The Cabinet of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday, 22nd January 2026, approving a new framework for fairness, equality, and inclusion in the workforce, and addressing the sufficiency of school places in Preston. The meeting also saw the approval of revisions to the Highway Safety Inspection Policy and the revocation of the Lancashire Enhanced Partnership.

Cabinet Working Group for Culture

Cabinet approved the 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 consider all aspects of the council's cultural services, including libraries, archives, and heritage services, ensuring they deliver for Lancashire and foster civic pride. Councillor Gina Dowdy raised a point about including cultural offers from district councils within the group's remit, particularly in light of upcoming Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Councillor Matthew Salter, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, acknowledged this, stating that while the group's focus is on the council's portfolio, any sensible conversation about museums can bring in that local knowledge.

Fairness, Equality and Inclusion Workforce Framework

A new Fairness, Equality and Inclusion Workforce Framework and its accompanying delivery plan were approved. This initiative stems from a Notice of Motion on Equality and Diversity agreed at Full Council on 16 October 2025. Councillor Ged Mirfin, Cabinet Member for Resources, HR and Property, highlighted the aim to create a new framework to clarify the council's DEI policy and its scope. He noted that while significant funds are spent on DEI activities, it's important to ensure these are effective. The framework introduces the concept of fairness with three dimensions: procedural fairness (open, consistent, unbiased policies), distributive fairness (fairness of outcomes like pay and promotion), and interactional fairness (opportunities for progression for those without traditional qualifications but who perform well). Councillor Azhar Ali OBE welcomed the framework, emphasizing the importance of embedding respect across the organisation.

Preston Sufficiency Update

Cabinet considered a report on the updated position of primary and secondary school places in Preston. Despite creating 595 additional primary places since 2020, forecasts indicate shortfalls in certain planning areas for September 2026. The approved recommendations include using existing surplus primary places in alternative planning areas to mitigate interim shortfalls, phasing the opening of a new primary school at Whittingham from September 2027 to accommodate multiple year groups, and permanently expanding Ashton Community Science College and Moor Park High School. Fulwood Academy will also be expanded as demand arises. Councillor Matthew Salter, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, presented the report, noting that the priority was meeting the sufficiency need for additional primary places.

Schools Budget 2026/27

The Cabinet approved the 'Schools, Early Years, High Needs and Central Schools Services Block' budget allocations for 2026/27, which will be submitted to the Department for Education (DfE). A key concern raised was the lack of inflationary uplift for the High Needs Block, which is currently frozen. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE expressed concern, stating, Over many years, a situation has developed where it has been giving us less and less money per pupil. We have really an unsustainable position that is across the country. The report highlights a significant forecast shortfall of £75.90m in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for 2026/27, primarily due to pressures on the High Needs Block. The DfE has indicated plans to reform special educational needs provision and address historic deficits, with further details expected.

Revisions to Highway Safety Inspection Policy

The Cabinet approved updates to the Highway Safety Inspection Policy, prompted by concerns raised by a Coroner following a fatal cyclist incident in 2023. Councillor Mr Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, explained that the revisions include clearer terminology for all road users, a new defect category for carriageway cracking, and updated risk matrices and response times. A significant change is the removal of the 10-day repair category, which was found to be uncommon among similar authorities and led to a disproportionate number of repairs. Councillor Gina Dowding questioned the impact of this change on pothole repairs, given additional government funding. Councillor Goldsworthy responded that while some repairs might move from 10 to 20 days, others would move from 10 to 5 days, with a more risk-based approach ensuring that defects posing the greatest risk are prioritised. The policy also introduces AI inspection technology to enhance efficiency.

Revocation of Lancashire Enhanced Partnership

Approval was given to revoke the Lancashire Enhanced Partnership between Lancashire County Council and bus operators from 1 April 2026. This is in line with the transition of Local Transport Authority powers to the Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA), which is establishing its own Enhanced Partnership. The process for revocation 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 objections. The restrictions are deemed necessary to address concerns regarding visibility, access, and the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians. Councillor David Dwyer noted that the revised proposal for Railway View Avenue reduces the extent of the restriction while still targeting safety concerns. The report detailed an objection from a local business concerned about the impact on medication deliveries to elderly and vulnerable individuals, but officers commented that double yellow lines already exist, and nearby parking is available.

Supplementary Procurement Report

Cabinet approved the commencement of several procurement exercises, including for professional services for a Condition Led Programme, construction of the Samlesbury Enterprise Zone Innovation Hub, and the supply of LED Road Lighting Lanterns, Legionella Services, Manned Guarding and Security Concierge Services, and Vehicle Parts. Councillor David Dwyer, Cabinet Member for Data, Technology, Customer and Efficiency, presented the report, outlining the proposed procurement routes, estimated values, and evaluation criteria for each. The report detailed how these procurements would consolidate existing services, leverage frameworks, and aim for efficiencies and value for money.

Urgent Decisions

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

Next Meeting

The next meeting of Cabinet was scheduled for Thursday, 5 February 2026.