The Cabinet of Lancashire County Council met on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, to discuss the implementation of the 'Best Start in Life' Family Hubs programme, approve funding for school building repairs, and appoint a representative to the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership. Decisions were made to proceed with the Family Hubs programme, allocate £13.974 million for school condition-led investment, and appoint County Councillor Martyn Sutton to the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership.

Southport Inquiry Statement

Before the meeting commenced, County Councillor Stephen Atkinson, Leader of the Council, read a statement regarding the publication of the Phase 1 report of the Southport Inquiry. The inquiry investigated the events leading up to a knife attack in July 2024. Councillor Atkinson expressed the Council's condolences to the families affected and acknowledged the report's findings of failures and shortcomings. He stated that the Council is committed to implementing all recommendations and will continue to cooperate with the inquiry's next phase. A further report on the inquiry's recommendations will be presented at the next Cabinet meeting.

Best Start Family Hubs Programme

Cabinet approved the implementation plans and the use of ring-fenced funding for the 'Best Start in Life Family Hubs Programme'. This programme aims to provide integrated support for families with children aged 0-5, building on the lessons of the previous Sure Start programme. Lancashire County Council has received £347,048 in development grants and £7.1 million in delivery grants for 2026-2029. The programme will establish 12 integrated 'Best Start Family Hubs' within the existing network of 34 Family Hubs countywide. The intended benefits include improved early childhood development, school readiness, accessible family support, and strengthened prevention services. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE welcomed the funding, highlighting the success of the previous Sure Start programme and the potential for family hubs to make a significant difference, particularly in areas with high child poverty rates and for families where English is a second language. He suggested reviewing the Crisis Resilience Fund to ensure it benefits family hubs.

Capital Strategy for Schools – Condition Led Investment Programme 2026/27

Cabinet approved the proposed list of capital projects for high-priority building condition repairs across community, voluntary controlled, and maintained schools in Lancashire. The programme, detailed in Appendix 'A' of the report, totals £13.974 million, including a 10% contingency, subject to the grant settlement for 2026/27 being £14 million. The Director of Growth and Property, in consultation with the Executive Director for Education and Children's Services and the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, will be authorised to make any necessary adjustments to the programme once the final funding settlement is confirmed. These works are crucial for addressing urgent building condition issues, compliance, and health and safety concerns in schools.

Appointment to Outside Body – Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership CIC

Cabinet approved the addition of the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership CIC to the county council's list of outside bodies and the appointment of County Councillor Martyn Sutton as the council's representative to the Partnership. The Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership CIC is working on the Towpath Trail initiative, which aims to create an accessible walking and wheeling route between Kendal and Lancaster. This aligns with Lancaster City Council's objectives for providing accessible outdoor spaces, supporting rural businesses, and increasing civic pride.

Accessible Nelson - Forest Street and North Street Moving Orders

County Councillor Mr Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, proposed deferring the decision on proposed amendments to the one-way traffic regulation orders on Forest Street and North Street in Nelson. This forms part of the wider Accessible Nelson Project. Councillor Goldsworthy stated that further work and justification were needed regarding the expense and advantages of the proposed changes. Cabinet voted to defer the item to a future meeting.

Urgent Decisions by the Leader

Cabinet noted two urgent decisions taken by the Leader of the County Council since the last meeting.

Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next Cabinet meeting was noted as Tuesday, 19 May 2026, at 2:00 pm.