The Full Council of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday, 26 February 2026, to approve the appointment of a new Corporate Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer, and to debate and vote on the council's budget for the upcoming financial years. The meeting saw the approval of Gary Fielding for the permanent role of Corporate Director of Finance, with John Betts appointed as interim officer. Following this, the council engaged in extensive debate and voting on several budget amendments proposed by various political groups before ultimately approving the administration's budget.

Appointment of Corporate Director of Finance

The council approved the recommendation from the Employment Committee to appoint Gary Fielding as the new Corporate Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer. John Betts was appointed as the interim Section 151 Officer until Mr. Fielding commences his role. This decision followed a competitive recruitment process, acknowledging the challenging market for senior finance professionals.

Budget Debate and Decisions

The majority of the meeting was dedicated to debating the council's budget, with multiple amendments proposed by the Progressive Lancashire, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Labour, and Our West Lancashire groups.

Progressive Lancashire Group Amendment: This amendment proposed investments in care homes and day services, gully clearing, young person's transport, disabled pass holder fares, and various public health initiatives. It was defeated by 47 votes to 18, with 10 abstentions.

Conservative Group Amendment: This amendment focused on reinstating a Public Rights of Way grant scheme, establishing a War Memorial Grant Scheme, expanding the roadworks permit inspection team, and increasing funding for culture and sport, the county book fund, and pothole repairs. It was defeated by 50 votes to 18, with 8 abstentions.

Liberal Democrat Group Amendment: This amendment addressed concerns about road conditions, including potholes and pavement repairs, pavement parking enforcement, and the removal of bus gate fines in Preston. It also proposed investment in mental health community advocates. This amendment was defeated by 49 votes to 17, with 10 abstentions.

Labour Group Amendment: This amendment focused on investing in education by proposing seed funding for new schools, a trial suspension of bus gate fines in Preston, a cap on school bus fares, a Fair Work Charter, support for democratic businesses, and a study into council land assets for social and affordable housing. It was defeated by 49 votes to 16, with 11 abstentions.

Our West Lancashire Group Amendment: This amendment proposed increasing resources for the county flood risk team and clearing overgrown pavements in rural West Lancashire. It was defeated by 49 votes to 5, with 22 abstentions.

Substantive Motion - Reform Administration Budget: Following the defeat of all proposed amendments, the Full Council voted to approve the Reform administration's budget. This budget was presented as a balanced and prudent plan, with Councillor Stephen Atkinson, Leader of the County Council, highlighting efforts to impose financial discipline, address service pressures, and bring long-term clarity to financial matters. Key areas of investment included Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, with an additional £7 million allocated, and adult social care improvements. The budget also included a 3.8% increase in council tax.

During the budget debate, councillors from various groups raised concerns about the council's financial management, the state of roads, the impact of council tax increases, and the future of care services. There were also discussions regarding the effectiveness of bus gates in Preston, the importance of mental health support, and the need for investment in public transport and infrastructure. The debate was at times passionate, with calls for greater collaboration and a focus on residents' needs.

Ultimately, the Reform administration's budget was approved, with the Leader emphasizing a commitment to delivering services and improving the lives of Lancashire residents. He also encouraged continued dialogue with councillors and officers on specific issues raised during the debate.