The Full Council of Lancashire County Council convened on Thursday, 16 July 2026, addressing a range of significant issues including the scandal of corridor care in hospitals, the acceleration of devolution for Lancashire, and the council's cooperation with the public inquiry into child sexual exploitation. The council also discussed the future of local government reorganisation in Lancashire and approved the Child and Youth Justice Plan for 2026/27.

End the Scandal of Corridor Care

The council unanimously condemned corridor care, where patients are treated in inappropriate spaces such as corridors or waiting areas, describing it as an undignified, unsafe, and unacceptable failure of the healthcare system. Councillors resolved to work with NHS partners through the Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board to develop an action plan to eliminate corridor care by November 2026, with three-monthly progress reports. They also committed to arranging a cross-party meeting with Lancashire MPs to press for action and to write to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care demanding emergency funding, a long-term workforce plan, and a meeting to reaffirm that the NHS must remain a publicly provided service, publicly funded through taxation and free at the point of use. The motion was amended to include Southport Hospital and Ormskirk Hospital in the list of affected hospitals.

Accelerating Devolution in Lancashire

The council resolved to send a united message to the government urging them to accelerate the devolution process for Lancashire. This includes calling on the government to take the necessary legislative and administrative steps to enable a Lancashire Mayoral Election in May 2027 and to engage with a cross-party delegation from the council to discuss the powers and funding Lancashire needs. The motion was amended to remove the specific call for a mayoral election in May 2027, focusing instead on the broader goal of accelerating devolution and engaging with the government on powers and funding.

Cooperation with the Public Inquiry into Grooming Gangs and Operation Beaconport

The council unanimously pledged full cooperation with the statutory Public Inquiry into child sexual exploitation and abuse committed by grooming gangs, chaired by Baroness Anne Longfield CBE. Councillors resolved to provide all information requested by the Inquiry, ensure appropriate resources and support for current or former employees giving evidence, and collaborate with strategic partners, including Lancashire Constabulary, the Police and Crime Commissioner, health partners, and other local authorities, to share relevant data. An amendment was proposed and accepted, noting that child sexual abuse takes place at all levels of society in all communities and that all victims need full support.

Local Government Reorganisation in Lancashire

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Atkinson, updated the council on the government's proposals for local government reorganisation in Lancashire, which would see the current 15 councils replaced by four new unitary authorities. He expressed concerns that this reorganisation, similar to the 1974 changes, would lessen Lancashire's voice. The council noted that the government had announced its decision to implement this reorganisation, requiring parliamentary approval. The council acknowledged the scale and complexity of the process and confirmed that work was underway with district councils to develop a joint plan for implementation, with the County Council's Chief Executive proposed as the lead officer for the programme.

Child and Youth Justice Service Plan 2026/27

The council approved the Lancashire Child and Youth Justice Plan for 2026/27. This plan outlines the council's approach to preventing offending, reducing re-offending, and supporting young people to achieve positive outcomes through a child-first, trauma-informed, and restorative approach. The plan aligns with the Youth Justice Board's strategy and has been developed through extensive partnership working and consultation.

Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board Membership

The council approved a revised membership for the Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board. The changes aim to ensure the board remains focused and effective in improving health outcomes and tackling health inequalities across Lancashire. The revised membership includes a broader representation from key NHS trusts, primary care providers, Lancashire Fire and Rescue, Lancashire Constabulary, Healthwatch, Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise sector organisations, district councils, and Lancashire County Council.

Appointment to the Police and Crime Panel for Lancashire for 2026/27

The council approved the appointment of County Councillor Simon Evans to serve on the Police and Crime Panel for Lancashire for 2026/27. County Councillors Daniel Matchett and Mackenzie Ritson were appointed as substitute representatives. This appointment follows a decision by the panel to include an additional co-opted councillor from the Reform UK group to achieve a politically balanced panel.

Report of the Cabinet (Part B)

The council noted the report of the Cabinet from its recent meetings on 19 May 2026, 4 June 2026, and 2 July 2026. This report included updates on the Corporate Peer Challenge, the Civic Pride Action Plan, and the Director of Public Health's Annual Report.

Reports of County Council Committees

The council noted reports from several committees:

• The Employment Committee: Noted the report from its meeting on 19 May 2026.
• The Pension Fund Committee: Noted the report from its meeting on 19 June 2026, which included updates on responsible investment and the Investment Strategy Statement.
• Report of the Political Governance Working Group: Noted the report from its meeting on 10 June 2026, which included recommendations on local member grants and the council's code of conduct.

Report of the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority

The council noted the summary report of the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority meeting held on 15 June 2026. Key discussions included the pilot of flexible day crewing at Fleetwood Fire Station and the appointment of Member Champions.

Report of the Lancashire Combined County Authority

The council noted the reports from the Lancashire Combined County Authority meetings held on 14 April 2026 and 23 June 2026. These reports covered topics such as the Lancashire Spatial Development Strategy, the Local Transport Plan, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Notices of Motion

• Notice of Motion 1: End the Scandal of Corridor Care: This motion was debated and approved with amendments.
• Notice of Motion 2: Accelerating Devolution in Lancashire: This motion was debated and approved with an amendment.
• Notice of Motion 3: Cooperation with the Public Inquiry into Grooming Gangs and Operation Beaconport: This motion was debated and approved. An amendment proposed by Councillor Lavalette was rejected.
• Notice of Motion 4: Green Belt Protections in Lancashire: This motion was withdrawn by Councillor Walsh due to confusion regarding amendments and timing.
• Notice of Motion 5: Supporting Veterans and Long-Term Lancashire Residents in Housing Policy: This motion was withdrawn by Councillor Murphy.

The meeting concluded with thanks to all attendees for their contributions.