The Cabinet of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday 3 September 2026 to discuss a range of important issues. The Cabinet considered options for the council's future role in coordinating government refugee resettlement schemes, ultimately approving a recommendation to cease all administration of these schemes by May 2027, subject to a managed transition. Significant capital investment in highways and SEND provision was also endorsed. The meeting reviewed the council's corporate performance and financial monitoring for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year.

Quarter 1 Corporate Performance Report

The Cabinet received the Quarter 1 Corporate Performance Report, which indicated a positive start to the financial year, with over three-quarters of reported indicators either improving or maintaining performance. Councillor Gina Dowding, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, raised concerns about flooding in her Lancaster constituency and highlighted the death rate among care leavers. Councillor Mr Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, acknowledged the flooding concerns and detailed positive performance figures for highway repairs. Councillor Simon Evans, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Families, addressed the care leaver issue, announcing a new £0.5 million education-to-employment programme. Councillor Ella Worthington, Cabinet Member for Civic Pride, outlined a multifaceted approach to community engagement. Councillor Matthew Salter, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, highlighted improvements in the timeliness of Education, Health and Care (EHC) assessments. The Cabinet approved the recommendation to note the report and its findings.

Quarter 1 Financial Monitoring Report

County Councillor Hannah Worley, Cabinet Member for Resources, Property and Efficiency, presented the Quarter 1 Financial Monitoring Report, which indicated a forecast revenue overspend of £15.655 million. The largest pressures were identified in adult social care and children's social care. The report also detailed a revised capital programme of £271.116 million, including an additional £10 million for highways maintenance. Councillor Joshua Roberts, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities, highlighted significant investment in waste management. Councillor Goldsworthy emphasised a further £10 million investment in Lancashire's roads and £3 million for public realm improvements. Councillor Matthew Salter raised concerns about the Knot End to Fleetwood Ferry. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE, Leader of the Opposition, discussed budget scrutiny recommendations and raised concerns about M65 flooding, the cost of zebra crossings, and the lack of breakdown for capital money spent on care homes. The Cabinet approved the recommendations of the report.

Ofsted Inspection of Lancashire Children's Services

Councillor Simon Evans, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Families, presented a positive report on the recent Ofsted inspection of Lancashire Children's Services. Ofsted awarded outstanding judgments for leadership and care leavers, with good ratings for children needing help and protection, and children in care. Key strengths included strong leadership and effective early help. Areas for further improvement were identified as better recognition for young carers, greater consistency in safety planning, and stronger management oversight for children in unregistered settings. The Cabinet approved the associated action plan, Achieving Excellence Plan.

SEND Capital Project

County Councillor Matthew Salter, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, presented proposals for increasing specialist and inclusive provision for children and young people with SEND. The Cabinet approved the allocation of £19 million for the expansion of four special schools and £4 million for a second round of the Mainstream Inclusion Fund. A delegated approval route for specialist base projects was also authorised, subject to positive consultation outcomes.

Consultation on the Joint Lancashire Minerals and Waste Local Plan

County Councillor Joshua Roberts, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities, presented the draft updated Joint Lancashire Minerals and Waste Local Plan for public consultation. The plan, prepared jointly with Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, sets out planning policies for mineral and waste development until 2042. Councillor Gina Dowding raised concerns that the draft plan did not fully incorporate recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework regarding onshore oil and gas developments. Councillor Roberts acknowledged these points, emphasizing that the plan was being presented for consultation and would be adapted based on feedback. Councillor Matthew Salter declared an interest related to a local quarry. The Cabinet approved the draft plan for public consultation.

Refugee Resettlement Schemes

County Councillor Joshua Roberts presented options for Lancashire County Council's future role in coordinating government refugee resettlement schemes. The council currently acts as the coordinating authority for 15 Lancashire local authorities, supporting 745 individuals. Three options were presented: ceasing all administration by May 2027, ceasing administration for new arrivals only, or continuing current arrangements. Councillor Matthew Salter argued for withdrawing from the scheme, citing housing pressures. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE, Leader of the Opposition, argued that withdrawing would be lose-lose and potentially cost more. Councillor Roberts moved Option 1, cessation of all administration, citing housing pressures, the council not being a housing authority, and the impending Local Government Reorganisation. The Cabinet approved Councillor Roberts' recommendation for Option 1, subject to a managed transition.

Urgent Decisions and Matters for Information

The Cabinet noted one urgent decision taken by the Leader of the County Council. There were no other items of urgent business. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Thursday 1 October 2026. The Cabinet then moved into Part 2 of the meeting, excluding the press and public.