The Full Council of Lancashire County Council convened on Thursday, 15 October 2026, addressing a range of critical issues including the ongoing challenges of extreme weather preparedness, the vital support for local farmers, and significant reforms to the council's constitutional procedures. Key decisions included the approval of amended library byelaws, an update to the treasury management strategy, and a contentious vote to revise the procedures for submitting and debating motions, which sparked considerable debate about democratic representation. The council also noted reports on the Pension Fund, the Fire Authority, and the Combined County Authority, alongside the annual Overview and Scrutiny report.

Addressing Extreme Weather and Supporting Farming

Concerns were raised about the potential impacts of the Godzilla El Nino forecast, with Councillor Mark Jewell questioning Lancashire County Council's measures to mitigate effects on farming, the rural economy, and flood protection. Councillor Joshua Roberts, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities, highlighted existing investments in farming communities and ongoing discussions with United Utilities regarding flood prevention infrastructure. Councillor Roberts also advocated for nuclear energy as a clean alternative to offshore wind cabling projects.

A practical motion, moved by Councillor James Tomlinson, Champion for Rural Affairs, and seconded by Councillor James Pickop, was unanimously approved to establish a cross-party Lancashire Farming and Rural Prosperity Forum. This forum aims to bring together councillors, farming representatives, and rural stakeholders to address challenges faced by the farming community, enhance food security, and support the rural economy. The motion was widely supported across the chamber, with many councillors acknowledging the vital role of farmers in Lancashire.

Reforming Council Procedures and Governance

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussions and votes on proposed changes to the council's constitution and procedural standing orders. The Political Governance Working Group recommended limiting the number of notices of motion debated at each meeting and reducing the time allocated for each. This proposal, moved by Leader Councillor Stephen Atkinson, faced strong opposition, with councillors from various groups arguing it would stifle debate and limit democratic scrutiny. Despite passionate arguments against the changes, the recommendations were ultimately approved.

The council also reviewed its political balance and committee appointments, approving revised allocations to ensure proportionality following changes in political group membership.

Library Byelaws and Treasury Management

Amended library byelaws were approved, aiming to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all library users, safeguard library property, and address disruptive behaviour. The council also noted an update to the Treasury Management Strategy, with a proposed amendment to the 2026/27 prudential indicator relating to the profile of borrowing, reflecting current economic conditions and interest rate expectations. The Audit, Risk and Governance Committee's report, which included the treasury management update, was noted.

Other Key Decisions and Reports

The council received and noted the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025/26, highlighting the committees' contributions to accountability and service improvement. The Lancashire County Pension Fund Annual Report 2025/26 was also noted, indicating a strong funding position and a significant increase in assets under management. The proposed timetable of meetings for 2027/28 was approved.

Reports from the Cabinet, the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority, and the Lancashire Combined County Authority were also noted by the council.

Notices of Motion

Several notices of motion were debated:

• Street Works Reinstatement Quality: A motion, moved by Councillor Adrian Owens and amended by Councillor Paul Stubbins, calling for a report on improving the system for ensuring undertakers comply with street works reinstatement obligations was approved.
• Prostate Cancer Care: A motion, moved by Councillor Azhar Ali OBE and amended by Councillor Michael Lavalette, calling for a national strategy to address inequalities in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, and advocating for improved access to PSA testing and the development of a centre of excellence in Lancashire, was carried.
• Local Government Reorganisation Costs: A motion, moved by Councillor Daniel Matchett, calling for transparency on the costs of preparing for local government reorganisation and for residents to have a say before any revival of the process, was debated extensively. An amendment proposed by Councillor Mark Clifford, seeking to remove the call for a binding referendum, was defeated. The substantive motion, however, was ultimately carried after a named vote.
• Farming and Rural Prosperity: A motion, moved by Councillor James Tomlinson, to establish a cross-party Lancashire Farming and Rural Prosperity Forum, was unanimously approved. An amendment proposed by Councillor Gina Dowding, seeking to include a call for a review of legislation to improve the flow of labour from abroad for the farming industry, was defeated.
• Election Campaign Material Transparency: A notice of motion by Councillor Tom Lord, concerning the transparency and availability of election campaign material, was withdrawn by the mover.

The meeting concluded with reminders about upcoming training and thanks for attendance and contributions.