The Lancashire County Council Cabinet met on Thursday 4 September 2025. The Cabinet approved a new flag policy, a new model for minor adaptations services, and funding for transport capital grants. The Cabinet also discussed the financial monitoring report for the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, noting a projected net pressure of £27.863 million.

Preston Primary School Update

Cabinet approved the capital allocation for a new two-form entry primary school at the former Whittingham Hospital site in Preston. This project, which includes a 16-place Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) unit, aims to provide 60 places per year from September 2026, with permanent facilities expected by September 2027. This decision addresses a projected shortfall in school places in North and West Preston, driven by population growth and housing development. Interim arrangements will be put in place for September 2026 to meet immediate demand. The project will be funded through capital allocation and available Section 106 funding, with further details provided in Appendix 'A' of the report.

2025/26 Transport Capital Grant Funding

The Cabinet approved the addition of £32.26 million in capital grant funding from the Department for Transport and Active Travel England to the Transport Block of the Capital Programme. This funding will enhance transport infrastructure across Lancashire, including safety and accessibility. A significant portion of this funding, £49.6 million, is anticipated for the East Lancashire Levelling Up Fund project, which will deliver transport improvements across four East Lancashire councils. The Cabinet also authorised the Executive Director of Growth, Environment, Transport and Health, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Commerce and the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, to enter into funding agreements and approve the apportionment of these grants. Approximately £6 million of this funding remains unallocated, with a decision on its allocation to be made by the Cabinet Member for Finance for Transport and a director, a point raised by Councillor Gina Dowding as potentially lacking democratic input.

Lancashire County Council Flag Policy

An updated flag policy was approved, which dictates that only the Union Flag, the Flag of England, the Lancashire Flag, Royal flags, and Military flags and Ensigns will be flown on county council buildings. This policy aligns with a resolution passed by Full Council, which stated that individual political causes should not take precedent over our shared civic identity. The policy retains a provision for the Leader and Chief Executive, acting jointly, to authorise the display of additional flags. Councillor Gina Dowding expressed concern that this policy restricts freedom of expression by banning flags such as the NHS flag and the White Ribbon flag, which she argued were not political issues. Councillor Joshua Roberts and others defended the policy, emphasising its focus on civic buildings and shared identity, and refuting claims of weaponising the British flag.

The Management of Residual Waste in East Lancashire

Proposals were approved to support waste collection authorities in East Lancashire with the management of residual waste following the expiration of the Whinney Hill landfill contract in March 2026. The approved approach includes undertaking a procurement exercise to secure a contractor for residual waste acceptance, offering an extension to the Pendle Waste Transfer Station contract on the condition that district councils cover the transfer handling fee, and supporting district councils in developing alternative proposals. This aims to provide choice and flexibility, avoiding the need for waste to be transported to Farington Waste Recovery Park, which would have significant logistical and environmental impacts.

Minor Adaptations - New Model of Working

Cabinet approved a new model for the Minor Adaptations Service, which will delegate statutory responsibilities and associated budgets to district councils via a Section 101 agreement. This change, effective from 1 September 2025, aims to improve service outcomes by leveraging local expertise and infrastructure. The Executive Director of Adult Services, in consultation with the Director of Law and Governance and the Director of Finance and Commerce, was authorised to implement the necessary agreements. This service, funded by a £2 million budget for 2025/26, supports individuals in maintaining independence at home through adaptations costing £1,000 or less.

Accessible Nelson Area 1-4 Traffic Regulation Orders

Several traffic regulation orders were approved as part of the Accessible Nelson project, aimed at improving active travel facilities in Nelson. These include the construction of segregated cycle tracks on Scotland Road, the introduction of one-way traffic on Charles Street, and various parking restrictions along Charles Street, Rook Street, and Scotland Road. Additionally, bus clearways and controlled pedestrian crossings will be introduced on Scotland Road and Clayton Street. While the project aims to enhance active travel, objections were raised by businesses and residents concerning the loss of parking spaces and potential impacts on local businesses. Officers acknowledged these concerns, stating that efforts would be made to mitigate the impact on parking and that the proposed changes were necessary for the overall project aims.

2025/26 Quarter 1 Financial Monitoring Report

The Cabinet received an update on the council's financial position at the end of Quarter 1, noting a projected net pressure of £27.863 million on the revenue budget. This pressure is largely attributed to increased demand in SEND services, home-to-school transport, and adult social care. The report highlighted that all services are reviewing their budgets as part of an Efficiency Review to identify mitigations. Cabinet approved additional expenditure of up to £5.345 million to support the SEND Recovery Plan and authorised the Director of Finance and Commerce to draw from the Strategic Investment Reserve as needed. A revised capital programme for 2025/26 totalling £261.529 million was also approved.

Supplementary Procurement Report

Approval was given to commence procurement exercises for two projects: the Ramsclough Farm (Haslingden Road) Retaining Wall Scheme and Fleet Vehicle Purchases 2025. The retaining wall scheme, estimated at £3 million, will address a landslip on Haslingden Old Road and is funded through the Bridges Capital Maintenance programme. The fleet vehicle procurement, with an estimated value of £6.219 million, will involve purchasing 127 vehicles to replace aging fleet and support service expansion. Contracts will be awarded using established framework agreements.

Lancashire Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2024/25

Cabinet noted the annual report of the Lancashire Safeguarding Adults Board, which summarises the board's work over the past year. The report highlights achievements in areas such as innovation in safeguarding, effective safeguarding practices, and listening to the voices of adults. Key achievements include the development of a data dashboard, a prevention strategy, and improvements to the board's website. The report also detailed the work of various sub-groups focused on specific safeguarding priorities. Cabinet supported the publication of the report.

Preston Primary School Update

Cabinet approved the capital allocation for the new primary school project at the former Whittingham Hospital site. This project will provide 60 places per year from September 2026, with permanent facilities to follow. This decision addresses the identified shortfall in primary school places in North and West Preston.

2025/26 Corporate Performance Report

The Cabinet noted the council's performance in the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year against the ambitions set out in the Council Plan 2025-2030. Proposals to improve performance in identified areas were approved, along with the inclusion of additional performance indicators. The report indicated that 55% of metrics were performing to target, with 21% amber and 21% red.

Civic Pride – Signage and War Memorial Surroundings

The Cabinet noted the progress of the sign cleaning project and approved a programme of works to enhance the areas around war memorials ahead of Remembrance Day. This initiative, costing an estimated £75,000, aims to improve the public realm and foster civic pride. Over 4,000 signs have been cleaned to date, covering 90 miles of highways.

Fleet Vehicle Purchases 2025

Approval was given to commence the procurement of 127 vehicles for the council's fleet, with an estimated total cost of £6.219 million. This procurement is essential for service continuity, replacing aging vehicles, and meeting increased service demand. The vehicles will be purchased using established framework agreements, with a greater emphasis on quality criteria in the evaluation process.

Ramsclough Farm (Haslingden Road) Retaining Wall Scheme

Approval was granted to commence the procurement for the Ramsclough Farm retaining wall scheme, estimated at £3 million. This project will address a landslip on Haslingden Old Road, which has led to the road's closure since January 2025. The scheme involves replacing the collapsed retaining wall and rebuilding the carriageway, funded through the Bridges Capital Maintenance programme.

Urgent Decisions

The Cabinet noted urgent decisions taken by the Leader of the County Council and relevant Cabinet Members since the last meeting.

Building Schools for the Future

Cabinet approved recommendations related to the Building Schools for the Future programme.

Appendix 'A' to Item 10 - Preston Primary School Update

Cabinet noted Appendix 'A' to the Preston Primary School Update report.