The Cabinet of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday 2 July 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the council's performance in the fourth quarter of 2025/26, the annual reports of the county council's champions and lead members, and the Lancashire Child and Youth Justice Service Plan for 2026/27. Key decisions were made regarding the launch of the Lancashire Supplier Charter, the Cultural Services Strategies for 2026-2028, and an expansion of the Champion Grants Scheme for Armed Forces and Veterans.

Quarter 4 2025/26 Corporate Performance Report

The Cabinet reviewed the council's performance for the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, noting that 71% of key performance indicators were on track or within 5% of their target. Strong results were reported in areas such as strategic and economic development, digital projects, customer access, children's social care, finance, and aspects of adult social care and public health. Improvements were noted in the support for children with education, health, and care plans in mainstream education, and an increase in young people participating in education, employment, or training. However, challenges remain in areas such as children's missing education and the timeliness of adult social care assessments. The report also outlined proposed key performance indicators and targets for 2026/27.

Annual Reports of the County Council's Champions 2025/26

The Cabinet received annual updates from the seven county council champions, who reported on their activities and funding usage between May 2025 and March 2026. Councillors praised the commitment and dedication of the champions in supporting the council's priorities and serving the communities. Specific recognition was given to County Councillor Gaynor Hargreaves (Champion for Disabled People), County Councillor Jan Schofield (Champion for Older People), and County Councillor Gary Knifton (Champion for Armed Forces and Veterans) for their outstanding work. Concerns were raised by Councillor Azhar Ali OBE regarding the language used by Councillor Brian Moore in his comments on defence spending. Councillor Gina Dowding questioned the practice of four organisations receiving funding from multiple champions, given the limited budget, and sought clarification on awareness and acceptability of this practice going forward.

Annual Reports of the Lead Members 2025/26

The Cabinet considered the annual reports of the county council's lead members for 2025/26. These reports detailed the work undertaken by lead members in supporting cabinet members in gathering information, developing policy, and providing advice on key service areas. All lead members were thanked for their commitment and contributions.

Lancashire Child and Youth Justice Service Plan 2026/27

County Councillor Simon Evans, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Families, presented the Lancashire Child and Youth Justice Service Plan for 2026/27. The plan outlines the council's approach to preventing offending and reducing re-offending, while supporting young people to achieve positive outcomes. It emphasizes a child-first, compassionate approach to understanding challenges and providing timely support. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE raised a question regarding the breakdown of knife possession incidents per district in schools and what further actions could be taken in identified hotspots. Officers confirmed this information would be provided.

The County Council's Financial Position - 2025/26 Outturn

County Councillor David Dwyer, Cabinet Member for Resources, Property and Efficiency, presented the 2025/26 outturn report. The council inherited a challenging financial position with a projected overspend of nearly £28 million at Quarter 1, which was reduced to an overspend of just over £2.9 million by the year-end. This was attributed to strong financial discipline and collective effort across the organisation. The council delivered £58.7 million of savings, achieving 98% of the agreed programme. Challenges remain, particularly in social care, SEND, and home-to-school transport, as well as inflationary pressures. Councillor Gina Dowding raised questions about the capital programme, specifically a £10.4 million slippage in highways maintenance funding. A confidential meeting was requested to discuss the contract with Montivo. County Councillor Warren Goldsworthy viewed the highways figures positively, highlighting the significant increase in spending compared to the previous administration. County Councillor Azhar Ali OBE also raised concerns about slippage in the capital programme and requested a report on timeframes and recovery plans. Officers confirmed a full review of the capital programme was underway and would be concluded by the end of July, with a report to Budget Scrutiny in September.

Launching the Lancashire Supplier Charter

The Cabinet approved the launch of the Lancashire Supplier Charter, which establishes a framework for how Lancashire County Council will work with suppliers, contractors, and businesses. The Charter aims to secure better value for taxpayers, support local businesses, drive innovation, and deliver wider economic and social benefits. County Councillor Brian Moore expressed his support for the Charter, highlighting its potential to develop growth within the county and its innovative approach to procurement. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE welcomed the Charter and inquired about its accessibility for small businesses and how elected members could promote it. The Cabinet Member for Resources, Property and Efficiency assured that the July event would cover steps for small vendors and that continuous support would be provided.

Cultural Services Strategies 2026-2028

County Councillor Ella Worthington, Cabinet Member for Civic Pride, presented the updated strategies for Lancashire Libraries, Lancashire County Museum Service, and Lancashire Archives and Local History for 2026-2028. These strategies aim to maintain accreditation and align with the overarching Cultural Services Strategy. The implementation of these refreshed strategies will focus on engaging residents of all ages and backgrounds to deliver improved service offers, increase engagement, enhance learning and wellbeing outcomes, and foster greater awareness of cultural services. Cabinet approved these updated strategies.

Champion Grants Scheme: Armed Forces and Veterans

The Cabinet approved the expansion of the Armed Forces and Veterans Champion Grant Scheme in partnership with BAE Systems. This expansion will increase the annual grant funding from £10,000 to £50,000 per year, aiming to support more community projects for Lancashire's armed forces community. Councillor David Dwyer thanked Kieran Curran, an officer, for his significant role in the report's development and welcomed the initiative as a demonstration of the administration's innovative approach to community support. He expressed hope that this fund would encourage other businesses to invest in Lancashire's veterans.

Lancashire Agreed Syllabus for Religious and Non-Religious Worldviews

County Councillor Matthew Salter, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, presented the Lancashire Agreed Syllabus for Religious and Non-Religious Worldviews, titled 'Searching for Meaning - What is it to be human?'. This syllabus has been agreed by the Agreed Syllabus Conference following consultation and is recommended for approval for use in Lancashire schools from September 2026. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE commented on the intensive but valuable work of the Agreed Syllabus Conference, thanking all contributors. Cabinet approved the updated syllabus.

Consultation on the Minerals and Waste Local Plan

County Councillor Joshua Roberts, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities, presented the consultation report on the Minerals and Waste Local Plan. While acknowledging the plan had gone through the Joint Advisory Committee, the Cabinet requested more time to review it in greater detail, particularly in light of Local Government Reorganisation. Consequently, Cabinet voted to defer any consultation on the Local Plan and agreed to continue working with partners to further review and develop it.

Matters for Information

There were no urgent decisions taken by the leader since the last cabinet meeting, and no urgent business was raised. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Thursday, 3 September 2026, at 9:00 am.