in West Lancashire Borough was deferred.

Local Government Reorganisation Response to Government on Structural Change Order

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing Lancashire's response to the government's proposals for local government reorganisation (LGR). The council, along with other local authorities in Lancashire, had worked collaboratively to formulate a joint response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government regarding the Structural Changes Order (SCO). While there was broad agreement on many aspects, some disagreements were noted, particularly concerning the number of members from each council on joint committees. County Councillor Tom Pickup expressed concerns about the impact of the LGR process on vulnerable residents and the speed of the timetable, highlighting potential issues with digital systems and the shortage of public health directors. County Councillor David Dwyer echoed these concerns, emphasizing the challenges of data migration in previous LGRs. County Councillor Azhar Ali OBE commended the collaborative effort in reaching an agreement but reiterated concerns about the ambitious timetable. County Councillor Gina Dowding highlighted the lack of a public mandate for the reorganisation and the public's preference for local government to remain accessible. County Councillor Simon Evans raised concerns about the potential loss of data during the reorganisation process, drawing parallels to the Southport Inquiry. The Cabinet approved the joint response to the government.

Adjustments to the Dates of the Public Realm Agreements

County Councillor Mr Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, presented a report seeking approval to extend the existing Public Realm Agreements with all 12 district councils. These agreements allow local authorities to deliver highway maintenance functions on behalf of the county council. The current agreements were due to expire on 31 March 2026, and the proposal was to extend them until 31 March 2027, with the possibility of further annual extensions. This extension was deemed necessary to ensure service continuity during the ongoing local government reorganisation and to avoid the costs and risks associated with bringing these services back in-house. A commitment was also made to conduct a full review of the effectiveness and value for money of these agreements. The Cabinet approved the proposed extension.

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

The Cabinet considered a report proposing the introduction of a limited waiting parking place on High Road, Halton, in Lancaster City. The proposed restriction would allow for 20 minutes of waiting, with no return within two hours, from Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm. This measure was intended to provide parking and loading opportunities for a new nursery without impacting overnight parking for residents. Despite objections received during the consultation period, primarily concerning parking availability and the location of the nursery, the Cabinet approved the introduction of the limited waiting bay. The officer comments indicated that the proposed bay would not affect residential parking and would help prevent parents from parking in potentially unsafe locations.

Lancashire County Council Various Location, West Lancashire Borough, Revocation Amendments and Various Parking Restrictions, 25 to 26, Number 3F, Order 202*

County Councillor Mr Warren Goldsworthy proposed to defer a decision on this item, which concerned various parking restrictions in West Lancashire Borough. He explained that the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) was complex and that discussions with West Lancashire Borough Council, who had initially requested the order, were ongoing. The Cabinet voted to defer the decision to a future meeting.

Urgent Business: SEND Reform Plan

An item of urgent business was presented regarding the SEND reform plan. County Councillor Matthew Salter, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, outlined the plan, which had been developed to meet the Department for Education's submission deadline. The plan aimed to promote mainstream inclusion and improve SEND provision across the board. The report sought approval for the principles of the plan and authorised the Chief Executive to finalise and submit it. County Councillor Azhar Ali OBE thanked Councillor Salter and the officers for their work on the plan, expressing hope for government support. The Cabinet approved the principles of the SEND reform plan.