The Cabinet of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday, 5th March 2026, to discuss the allocation of the Crisis Resilience Fund, proposed highway improvements, the 2026/27 Highways Capital Programme, and the procurement pipeline for the upcoming financial year. Key decisions included approving the framework for the Crisis Resilience Fund, implementing new waiting restrictions on Goosnargh Lane, approving the Highways Capital Programme, and authorising the commencement of various procurement exercises. The Cabinet also formally responded to the government's consultation on Local Government Reorganisation in Lancashire.

Allocation of Crisis Resilience Fund

The Cabinet approved the proposed approach for allocating the new Crisis Resilience Fund, which will replace the Household Support Fund from April 2026. This fund, totalling £17.2 million for 2026/27, aims to support residents on low incomes facing financial shocks while also strengthening longer-term financial resilience within communities. Councillor Daniel Matchett, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, presented the report, highlighting a shift towards prevention and resilience alongside crisis support. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE raised concerns about the transition from voucher-based support to cash payments, suggesting that families might not use the funds for essential needs like food. He also proposed writing to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to express these concerns. Councillor Gina Dowding, who also serves as a district councillor, welcomed the continued investment and the passporting of funds to district councils, who are well-placed to understand local community needs. The Cabinet authorised the Director of Public Health, Wellbeing and Communities to finalise the delivery plan and scheme.

Goosnargh Lane, Preston - No Waiting At Any-Time Proposal

A proposal to introduce No Waiting At Any-Time restrictions along a 240-metre stretch of Goosnargh Lane in Preston was approved. Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, explained that the restrictions are necessary to address significant safety issues caused by vehicles parking on a bend near Willow Grove, which obstructs visibility and hinders the safe movement of buses. The proposed restrictions will remove approximately 55 on-street parking spaces. Residents have access to off-street parking, and other areas along Goosnargh Lane and adjacent roads remain available for parking. Objections were raised by members of the public concerning the loss of convenient parking, potential displacement of parking, and concerns about enforcement. A parish clerk also raised concerns that the double yellow lines might simply shift the problem further along the lane. Officers acknowledged these concerns but emphasised that the primary aim is to improve safety and visibility, particularly for public transport and motorists entering Willow Grove. The scheme will be funded from the existing Highways Service budget.

Proposed 2026/27 Highways Capital Programmes

The Cabinet approved the proposed Highways Capital Programme for 2026/27, which allocates £72 million for maintaining and improving Lancashire's highways and transport infrastructure. Councillor Warren Goldsworthy outlined that this funding will support a wide range of works, including road resurfacing, structural repairs, bridge maintenance, drainage, and street lighting, with a strong emphasis on preventative maintenance. The programme includes £48.5 million from the Department for Transport and an additional £18.5 million from the County Council's budget. Investment will be prioritised using a data-driven, risk-based approach. Councillor Joshua Roberts welcomed the significant investment, noting that the previous administration had not adequately addressed highway maintenance. He highlighted that £3 million has been allocated to Fylde. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE inquired about the engagement process for suggesting road schemes and suggested opportunities for more effective working with parish councils who may have capital funding. Councillor Goldsworthy responded by explaining that the allocation is data-driven to ensure repairs are made where most needed, rather than based on political influence. He also expressed a willingness to engage further with county councillors and parish councils. The Cabinet also authorised the Director of Highways and Transport to negotiate and enter into legal agreements for hosting Stage 2 of the 2027 Tour de France Grand Depart.

Procurement Pipeline 2026/27

The Cabinet approved the commencement of procurement exercises outlined in the 2026/27 Procurement Pipeline, as detailed in Appendix 'A' of the report. Councillor David Dwyer, Cabinet Member for Data, Technology, Customer and Efficiency, presented the report, which provides a strategic view of the council's upcoming procurement activity, ensuring alignment with budget planning and corporate priorities. A significant portion of the pipeline relates to adults' health and wellbeing services, supporting the Adult Social Care Improvement and Transformation Programme. The pipeline also includes provisions for improving children's services, particularly for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Additionally, the Cabinet approved updates to the council's Social Value Policy and Framework, reducing the number of measures from 43 to 28 to focus on key areas such as supporting local suppliers, creating opportunities for local people, and encouraging reasonable commercial practices. It was noted that the proposed contract start date for the delivery partner for the Adult Transformation Programme should be April 2026, not April 2027 as initially stated.

Local Government Reorganisation - Statutory Consultation Response

In an item of urgent business, the Cabinet considered and approved the council's proposed response to the government's statutory consultation on Local Government Reorganisation in Lancashire. The consultation, which closes on 26th March 2026, invited views on various proposals for restructuring local government in the county. The Cabinet's approved response supports Lancashire County Council's own proposal for a Two Unitary Authority model, arguing it best meets the government's criteria for efficiency, resilience, and service delivery. The response critically assesses alternative proposals for three, four, and five unitary authorities, highlighting potential risks to service continuity, financial sustainability, and the ability to deliver high-quality services. The council reaffirmed its request for an extended implementation timetable to mitigate risks to statutory services, particularly for vulnerable residents.

The meeting also noted the minutes of the previous meeting held on 5th February 2026 and confirmed there were no questions for Cabinet. The date of the next meeting was set for Wednesday, 15th April 2026. The Cabinet then moved into private session to discuss exempt information relating to a Compulsory Purchase Order for A582 Croston Road Junction Improvements.