The Cabinet of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday, 5th March 2026, to discuss several key issues, including the implementation of the Crisis Resilience Fund, a significant investment in the county's highways, and the council's procurement pipeline for the upcoming financial year. A crucial decision was made to approve the council's response to the government's consultation on local government reorganisation in Lancashire.

Crisis Resilience Fund to Replace Household Support Fund

Lancashire County Council has approved the framework for allocating the new Crisis Resilience Fund, which will replace the Household Support Fund from April 2026. The fund provides Lancashire with £17.2 million for 2026/27 to support residents on low incomes facing financial shocks, with a stronger emphasis on prevention and building long-term financial resilience. Councillor Daniel Matchett, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, presented the report, highlighting that the fund will not only provide crisis support but also help residents maximise income, reduce debt, and improve financial capability. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE raised concerns about the shift from food vouchers to cash payments, suggesting that vouchers were more effective for families struggling with food security. Councillor Gina Dowding, a dual-hatted councillor, welcomed the continued investment and the influence district councils would have in distributing the funds due to their community knowledge. Councillor Ged Mirfin also spoke, hoping that some of the funding could be used to support families struggling with housing costs. The fund is expected to begin in April 2026.

Goosnargh Lane, Preston: No Waiting At Any Time Restrictions Approved

Cabinet approved the introduction of No Waiting At Any Time restrictions on a 240-metre stretch of Goosnargh Lane in Preston. Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, explained that the proposal aims to address significant safety issues caused by vehicles parking on a bend near Willow Grove. The restrictions are intended to improve visibility, reduce conflict between vehicles, and ensure the safe movement of buses along the route. While some residents and a parish clerk raised concerns about the loss of parking and potential displacement of vehicles, officers were satisfied that the benefits of the scheme outweighed the objections.

£72 Million Investment in Lancashire's Highways Capital Programme

A substantial £72 million investment in Lancashire's highways and transport infrastructure for 2026/27 was approved. 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 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 the need for improvements after the previous administration's record on highways. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE raised questions about the distribution of funds across districts and suggested more engagement with councillors and parish councils on scheme selection. Councillor Goldsworthy emphasised that the allocation would be data-driven, ensuring funds go to areas with the worst road conditions, and welcomed further engagement with county councillors and parish councils.

Procurement Pipeline for 2026/27 Approved

Cabinet approved the council's procurement pipeline for 2026/27, which sets out upcoming procurement activity to align with budget planning and corporate priorities. Councillor David Dwyer, Cabinet Member for Data, Technology, Customer and Efficiency, presented the report, highlighting that a significant portion of the pipeline relates to adults' health and wellbeing services and children's services, including support for SEND¹. The report also proposed updates to the council's social value framework, reducing the number of themes, outcomes, and measures from 43 to 28 to focus on key priorities 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 explore investment in electricity generation. Councillor Dwyer confirmed the establishment of a new commercial oversight board to scrutinise procurements rigorously.

Council Approves Response to Local Government Reorganisation Consultation

In an urgent business item, Cabinet approved Lancashire County Council's formal response to the government's statutory consultation on local government reorganisation in Lancashire. The response reaffirms the council's preference for a two-unitary authority model, arguing it best balances financial resilience, service quality, and community engagement. The council expressed concerns about the fragmentation, financial risks, and potential impact on key services associated with alternative proposals for three, four, or five unitary authorities. The response also reiterates the council's request for an extended implementation timetable to ensure the continuity of statutory services for vulnerable residents.