The Cabinet of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday, 5th February, 2026, to discuss the Q3 Corporate Performance Report, the 2026/27 draft budget, and the SEND capital programme. Key decisions included approving a 3.80% increase in Council Tax for the upcoming financial year and agreeing to consult on new special schools and expansions for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Corporate Performance Report 2025/26 Quarter 3

The Cabinet reviewed the council's performance against its ambitions for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The report highlighted progress on key priorities within the Council Improvement Plan. The Cabinet noted the council's performance and agreed to the proposals put forward to enhance it.

Report of the Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee

The Cabinet considered recommendations from the Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee regarding the draft budget for 2026/27. The committee had also reviewed the Q3 Financial Monitoring Report. The Cabinet noted that the consultation on care homes and day centres had concluded and expressed gratitude for stakeholder engagement. A report on the consultation outcomes and options is expected in April 2026, with a business case to follow in September 2026. The Cabinet accepted the recommendation to utilise the Public Health Grant for mental health issues, noting that this was already occurring. They also accepted the recommendation to consider funding for the Adult Social Care Improvement Plan, acknowledging existing commitments and the establishment of an Adult Improvement Board. However, the Cabinet did not accept the recommendation to write to the Secretary of State regarding future funding allocations, as they were unaware of any proposals that would negatively impact Lancashire County Council.

2025/26 Quarter 3 Financial Monitoring Report

An update on the council's revenue and capital financial position at the end of Quarter 3 was presented. The report indicated a forecast revenue overspend of £6.117 million for the year, representing 0.49% of the approved budget. The Capital Programme for 2025/26 was revised to £299.106 million, with a forecast underspend of £95.849 million. A significant overspend of £73.08 million was noted in the Dedicated Schools Grant, attributed to increased demand and placement costs for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The Cabinet noted these figures and approved the revised Capital Programme.

2026/27 Budget Report

The Cabinet reviewed the draft budget for 2026/27. A key decision was the approval of a total Council Tax increase of 3.80% for Lancashire County Council, comprising a 1.80% increase in general Council Tax and a 2.00% increase in the Adult Social Care Precept. The Cabinet also approved the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and associated plans, including guiding principles for revenue and capital, the use of Flexible Use of Capital Receipts, and adjustments to fees and charges. Savings proposals were also approved. The report detailed the General Fund Budget Net Budget of £1,324.444 million and the Council Tax amounts by Band for 2026/27.

Determination of Admission Arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools and Sixth Forms for the School Year 2027/2028

The Cabinet considered the determination of admission arrangements for schools for the 2027/2028 academic year. This included approving admission numbers and arrangements for various school types. The Cabinet also approved recommendations in response to issues raised by governing bodies, community members, and parents.

Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme 2027/2028 - Determination of the Qualifying Scheme

The Cabinet adopted the co-ordinated admissions scheme and its accompanying timetable for Lancashire's primary and secondary schools and academies for the 2027/2028 admissions year. The Executive Director of Education and Children's Services was authorised to ensure the adoption of this scheme by voluntary aided and foundation schools and academies.

SEND Capital Programme

A report outlining the proposed SEND capital programme for 2026/27 was presented, aiming to increase provision for children and young people with SEND. The Cabinet approved proceeding with formal consultation on several projects, including the development of SEND units in mainstream secondary schools across various districts, two new special schools in the east of the county, expansions of existing special schools in Fylde, Chorley, and Hyndburn, and accommodation for Post 19 provision at Sir Tom Finney Special School in Preston.

Questions for Cabinet

Two questions were addressed during the meeting. County Councillor Mark Jewell asked about the investment in Lea Community Primary School's expansion and the sustainability plan. County Councillor Aidy Riggott questioned the reporting of Q3 data for the 'Highway Safety Inspection Policy' KPI, given recent changes to the policy.

Regarding Lea Community Primary School, it was explained that the expansion predated the current administration. While pupil projections indicated a sustained need for places, the decision to expand Lea and Cottam Primary Schools simultaneously was a matter for the previous Conservative Cabinet. Current forecasts suggest a continued need for places in Preston, including the Lea Primary School area, over the next decade. The school has been asked to remain a 60-place school to meet this projected demand, as reducing intake could necessitate finding places in other schools with insufficient capacity. The physical space available due to the recent expansion supports this intake.

In response to the question about highway maintenance data, County Councillor Mr Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, stated that it was not possible to report accurate and comparable Q3 data. This was due to changes in contractor reporting processes and the end-of-life status of the current asset management system, HAMS. A new system, CONFIRM, is expected to enable more comprehensive performance indicators from 2026/27. He assured that the total number of highway defects had reduced by 42% since the current administration took office, and new measures, informed by a coroner's report and a peer review following a tragic accident, would provide greater flexibility in repairing serious issues. The timeframe for repairs has been adjusted to differentiate between urgent and less critical defects.