The Lancashire County Council Cabinet met on Thursday, 1 October 2026, to discuss a range of important issues, approving a new Public Health Strategy for 2026-2030 and endorsing a future model of care for adult social care services. The Cabinet also agreed to commence a public consultation on the proposed closure of Thurnham Glasson Church of England Primary School and approved significant infrastructure projects, including enabling works for the A582 Major Road Network and the addition of the Cottam Parkway Railway Station Project to the Capital Programme.

Procurement Pipeline 2026/27 Update

The Cabinet approved the commencement of six new procurement exercises as part of the 2026/27 Procurement Pipeline. These exercises are supplementary to those previously approved and are necessary due to revised Key Decision thresholds, newly identified commissioning requirements, or anticipated values exceeding the revised threshold. The decision allows the procurement processes to begin, with contract awards to be made separately following their conclusion.

Models of Care - Better Care, Better Lives

Lancashire's future model of care for adult social care, Better Care, Better Lives, was endorsed by the Cabinet. This model, developed through extensive co-production with over 700 individuals including service users, carers, staff, and partners, aims to shift adult social care towards a person-centred, community-led, and sustainable approach. The focus will be on prevention, early intervention, and neighbourhood-based support, with the county council acting as an anchor to shape the care market and ensure services are responsive to people's lives and aspirations. Detailed design and implementation planning will continue through co-production.

Public Health Strategy 2026-30

The Cabinet approved the Lancashire Public Health Strategy 2026-2030, a comprehensive plan focused on improving health and wellbeing across the county. The strategy prioritises prevention, personal responsibility, strong communities, and partnership working, with five key priorities: Childhood Development, Youth Resilience, Health and Economic Growth, Active Lives and Healthy Environment, and Promoting Independence and Healthy Ageing. The Cabinet endorsed the strategy's vision and guiding principles, committing to its implementation through collaboration with various partners, including the NHS, district councils, and the voluntary sector.

Future of Thurnham Glasson Church of England Primary School, Lancaster

A report was considered regarding the future of Thurnham Glasson Church of England Primary School. Due to low pupil numbers, projected surplus capacity, a poor inspection profile, and a growing financial deficit, the Cabinet approved the commencement of a public consultation on the proposed closure of the school. This consultation will seek views from all relevant stakeholders, including parents, staff, governors, the Diocese, and the local community, before any final decision is made.

A582 Major Road Network Enabling Works

The Cabinet approved the commencement of early enabling works for the A582 Major Road Network programme, including the use of up to £7 million of local match funding for these works. They also authorised the Director of Growth and Property to release a further £6 million of approved local match funding for scheme development and enabling works. Additionally, the Cabinet approved in principle the appointment of Eric Wright Group Limited to deliver the Lancashire Central off-site highway works under the existing Strategic Partnering Agreement. These enabling works aim to accelerate delivery, mitigate risks, and demonstrate commitment to the project.

Active Travel Grant Allocation 2026/27

The Cabinet approved the addition of Active Travel Grant awards totalling £4,518,494 for 2026/27 to the Transport Block of the Capital Programme. They also pre-approved the acceptance of confirmed Integrated Transport Funding for active travel in 2027/28, subject to final award. Furthermore, the Cabinet authorised the reallocation of 2025/26 Active Travel Funding and authorised the Director of Highways and Transport to enter into funding agreements with the Canal & River Trust for towpath improvements valued at approximately £2.1 million.

Cottam Parkway Railway Station Project – Capital Programme

The Cabinet approved the inclusion of the Cottam Parkway Railway Station Project in Lancashire County Council's Capital Programme, with a total capital budget of £69.2 million. The project will be significantly funded by external sources, including the Department for Transport and the Lancashire Combined County Authority, with £4.5 million from county council funding. The Cabinet also approved the continued delivery of station and car park elements through Network Rail and the procurement of highway and bridge works by Lancashire County Council.

Urgent Business: Local Government Reorganisation

In response to the Government's pause and review of local government reorganisation, the Cabinet considered urgent business to protect the Council's position. Noting that insufficient clarification had been received from the Government regarding the withdrawal of the previous decision and the basis for any new decision, the Cabinet authorised the Director of Law and Governance, in consultation with the Leader and Deputy Chief Executive, to take necessary legal steps to protect the Council's position. This includes the option to commence protective proceedings and seek a stay, with a deadline of 16 October 2026 for filing any protective claim. A further update will be provided to Cabinet once more information is available.