The Cabinet of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday, 22 January 2026, approving a new Fairness, Equality and Inclusion Workforce Framework and a revised Highway Safety Inspection Policy. The meeting also addressed the sufficiency of school places in Preston and the schools budget for 2026/27.

Cabinet Working Group for Culture

Cabinet approved revised terms of reference for the Cabinet Working Group for Museums, renaming it the Cabinet Working Group for Culture. This expanded remit will allow the group to advise on all aspects of the council's cultural services, including libraries, archives, and heritage, aiming to foster civic pride across Lancashire. Councillor Gina Dowding raised a question about whether museums run by district councils would be included in the group's remit, given the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

Fairness, Equality and Inclusion Workforce Framework

A new Fairness, Equality and Inclusion Workforce Framework and delivery plan were approved, aligning with a Notice of Motion on Equality and Diversity agreed at Full Council on 16 October 2025. The framework aims to create a culture where fairness, equality of opportunity, and inclusion are embedded across the workforce, with Deborah Barrow, the Head of People's Strategy, leading the development. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE welcomed the framework, noting that while Lancashire County Council already has strong values, the new framework would provide a clear structure. He also sought clarification on the efficiency of current equality and diversity activities, referencing a figure of £93 million spent annually on such initiatives. The framework includes objectives focused on structural fairness, recruitment, staff voice, leadership accountability, measurable goals, and a practical toolkit.

Preston Sufficiency Update

Cabinet approved several proposals to address the sufficiency of school places in Preston. These include using existing surplus primary places in alternative planning areas to mitigate a shortfall for reception places in September 2026, and the phased opening of a new school at Whittingham from September 2027. Permanent expansions were also approved for Ashton Community Science College and Moor Park High School, with a proposal to expand Fulwood Academy subject to school leader consent. Councillor Matthew Salter, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, presented the report, highlighting the need to ensure sufficient places to meet statutory duties.

Schools Budget 2026/27

The draft Schools Budget for 2026/27 was approved, including allocations for the Schools, Early Years, High Needs, and Central Schools Services Blocks. The council is required to submit its Schools Block budget return to the Department for Education (DfE) by 22 January 2026. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE expressed concern about the lack of inflationary uplift for the High Needs Block, noting the unsustainable position this creates. The report highlighted a significant forecast shortfall of £75.90 million in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for 2026/27, primarily due to pressures on the High Needs Block. The council will ask Full Council to approve the overall Schools Budget on 26 February 2026.

Revisions to Highway Safety Inspection Policy

Cabinet approved updates to the Highway Safety Inspection Policy, prompted by concerns raised by a Coroner following a cyclist fatality on Island Lane in 2023. The revised policy includes clearer terminology for all road users, a new defect category for carriageway cracking, and updated risk matrices and response times. A key change is the removal of the 10-day repair category, which was found not to be commonly used by other authorities and led to a disproportionate number of repairs. Councillor Gina Dowding questioned the impact of this change on pothole repair response times, particularly in light of government funding and council pledges. Councillor Mr Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, responded that while some repairs might move from 10 to 20 days, others would move from 10 to 5 days, with the new system allowing for a more risk-based approach. The policy also introduces AI inspection technology to enhance efficiency and safety.

Revocation of Lancashire Enhanced Partnership

Approval was given to revoke the Lancashire Enhanced Partnership from 1 April 2026. This is necessary due to the transition of Local Transport Authority powers and functions to the Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA), which is establishing its own Enhanced Partnership. The revocation process will involve notifying stakeholders and consulting with bus operators and the Secretary of State for Transport.

Traffic Regulation Order 2025-2026 Ribble Valley (Clitheroe) Area

Cabinet approved the making of a Traffic Regulation Order to implement No Waiting at Any Time and No Loading/Unloading at Any Time restrictions in Clitheroe. This includes a revised proposal for Railway View Avenue, which was previously deferred due to an objection. The restrictions are intended to improve visibility, access, and the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians. Councillor David Dwyer noted the potential impact on older and disabled people regarding medication deliveries, but officers commented that existing double yellow lines already restrict waiting, and nearby parking is available.

Supplementary Procurement Report

Cabinet approved the commencement of several procurement exercises:

• Professional Services for Condition Led Programme
• Construction of Samlesbury Enterprise Zone Innovation Hub
• Supply of LED Road Lighting Lanterns
• Supply of Legionella Services
• Manned Guarding, Front of House & Security Concierge Services
• Supply of Vehicle Parts

These procurements are necessary to consolidate existing contracts, replace expiring agreements, and support ongoing capital programmes. The report detailed the procurement options, evaluation criteria, and estimated contract values for each exercise.

Urgent Decisions

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