The Full Council of Lancashire County Council convened on Thursday, 17 July 2025, addressing a range of important issues including the approval of the Lancashire Child and Youth Justice Plan 2025-26 and the adoption of changes to the Members' Allowance Scheme. The council also debated and voted on several notices of motion, including a significant resolution to appoint a Member Champion for Violence Against Women and Girls.

Key decisions made during the meeting included the approval of the Lancashire Child and Youth Justice Plan 2025-26, ensuring continued support for young people within the justice system. The council also approved changes to the Members' Allowance Scheme, specifically concerning Dependents' Carers' Allowance, following recommendations from the Independent Remuneration Panel. Furthermore, a crucial motion was passed to appoint a Member Champion for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), with the role to be undertaken by someone with lived or work experience in this area, reflecting a commitment to tackling this serious issue.

Recognitions and Announcements

The meeting began with several recognitions and announcements. Faisal Rafiq was congratulated for winning Advanced Apprentice of the Year at the 2025 Lancashire Apprentice Awards. The council also celebrated being shortlisted in four categories for the 2025 Local Government Chronicle Awards, with a special mention for the Fostering Team's win in the Innovation category for their Pause and Reflect Fostering Arrangements. Julie Bell, a recently retired Head of Cultural Services, was recognised for her appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King's Birthday Honours List 2025 for services to public libraries. Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health, was also awarded the Faculty of Public Health Service Medal for 2025. Finally, Lawrence Ainsworth was congratulated on his appointment as Executive Director of Resources.

Public Question Time

Three public questions were addressed. William Cartwright from Baycup raised concerns about pedestrian safety on Burnley Road, advocating for a lollipop person or zebra crossing. Councillor Joshua Roberts, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities, responded, stating that a review of having a lollipop person would take place after the school holidays. Savannah Davle, a Jewish resident of Preston, asked about specific measures Lancashire County Council is implementing to ensure the safety of Jewish residents and restore community confidence following increased hostility since the October 7th attacks. Councillor Roberts acknowledged the importance of the question and stated that a written response would be provided.

Question Time

County Councillor Samara Barnes asked about the arrangements for the SEND Improvement Board and its funding. Councillor Matthew Salter, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, detailed the ongoing work, including the establishment of an Improvement Board and Operational Board, recruitment of educational psychologists, and the planned EHCP portal. County Councillor Mark Clifford questioned the council's commitment to biodiversity targets and achieving carbon net zero by 2050. Councillor Joshua Roberts, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities, outlined the council's work on the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, peatland restoration, and tree planting projects, as well as efforts to reduce energy consumption across the council estate and the development of a new transport plan. County Councillor Matthew Brown inquired about the administration's steps to recruit and retain staff and its commitment to being a living wage employer. Councillor Ged Mirfin, Cabinet Member for Resources, HR and Property, responded that recruitment and retention remain key priorities, with a review of the workforce strategy underway, and stated there were no plans to adopt a fair work charter.

Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes from the meeting held on 22 May 2025 were confirmed and signed as an accurate record.

Report of Cabinet (Part A) – Lancashire Child and Youth Justice Plan 2025-26

Full Council approved the Lancashire Child and Youth Justice Plan 2025-26, as recommended by the Cabinet. This plan details the strategic and operational vision for delivering effective Youth Justice services, aligning with the Youth Justice Board's strategy and focusing on reducing offending and creating safer communities through a child-first, trauma-informed, and restorative approach.

Report of the Political Governance Working Group

Full Council approved several recommendations from the Political Governance Working Group. These included the disestablishment of the Scrutiny Management Board and the establishment of a new Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee. Appointments for the Chair and Deputy Chair of the new committee were made, and amendments to various sections of the council's Constitution were approved, including those relating to Overview and Scrutiny and the Code of Member Conduct.

Report of the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee - Annual Governance Statement 2024/25 and Code of Corporate Governance 2025/26

Full Council approved the updated Code of Corporate Governance for 2025/26, as recommended by the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee. The Annual Governance Statement for 2024/25 was also noted. These documents provide assurance that Lancashire County Council has effective governance arrangements in place, in line with best practice.

Report of the Independent Remuneration Panel - Members' Allowance Scheme - Proposed Changes to Dependents' Carers' Allowance

Full Council approved changes to the Dependents' Carers' Allowance element of the Members' Allowance Scheme for 2025/26, following recommendations from the Independent Remuneration Panel. The changes aim to align the allowance with the Living Wage Foundation's Real Living Wage and the council's own Home Care Rate, with specific provisions for older children with special educational needs.

Report of the Cabinet (Part B)

Full Council noted the report of the Cabinet from its meeting on 5 June 2025. This report covered various decisions, including the approval of Cabinet Member responsibilities, appointments to outside bodies, the proposed closure of sixth form provision at Moor Park High School, the allocation of Growing Places Fund monies to the Lancashire Combined County Authority, and the approval of the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities Substance Use Additional Grants Programme.

The Urgency Committee, The Employment Committee, and The Pension Fund Committee

Full Council noted the reports from the Urgency Committee, the Employment Committee, and the Pension Fund Committee. The Employment Committee's report included decisions on the recruitment process for the Executive Director of Resources role. The Pension Fund Committee's report covered its budget, external audit plan, responsible investment, and training plan.

Report of the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority

Full Council noted the summary report of the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority meeting held on 23 June 2025. This included the appointment of County Councillors Ged Mirfin and Usman Arif as Chair and Vice-Chair respectively, an update on the Annual Safety, Health and Environment Report, and the appointment of Member Champions for various areas including Community Safety and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Notices of Motion

Four notices of motion were considered:

1. Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG): Moved by County Councillor Samara Barnes and seconded by County Councillor Gina Dowding, this motion called for the council to commit to tackling VAWG, continue funding specialist services, and for the Leader to appoint a Member Champion for VAWG with lived or work experience. An amendment proposed by County Councillor Maria Jones, which included coercive control and other forms of abuse within the scope of VAWG, was accepted and became the substantive motion. The motion was CARRIED.

2. Flag Flying Policy: Moved by County Councillor Joshua Roberts, this motion proposed a review of the council's policy on flying flags over council property, prioritising national and Lancashire flags over individual political causes. An amendment by County Councillor Azhar Ali, suggesting the review be undertaken by the Community, Cultural, and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee, was LOST. The substantive motion, which resolved to ask Cabinet to review the policy and prioritise the Union Flag, Flag of England, Lancashire Flag, royal flags, and military flags and ensigns, was CARRIED.

3. Voting System Reform: Moved by County Councillor Gina Dowding, this motion called for the replacement of the First Past the Post voting system with a fairer proportional system for local and general elections. An amendment by County Councillor David Whipp, proposing specific systems like Alternative Vote for mayoral elections and Single Transferable Vote for multi-member wards, was LOST. The substantive motion, which resolved to ask the Chief Executive to write to the Deputy Prime Minister requesting legislation for fairer voting systems, was LOST.

4. Freedom of Speech: Moved by County Councillor Simon Evans, this motion aimed to foster a culture of freedom of speech within Lancashire and ensure policy reviews complied with free speech obligations. A friendly amendment by County Councillor Azhar Ali, adding the caveat of without inciting hatred and division and referencing the Nolan Principles, was accepted and became the substantive motion. The motion was CARRIED.

The meeting concluded with thanks to the Chair and members for their attention and participation.