The Cabinet of Lancashire County Council met on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, to discuss a range of important issues. Key decisions included the approval of funding for the Best Start Family Hubs programme, the allocation of capital funding for school building repairs, and the appointment of a representative to the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership.

Southport Inquiry

The meeting began with a statement from the Leader of the Council, County Councillor Stephen Atkinson, regarding the first phase report of the Southport Inquiry. The inquiry investigated the tragic knife attack in July 2024, which resulted in the deaths of three young girls. The Council expressed its deep sorrow for the failures identified in the report and committed to implementing all recommendations. A further paper will be presented at the next Cabinet meeting to discuss the inquiry's recommendations in more detail.

Best Start Family Hubs

County Councillor Simon Evans, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Families, presented the Best Start Family Hubs programme. This initiative aims to provide young children with the best possible start in life and support parents through a network of integrated family hubs across Lancashire. The council has received £347,000 in development grants and £7.1 million in delivery grants for the period 2026-2029. The programme will establish 12 integrated Best Start Family Hubs within the existing 34 family hubs county-wide, focusing on early identification of children with additional needs, including SEND¹. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE welcomed the funding and highlighted the importance of these hubs in addressing child poverty and supporting families, particularly those where English is a second language. The Cabinet approved the programme implementation plans and the use of the ring-fenced funding.

Capital Strategy for Schools Condition-Led Investment Programme

County Councillor David Dwyer, Cabinet Member for Resources, Digital and Efficiency, presented the Capital Strategy for Schools Condition-Led Investment Programme for 2026-27. The report outlined plans to allocate approximately £14 million in Department for Education grant funding for high-priority building condition repairs across community, voluntary controlled, and maintained schools in Lancashire. The Cabinet approved the proposed list of school capital projects, totalling just under £14 million, and authorised the Director of Growth and Property to make any necessary adjustments once the final funding settlement is confirmed.

Appointment to Outside Body - Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership CIC

County Councillor David Dwyer also presented the proposal to add the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership Community Interest Company (CIC) to the county council's list of outside bodies. The Cabinet approved the addition and appointed County Councillor Martyn Sutton as the council's representative to the partnership until the next county elections. The partnership is focused on delivering the Towpath Trail initiative, aiming to connect Kendal and Lancaster with an accessible walking and wheeling route.

Accessible Nelson - Forest Street and North Street Moving Orders

County Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, deferred the decision on the Accessible Nelson - Forest Street and North Street Moving Orders. He stated that further work and consideration were needed to justify the expense and advantages of the proposed changes. The item was deferred to a future meeting.

Urgent Decisions and Next Meeting

The Cabinet noted two urgent decisions taken by the Leader of the County Council since the last meeting. There were no items of urgent business. The date of the next Cabinet meeting was confirmed as Tuesday, 19 May 2026.