The Cabinet of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday, 5 March 2026, to discuss several key issues, approving the framework for the new Crisis Resilience Fund, a significant highways capital programme, and the council's procurement pipeline for the upcoming financial year. The meeting also addressed traffic safety measures on Goosnargh Lane, Preston, and the council's formal response to the government's consultation on local government reorganisation in Lancashire.

Allocation of Crisis Resilience Fund in Lancashire

Cabinet approved the proposed framework for allocating the new Crisis Resilience Fund, which will replace the Household Support Fund from April 2026. The 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. County 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, Leader of the Opposition, raised concerns about the transition from food vouchers to cash payments, questioning its suitability for some families and requesting the council write to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to express these concerns. Councillor Matchett agreed to look into this matter. Councillor Gina Dowding welcomed the continued investment and the role of district councils in delivery, while Councillor Ged Mirfin hoped the funding could assist families struggling with housing costs. The Director of Public Health, Wellbeing and Communities was authorised to approve the final details of the delivery plan.

Proposed 2026/27 Highways Capital Programmes

A total of £72 million was approved for Lancashire's highways and transport infrastructure for the 2026/27 financial year. This investment will support a wide range of works, including road resurfacing, structural repairs, bridge maintenance, drainage, and street lighting, with a focus on preventative maintenance. County Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, presented the report, detailing that the programme includes £48.5 million from the Department for Transport and £18.5 million from the County Council's budget. Councillor Joshua Roberts welcomed the investment, noting that £3 million would be allocated to Fylde. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE suggested reinstating district-wide meetings for councillors to put forward schemes for consideration and proposed more effective working with parish and town councils. Councillor Goldsworthy explained that the allocation is data-driven to ensure funding targets the areas with the greatest need, and he welcomed further engagement with councillors and parish councils. The Director of Highways and Transport was authorised to amend the capital programme as required throughout the year and to negotiate legal agreements for hosting Stage 2 of the 2027 Tour de France Grand Depart.

Procurement Pipeline 2026/27

Cabinet approved the council's procurement pipeline for 2026/27, which sets out upcoming procurement activity to align with budget planning and corporate priorities. County Councillor David Dwyer, Lead Member for Resources, Property and Efficiency, presented the report, which also included updates to the council's Social Value Framework. The framework's themes, outcomes, and measures are being reduced from 43 to 28 to focus on key areas such as supporting local suppliers and creating opportunities for local people. Councillor Gina Dowding inquired about flexibility in energy supply contracts to ensure the best prices and potential for electricity generation by the council. Councillor Dwyer confirmed that a new Commercial Oversight Board would scrutinise procurements to ensure best value.

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

Restrictions to introduce No Waiting At Any Time along a section of Goosnargh Lane, Preston, were approved. This measure aims to address safety issues caused by vehicles parking on a bend near Willow Grove, which obstructs visibility and the safe movement of public transport. The proposal covers approximately 240 metres of the lane and is expected to improve visibility and reduce conflict between vehicles. Consultation with residents and a parish clerk had taken place, with objections noted and addressed by officers.

Local Government Reorganisation - Statutory Consultation Response

Cabinet approved the council's formal response to the government's statutory consultation on local government reorganisation in Lancashire. The proposed response supports the Two Unitary Authorities model, arguing it best balances financial resilience, service quality, community engagement, and devolution support. The report, presented as urgent business due to consultation deadlines, detailed an assessment of all five proposals against government criteria, highlighting concerns about fragmentation, financial risk, and potential impacts on key services in the three, four, and five-unitary authority options. The council reaffirmed its previous request for an extended implementation timetable to ensure the continuity of statutory services for vulnerable residents. The response will be submitted before the consultation closes on 26 March 2026.

The meeting concluded with the exclusion of the press and public to discuss exempt information relating to a Compulsory Purchase Order for A582 Croston Road Junction Improvements.