The Cabinet of Lancashire County Council met on 5 March 2026 to discuss the implementation of the Crisis Resilience Fund, approve a significant highways capital programme, and respond to a government consultation on local government reorganisation. Key decisions included the approval of the framework for allocating the £17.2 million Crisis Resilience Fund, the endorsement of a £72 million highways capital programme for 2026/27, and the submission of a formal response to the government's consultation on local government reorganisation, advocating for a two-unitary authority model.

Crisis Resilience Fund

The Cabinet approved the proposed framework for allocating the £17.2 million Crisis Resilience Fund, which will replace the Household Support Fund from April 2026. This new fund aims to support residents on low incomes facing financial shocks while also strengthening longer-term financial resilience. Councillor Daniel Matchett, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, presented the report, highlighting a shift towards prevention and resilience, not just crisis support. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE raised concerns about the transition from food vouchers to cash payments, suggesting that cash might not always be spent on essential needs like food and that the council should write 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 fact that the funds would be passported to district councils, giving them significant influence due to their local knowledge. Councillor Ged Mirfin, Cabinet Member for Resources, HR and Property, hoped that some of the funding could be used to support families struggling with housing costs, such as removal expenses and deposits for new accommodation. Councillor Matchett confirmed that the distribution would be up to the districts and that the fund's breadth should cover such needs. The new system is expected to begin in April 2026.

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

A proposal to introduce no waiting at any time restrictions on Goosnargh Lane in Preston was approved. Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, explained that the restrictions, covering approximately 240 metres on both sides of the bend near Willow Grove, are intended to address significant safety issues caused by vehicles parking on the bend. These restrictions will improve visibility, reduce conflict between vehicles, and support the safe movement of buses. While some residents and a parish clerk raised concerns about displaced parking and potential speed increases, officers were satisfied that the benefits outweighed the concerns, and the scheme could be delivered within existing budgets.

Proposed 2026/27 Highways Capital Programmes

The Cabinet approved a £72 million Highways Capital Programme for 2026/27. Councillor Goldsworthy outlined that this funding will support a wide range of works across the county, including road resurfacing, structural repairs, bridge maintenance, drainage, and street lighting, with a strong focus on preventative maintenance. The programme includes £48.5 million from the Department for Transport and £18.5 million from the County Council's budget. Investment will be prioritised using a risk-based, data-driven approach. Councillor Joshua Roberts welcomed the investment, noting that it was desperately needed and highlighted that £3 million would be allocated to Fylde. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE raised questions about the distribution of funds across districts and suggested more engagement with elected members and parish councils regarding scheme suggestions. Councillor Goldsworthy emphasised that the allocation would be data-driven to ensure roads with the worst conditions received funding, avoiding a system where the more important councillor you were, the better your roads got done. He also welcomed further engagement with parish councils, noting some have significant funding themselves. Councillor Gina Dowding commented on the need for a balance between data-driven decisions and a human element to ensure all needs are considered.

Procurement Pipeline 2026/27

The Cabinet approved the council's procurement pipeline for 2026/27 and updates to the Social Value Framework. Councillor David Dwyer, Cabinet Member for Data, Technology, Customer and Efficiency, presented the report, which sets out planned procurement exercises to align with budget planning and corporate priorities. A significant portion of the pipeline relates to adults' health and wellbeing services and improvements in children's services, particularly for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The Social Value Framework has been updated to reduce the number of themes, outcomes, and measures from 43 to 28, focusing on areas such as supporting local suppliers and creating opportunities for local people. Councillor Gina Dowding inquired about flexibility in energy supply contracts to ensure best prices and potential for investment in electricity generation. Councillor Dwyer confirmed that the figures in the report represent a ceiling and not a commitment to spend, and that a new commercial oversight board would scrutinise procurements.

Local Government Reorganisation - Statutory Consultation Response

The Cabinet approved the council's formal response to the government's statutory consultation on local government reorganisation in Lancashire. The response advocates for a two-unitary authority model, arguing it best balances financial resilience, service quality, and community engagement. Councillor Stephen Atkinson, Leader of the County Council, presented the report, highlighting that the consultation closes on 26 March 2026 and that the council's response reaffirms previous concerns about the implementation timetable, urging the government to consider an extension due to the risk to continuity of statutory services for vulnerable residents. The response assesses alternative proposals for three, four, and five unitary authorities, raising concerns about fragmentation, financial risk, and deliverability. The Cabinet agreed to submit the proposed response before the consultation deadline.

The meeting concluded with the date of the next meeting being set for 15 April 2026. Part two of the meeting was then conducted in private.