The Lancashire County Council Cabinet met on Thursday, 22 January 2026, approving a new Fairness, Equality and Inclusion Workforce Framework, addressing school place sufficiency in Preston, and updating the Highway Safety Inspection Policy. The Cabinet also agreed to revoke the Lancashire Enhanced Partnership and approved several supplementary procurement exercises.

Cabinet Working Group for Culture

The 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, museums, archives, and heritage services, with the aim of ensuring they deliver on civic pride and benefit Lancashire. Councillor Gina Dowding raised a question about the inclusion of museums run by district councils within the group's brief, particularly in light of upcoming Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Councillor Matthew Salter, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, confirmed that while the group's focus is on county council services, any sensible conversation about museums would naturally incorporate local knowledge.

Fairness, Equality and Inclusion Workforce Framework

A new Fairness, Equality and Inclusion Workforce Framework and its accompanying delivery plan were approved. This framework aligns with a Notice of Motion on Equality and Diversity agreed at Full Council on 16 October 2025. The framework aims to establish Lancashire County Council as an employer of choice where fairness, equality of opportunity, and inclusion are embedded in all practices. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE welcomed the framework, noting that while the council already has strong values and policies, this new approach will help embed respect across the organisation. Deborah Barrow, Head of People's Strategy, has been instrumental in developing this framework. The framework has three dimensions: procedural fairness, distributed fairness (fairness of outcomes), and interactional fairness, focusing on opportunities for progression for those without traditional qualifications. The Director of People will monitor the delivery plan's progress.

Preston Sufficiency Update

The Cabinet approved several proposals to address the sufficiency of school places in Preston. These include the use of 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 primary 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 statutory duties are met.

Schools Budget 2026/27

The Cabinet approved the draft Schools, Early Years, High Needs, and Central Schools Services Block budget allocations for 2026/27. This approval is necessary for the council to submit its budget return to the Department for Education (DfE) by the statutory deadline of 22 January 2026. The report noted a small increase in the Schools Block allocation, while the High Needs Block allocation remains frozen pending further government guidance. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE expressed concern about the lack of inflationary uplift for the High Needs Block, describing the situation as unsustainable and emphasizing the need for clarity on government plans for funding. The overall Schools Budget will be referred to Full Council for approval on 26 February 2026.

Revisions to Highway Safety Inspection Policy

The Cabinet approved updates to Lancashire County Council's Highway Safety Inspection Policy. These changes arise from the Coroner's concerns 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 to be disproportionately used and not common practice elsewhere. This aims to allow for a more realistic risk-based approach with quality planned repairs. The policy also introduces AI inspection technology. Councillor Gina Dowding questioned the impact of moving pothole repairs from a 10-day to a 20-day response time, given the council's pledges and additional government funding for potholes. Councillor Mr Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, responded that while some repairs might move to a 20-day category, others would move to a 5-day category, with the aim of a more risk-based approach. He also highlighted the introduction of a new category for cracks in the highway.

Revocation of Lancashire Enhanced Partnership

The Cabinet approved the revocation of the Lancashire Enhanced Partnership between Lancashire County Council and bus operators, effective from 1 April 2026. This is in line with the transition of Local Transport Authority powers and functions to the Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA), which is establishing its own Enhanced Partnership. The Director of Highways and Transport was authorised to undertake the revocation process.

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

The Cabinet approved the making of a Traffic Regulation Order to implement No Waiting at Any Time and No Loading/Unloading at Any Time restrictions within Clitheroe. This includes a revised proposal for Railway View Avenue, which was previously deferred. The restrictions are deemed necessary to address concerns relating to 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 addressing safety concerns. The report detailed an objection from a local business regarding the impact on loading and unloading, particularly for medication deliveries to elderly and vulnerable individuals. Officers commented that while loading and unloading are permitted on double yellow lines, the proposed restrictions aim to improve safety and access, and alternative parking is available.

Supplementary Procurement Report

The 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, and Supply of Vehicle Parts. These exercises are necessary to meet ongoing operational needs and to replace expiring contracts. The report detailed the procurement options, evaluation criteria, and estimated contract values for each exercise. Councillor David Dwyer, Cabinet Member for Data, Technology, Customer and Efficiency, presented the report.

Urgent Decisions

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

Next Meeting

The date of the next Cabinet meeting was noted as Thursday, 5 February 2026, at County Hall, Preston.